Comparison Overview
In this popular matchup, both shoes deliver excellent performance.
How the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo differ
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo sit in the same racing bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo comes in roughly 1.3 oz lighter (7 oz vs 5.7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (8mm on the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, 5mm on the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 rides on the taller stack (39.5mm/31.5mm vs 32mm/27mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is $40 cheaper at MSRP ($230 vs $270).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 | ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance | ASICS |
| Model | FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 | MetaSpeed Tokyo |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 7 oz | 5.7 oz |
| Drop | 8mm | 5mm |
| Price | $230 | $270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 or the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo?
- The ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo is the lighter shoe at 5.7 oz versus 7 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is the more affordable option at $230 compared to $270.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 has a 8mm drop and the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo has a 5mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?
- Yes — both the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo use a carbon plate, so they're built primarily for race day and key workouts rather than daily mileage.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.