Asics MetaRide promises to cut energy loss around ankle joints by a fifth

There is a broad consensus that the Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% is the gold standard for modern running shoes. Eliud Kipchoge battered the marathon world record in Berlin last year wearing it, and Mo Farah is hoping that its successor, the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, can help him beat the superhuman Kenyan when the two meet at the London Marathon on Sunday.

The design’s success has meant that rivals are now innovating all the time, perennially seeking a breakthrough that will allow them to match up to a shoe that has reset the limits of how fast a long-distance runner can go. Even as it’s not designed to directly take on the Vaporfly 4%, the new Asics MetaRide is a classic example of shoe-makers wanting to treat their customers to something drastically different. The MetaRide, for instance, is focused on conserving energy around the ankles that will enable you to run longer. A whole lot of tech has gone into the design, the most notable of which is a curved Guidesole that creates a somewhat unconventional heel-to-toe rocking motion. It promises to cut energy loss around the ankle joints by almost a fifth. 

Aesthetically, this is a stunning design. Black has been Asics’ go-to colour this season, and the MetaRide combines a lot of that with a pleasing red. A visible change is a new circular upper and an eyelet structure that hopes to optimise shoelace tension. The all-red outsole is another impressive bit, providing excellent traction that is ideal for the grind of the road. Where this shoe gets slightly complicated is in its midsole. There are three materials in the mix here: the Guidesole is supported by Asics’s trademark FlyteFoam technology for cushioning, as well as the FlyteFoam Propel that assists during toe-off. 

Asics MetaRide

The “rocker” sole propels you forward, helping each stride shift to your forefoot. While most shoes encourage you to lead with your forefoot, the MetaRide is designed to accommodate heel strikers. So if you’re someone who likes to run on her toes, for example, the MetaRide may feel a little barren when it comes to offering protection. And strangely, it performs better in transition: it feels a bit too firm and unnatural when the pace is slow, but bounces to life once you increase the tempo. 

Another difference is in the fit. Unlike other Asics models, such as the Gel Nimbus and the Gel Cumulus, the MetaRide feels stiffer. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing — the snug design is what helps conserve energy. Add to that the zero-drop feature — meaning, the foot is level from heel to forefoot — and you get a running shoe for the long haul. The only things that might put you off are the weight — one side is over 300 gm — and its enormous price tag. There’s a cost to all revolutions; this one’s Rs 19,999.