Running Shoes
If running is part of your lifestyle, a way to stay healthy, and a fun activity, you know it requires proper movement. Alongside physical preparedness, one crucial element Ticy City highlights is selecting the right shoes. Running shoes play a vital role in supporting your feet and absorbing impact, potentially preventing running-related injuries.
ASICS, a prominent running shoe brand, recently unveiled two new models from its flagship METASPEED™ series: the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS. These shoes integrate advanced ASICS technology to support experienced runners in breaking new records, overcoming limitations, and surging towards their goals.
Both these new models are the result of rigorous testing and design by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS), involving numerous trial participants, including elite athletes worldwide. The METASPEED™ series is engineered to be lighter, softer, and more responsive, with improvements in carbon plates designed to match the length of the foot.
The METASPEED™ Concept
In 2021, ASICS became the first global brand to successfully introduce two new racing shoe models simultaneously: the METASPEED™ SKY and METASPEED™ EDGE. These shoes were designed with distinct running styles in mind.
The behind-the-scenes team, known as the “C-Project,” introduced a fresh perspective to shoe design, prioritizing the wearer’s experience. Traditional running shoes often catered to a single running style, but ASICS aimed to empower elite athletes without requiring them to adjust their running styles. Instead, ASICS aimed to support their natural running styles with tailored footwear.
The METASPEED™ series caters to two primary running styles:
- Stride Runners: This group focuses on long-stride running, aiming to increase speed by extending stride length.
- Cadence Runners: Characterized by shorter, quicker strides, these runners aim to increase speed by increasing foot turnover rate (cadence).
The new models are tailored to suit each running style, with the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS ideal for stride runners and the METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS perfect for cadence runners.
Continuous Design Evolution
The latest iterations of the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS have seen improvements in three key areas:
Weight Reduction: Both models are approximately 22 grams lighter, enhancing the runner’s comfort and agility. This weight reduction is achieved through innovations like the MOTION WRAP™ UPPER 2.0, which reduces upper shoe weight and increases breathability by up to 8%, along with the addition of FF TURBO PLUS foam in the midsole.
Enhanced Comfort and Responsiveness: The use of FF TURBO PLUS foam in the midsole provides a softer and more responsive feel compared to previous models. This foam also better absorbs impact, supporting athletes in both training and competition to conserve energy for critical race moments.
Improved Carbon Plates: In the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS, the carbon plate is widened in the forefoot region to enhance toe-off efficiency. For the METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS, the carbon plate placement is optimized for cadence runners, with a sleeker design for easier wear and reduced weight. Additionally, the forefoot of both models features the latest design tweaks, developed through rigorous analysis by the ASICS development team, providing enhanced arch support and stable foot placement for confident speed.
ASICS Design Philosophy
The development of METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS reflects ASICS’ unique design philosophy. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering top-tier products and technology, ASICS ensures that its innovations are endorsed by the Institute of Sport Science (ISS) and elite ASICS athletes.
“Compared to previous models, the METASPEED SKY PARIS has been developed to be lighter and more responsive. This gives me confidence in setting new records for myself,” said Vincent Kipkemoi Ngeitch, who placed second in the Berlin Marathon 2023.
Tomoki Ota, a top long-distance runner in Japan, added, “The cushioning support with reduced weight and a secure feel in every stride are vital parts of the METASPEED EDGE PARIS. It provides me with great comfort, allowing me to maintain foot stability even in the late stages of a race.”
Shuhei Takemura, Head of the METASPEED shoe development team at ASICS, concluded, “2024 is a significant year for the running community, and we are proud to introduce the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS at the beginning of the competition season. These shoes are the result of meticulous work by our team at the Institute of Sport Science (ISS), closely collaborating with experts and athletes worldwide to deliver the ultimate race shoes. We hope these new models will provide athletes with the power to move more efficiently, break their personal bests, and achieve success throughout the year.”
Experience the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS shoes at ASICS Store CentralWorld, Central Ladprao, Central Pinklao, Supersports, ARI, Run2Paradise, and Banana Run. You can also find them online at ASICS.COM.
For more information, visit the ASICS website, follow the ASICS LINE Official account @ASICSTH, and stay connected on Facebook: ASICS and Instagram: @ASICSTH. Join various activities hosted by the ASICS Running Club Thailand on Facebook: ASICS Running Club Thailand.
