ASICS MetaRacer Review
Back in the Elite Racing Game
Likes
- Responsive ride
- Smooth transition
- Comfortable upper
- Low-to-the-ground feel
Dislikes
- Less cushioned than competitors, but not lighter
What's New
With the creation of the MetaRacer, ASICS has brought its own carbon-plated racing shoe to the competitive running game. What's unique to this shoe is that it has a low-to-the-ground feel compared to its much higher stack height competitors, which may be more attractive to the serious racer than the casual marathoner. Featuring a bottom-loaded carbon fiber plate and a modified FlyteFoam midsole that has been tweaked for additional softness, the MetaRacer offers a lightly cushioned, responsive ride. In addition, the GUIDESOLE rockered design limits ankle movement to help the runner quickly and efficiently transition through their stride. A highly ventilated mesh upper gives the MetaRacer a race-ready fit, and the shoe is finished off with a WET GRIP rubber outsole for optimal traction on both wet and dry surfaces without compromising durability.
The Bottom Line
While the MetaRacer is not as cushioned as its carbon-plated competitors, our testers still felt that it had a solid amount of underfoot protection. They enjoyed the light and bouncy ride of the new FlyteFoam midsole, as well as the extra pop provided by the bottom-loaded carbon fiber plate. Despite this, our reviewers agreed that the light cushioning was best suited for elite marathoners or shorter races up to the half-marathon distance. The thin engineered mesh upper offers a secure foothold at any pace, and even with the low-volume design, our testers felt that it was adaptable enough to fit wider feet without being too restrictive. Although the MetaRacer may not have enough underfoot cushioning for every runner's marathon racing needs, those who enjoy the feel of a traditional racing flat but want the added propulsion of a carbon plate will appreciate this low-profile, carbon-plated option.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Low | |
| Heel Width | Narrow | |
| Arch Height | Medium to low |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 6.6 oz (size 9) | Women's: 5.5 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 30 mm (Heel), 21 mm (Forefoot) | 9 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The FlyteFoam used in the MetaRacer features a lower durometer than other FlyteFoam midsoles offered by ASICS. This gives the shoe a slight squish that is balanced by the lower stack height and carbon plate for a comfortable landing with a connected ground feel.
Derek: "This version of FlyteFoam feels somewhat similar to the Nimbus Lite, but the carbon fiber plate gives it a firmer and more responsive ride."
Connor: "The FlyteFoam compound used in the MetaRacer is much softer than the FlyteFoam seen in other ASICS models like the EvoRide. The bottom-loaded plate works with the softer midsole to add some structure and keep the shoe from feeling mushy underfoot."
Ride/Energy Return i
ASICS's FlyteFoam has had a variety of different feels and responsiveness levels over the years, but the compound used in the MetaRacer has a soft spring that makes picking up the pace feel effortless. The bottom-loaded carbon fiber plate works with this foam to create added propulsion for a fast and efficient ride.
Derek: "The carbon fiber plate and tweaked FlyteFoam work together to provide a high level of energy return. It's not the most responsive carbon-plated racing shoe on the market, but it deserves to be included in the conversation."
Connor: "The MetaRacer is a carbon-plated racer built for speed, so it's not a surprise that the shoe has fantastic energy return. While I was impressed with the shoe's lively ride, I still feel there are improvements to be made, as I've found some of the PEBA-based foam compounds we've seen entering the market recently to be even more responsive."
Underfoot Protection i
Unlike many of its carbon-plated competitors, the ASICS MetaRacer has a low stack height and a close-to-the-ground feel. Our testers felt that the shoe's underfoot protection was best for races up to the half-marathon, but elite marathoners and those who enjoy the feel of a traditional flat may choose the shoe for full marathon distances as well.
Derek: "Compared to most other carbon fiber racing flats, the MetaRacer has less cushioning underfoot, giving it a unique underfoot feel. However, there is still enough cushioning for an elite runner to comfortably run up to 26.2 miles."
Connor: "The MetaRacer was designed specifically for elite marathoners. While I personally would probably use it for the half, I think many runners will still use it for the full marathon. The bottom-loaded plate really helps increase the underfoot protection without having to feature a higher stack height."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The carbon-plated design limits the flexibility of the MetaRacer and gives it extra pop at toe-off. Our testers agreed that there was enough flex for smoothness without sacrificing the shoe's efficient ride.
Derek: "Like most shoes with carbon-fiber plates, the MetaRacer is fairly rigid. There is a flex groove at the tip of the toe, which provides some flexibility right before toe-off."
Connor: "The carbon fiber plate adds extra rigidity to the MetaRacer, but I wouldn't say it's the stiffest plated shoe on the market. There is still a hint of flex while the plate helps keep the low durometer foam stable and delivers an efficient ride."
Upper Feel i
The MetaRacer has a sleek, race-inspired upper that's designed to hold your foot snugly in place. The simple mesh design features ventilation throughout for a light and airy on-foot experience, while the lightly padded heel collar and accommodating fit add a touch of comfort.
Derek: "This upper is lightweight and breathable, but also secure. The construction is high-quality and offers a fairly plush experience for a racing shoe."
Connor: "It reminds me of a more traditional racing flat fit, but the material is extremely breathable and feels ultra-comfortable on foot. In general, it has just enough structure for an efficient runner to race through a marathon, but at the end of the day, ASICS's main goal was to keep it as light as possible."
Individual Thoughts
The ASICS MetaRacer officially puts ASICS back on the map for the serious runner seeking a high-performance racing shoe. Featuring a revamped FlyteFoam midsole that's lighter and more responsive, along with a stiff carbon fiber plate, this shoe is a fierce competitor in the growing list of carbon-plated shoes entering the market.
While it doesn't have the maximally cushioned design seen in some of its competition, the MetaRacer has just enough cushioning to get you through longer distances. The low-to-the-ground design offers a faster feel similar to a more traditional racing flat, while the carbon fiber plate and midsole geometry create a unique ride that matches the modern experience felt in a lot of the latest "super shoes."
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Overall, the ASICS MetaRacer is a great road racing and training shoe. It was oddly reminiscent of the ASICS racing flats I used throughout college (2008-2012) but notably more responsive, durable, and comfortable. I used it for tempo workouts on the roads and interval workouts on the track, and I'm excited to continue to train in them after this review is completed.
While it's not the most responsive carbon fiber racing flat, it is in the conversation. Other foams like ZoomX may be bouncier, but they wear down quickly and are less stable. The MetaRacer has a durable rubber outsole that runs almost the complete length of the shoe, and I can see it lasting at least a few hundred miles. Additionally, the FlyteFoam midsole is much more stable than ZoomX, making it a better option for overpronators like me.
The upper definitely gives me the latest and greatest vibes. The material does not feel like the traditional open mesh uppers ASICS is known for using on their racing flats. It is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. The fit was fairly snug, as you would expect from a racing flat, but I think it should comfortably fit wider feet as well.