ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 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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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"
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability .
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An extremely soft, heavily-cushioned marathon racer that some runners will love and others may find unstable.
In their words: "incredibly soft"
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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"
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 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
- Soft-and-bouncy racer fans; less aggressive than top picks. — The Run Testers
- Fast racing on flat, even courses for runners with stable mechanics who can handle a soft bouncy ride — The Run Testers
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?
Ben Parkes on the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo: A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons. FORDY RUNS on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: Fast racing up to half-marathon for runners who can tolerate the narrow toe box.
Per Ben Parkes, 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.