ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
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.
Endorphin Elite 2 is spongier; the Sky is firmer and more directly propulsive
Tokyo's Flight Foam Leap feels closer to the softer Incred Run foam of the Endorphin Elite 2.
Still preferred over Elite 2 for goal races
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"
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability .
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EDDBUD calls the Endorphin Elite 2 one of the standout carbon racers for its compression and return, describing it as soft, forgiving, and surprisingly durable.
In their words: "mega forgiving" · "sheer amount of compression and return" · "surprisingly durable"
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A firmer, snappier lightweight versatile trainer with a prominent forefoot rocker and PEBA-based midsole, designed to roll the runner efficiently off the forefoot.
In their words: "firmer, snappier feel" · "really roll you off the front end" · "very noticeable forefoot rocker"
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The reviewer's chosen shoe for the Comrades Marathon — roomy, natural, disappearing fit with a balanced midsole that is poppy and propulsive yet protective enough for slower ultra miles, offering more agility and sprightliness than bulkier alternatives.
In their words: "lively, fun, free-flowing shoe" · "poppy, propulsive" · "disappears on my foot"
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No-brainer winner over the Endorphin Pro 5 — the Pro 5 foam isn't great, heavier, doesn't have race-day dynamic feel. Elite 2 foam is bouncy, spongy, fun — Thomas's favorite from last year. Can be squirly under foot but very fun.
In their words: "I love this shoe for long runs" · "foam is bouncy, spongy" · "really fun and bouncy"
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 Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 if
- Fast racing up to half-marathon for runners who can tolerate the narrow toe box — FORDY RUNS
- Half and full marathon racers who want maximum forgiveness underfoot. — EDDBUD
- Road ultra runners wanting a plateless shoe with natural freedom, bounce and protection that works across the full spectrum of road ultra paces. — The Run Testers
- Runners who love soft, bouncy carbon racers for distances from 5K up to marathon on good, flat surfaces. — The Run Testers
- Fast racing on straight urban marathon courses (Chicago, Berlin, NYC) for runners chasing PBs with good form control — The Run Testers
- Marathon and half marathon racers who want to lock into rhythm with a predictable, rockered ride. — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is a race shoe and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 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 Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 weighs 201g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $270 for the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and $275 for the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2.
Should I buy the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?
EDDBUD on the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo: Half marathon to marathon racing for stride-oriented runners wanting late-race impact protection. FORDY RUNS on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: Fast racing up to half-marathon for runners who can tolerate the narrow toe box.
Per EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?
Yes — Believe in the Run, EDDBUD, and The Run Testers directly compared the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 in their reviews.
Per Believe in the Run, EDDBUD, The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is lighter, at 159g versus 201g (men's 9) — about 42g less.