ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo vs New Balance SC Elite 5
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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A popular, versatile race shoe that works well for most runners, though this reviewer personally struggles with blistering in it.
Fit:This reviewer personally gets blistering in this shoe due to its setup, despite generally getting on well with other ASICS shoes.
In their words: "a bit of a bargain"
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Ran a 2:24 marathon at Loch Ness in the Sky Tokyo; the dual-density FF Leap/Turbo Plus midsole and high forefoot plate give a very bouncy ride he rates just behind the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3.
In their words: "really bouncy shoe" · "a lot of spring"
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A great marathon-paced racer, though the softer midsole and flatter plate feel less versatile across paces than the previous Sky, with foam durability a slight concern. Tier B.
In their words: "a great shoe, though very much anchored in marathon pace" · "the foam does really take a beating"
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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"
New Balance SC Elite 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A firm, dense, narrow racer that may suit shorter-strided runners with a faster cadence, but has been slept on due to price. Tier D.
In their words: "a lot more firm, I guess, and dense" · "narrow surface area may well cause some issues"
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FORDY ran a 3:28 marathon PB in the SC Elite 5 at London — a stable, competent, hot-spot-free marathon shoe, well worth buying at a discount before version 6 replaces it.
In their words: "it was brilliant" · "a very capable, competent marathon shoe"
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The SC Elite v5 remains a stable, comfortable trainer-racer with a wide, secure upper — the more versatile choice for long runs and cruising paces, though its stiff plate and heel counter take some breaking in.
Ride:Firmer FuelCell PEBA midsole with a laterally-biased forefoot rocker gives a stable, consistent ride that transitions more slowly — ideal for cruising long runs
Fit:Higher-volume, wider fit with a wide option available; a very comfortable gusseted upper, though the heel counter is on the stiffer side
In their words: "weirdly stable and very comfortable" · "trainer racer vibe" · "so comfortable"
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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.
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
- A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons. — Ben Parkes
- 5K, 10K, and half marathon racing — particularly when going at top speed and striding out for a PB attempt — FORDY RUNS
- Racing from 5K up to the marathon — 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
Consider the New Balance SC Elite 5 if
- Long runs and trainer-racer versatility for runners who want a stable, comfortable super shoe — Doctors of Running
- 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 racing — FORDY RUNS
- 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
- Runners who like trampoline-like midsole cutouts and traditional upper — EDDBUD
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the New Balance SC Elite 5?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is a race shoe and the New Balance SC Elite 5 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 5 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 5.
Should I buy the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the New Balance SC Elite 5?
Ben Parkes on the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo: A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons. Doctors of Running on the New Balance SC Elite 5: Long runs and trainer-racer versatility for runners who want a stable, comfortable super shoe.
Per Ben Parkes, Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the New Balance SC Elite 5?
Yes — The Run Testers directly compared the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the New Balance SC Elite 5 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the New Balance SC Elite 5?
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 5?
The New Balance SC Elite 5 is cheaper at $265 versus $270 MSRP — about $5 less.