ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo vs New Balance SC Elite 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Mentioned as a cushier alternative that could suit a downhill course like Loch Ness
Metaspeed Tokyo is superior with more bounce, propulsion, and energy return
ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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The Run Testers rank the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo joint-second among racing shoes — very light and bouncy, excelling over long distances, with some team members running their fastest marathons in it.
In their words: "very lightweight and bouncy designs" · "notched our fastest marathons" · "great racing shoe"
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A very fast, lightweight racing shoe the reviewer uses for shorter race distances (5K/10K), while preferring the Edge for half marathon and marathon.
In their words: "extremely fast and very lightweight"
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An exceptionally light, fast racing shoe with top-tier foam that produced the reviewer's fastest recent 5K, at the cost of a narrower, less stable heel and so-so outsole grip.
In their words: "quite amazed, actually, the time I managed to get wearing this shoe" · "almost nothing there on foot"
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A forefoot-oriented carbon-plated racer with FF Leap foam and a big landing pad up front; Kofuzi's go-to race day shoe for fast workouts and racing, though he notes it's slightly less durable than the Metaspeed Ray.
In their words: "giant landing pad in the front" · "ideal for forefoot stompers like me" · "still a very good racing shoe"
New Balance SC Elite 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Megan's pick over the Cielo X1 2.0 in bracket round 2 — performance is comparable.
Ride:Megan has run 2-3 marathons in it and felt great the whole time.
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Didn't make top 5 — feels like it could have launched a couple of years earlier. Decent grip and light weight, but narrow in the heel and £260 retail is madness.
In their words: "a nice light shoe" · "narrow in the heel" · "is just madness"
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Best-for-speed pick of the NB lineup; great entry-level all-out carbon racer for someone who hasn't run in a super shoe before.
Ride:Extremely bouncy and poppy without being too stiff; nice rocker; midfoot landing rolls through smoothly.
Fit:Tongue is short, awkward with heel-lock lacing; otherwise no heel slip.
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A smooth-rolling soft racer that excels at easy to marathon paces for long runs and comfortable racing, but lacks the stability or the top-end speed of the Endorphin Pro 4.
Ride:Very soft comfortable PEBA-based midsole with early forefoot rocker for smooth rolling; neutral with no major sidewalls; maxes out around marathon pace
Fit:Good amount of room for average to slightly above-average widths and volumes; larger more flexible heel counter
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo if
- Half marathon to marathon racing for stride-oriented runners wanting late-race impact protection — EDDBUD
- Marathon racing on flatter courses when not chasing an outright time; reviewer already PB'd a half marathon in it and rates it slightly better than the Sky Paris — The Run Testers
- Races from 5K to marathon for runners who prefer a light, responsive, and poppy carbon plate shoe — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing and any distance where a softer, bouncier carbon-plated feel is preferred, especially on undulating courses. — The Run Testers
- Lighter runners who can maintain form over long races — EDDBUD
- 5K, 10K, and half marathon racing — particularly when going at top speed and striding out for a PB attempt — FORDY RUNS
Consider the New Balance SC Elite 4 if
- Runners who like trampoline-like midsole cutouts and traditional upper — EDDBUD
- Everyday marathoners wanting stability, wide-foot runners, balanced race day pick — FORDY RUNS
- PB attempts and fast-paced racing for runners who want an aggressive carbon plate shoe that is still stable — The Run Testers
- Marathon and half-marathon racing, plus threshold and VO2 workouts — especially for runners wanting a forgiving, accessible super shoe rather than the most aggressive option. — Kofuzi
- Comfortable marathon racing and long runs at easy to marathon effort — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a versatile carbon race shoe that mixes softness and speed across 5K to marathon distances, with road protection over the long haul — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the New Balance SC Elite 4?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is a race shoe and the New Balance SC Elite 4 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo weighs 159g, has a 40mm heel stack and a 5mm drop, while the New Balance SC Elite 4 weighs 201g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $270 for the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and $265 for the New Balance SC Elite 4.
Should I buy the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the New Balance SC Elite 4?
EDDBUD on the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo: Half marathon to marathon racing for stride-oriented runners wanting late-race impact protection. EDDBUD on the New Balance SC Elite 4: Runners who like trampoline-like midsole cutouts and traditional upper.
Per EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the New Balance SC Elite 4?
Yes — The Run Testers directly compared the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the New Balance SC Elite 4 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the New Balance SC Elite 4?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is lighter, at 159g versus 201g (men's 9) — about 42g less.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the New Balance SC Elite 4?
The New Balance SC Elite 4 is cheaper at $265 versus $270 MSRP — about $5 less.