I used to run in newton distance( 4 lugs). I love it but my achilles couldn’t handle it and I rolled my ankle pretty frequently. So I switched to New balance 1400 (my current running shoes). But I really want to going back to newton shoes. Newton came up with 5 lugs. So I’m wondering is 5 lugs make huge difference of feel of shoes? or it is not make any difference from 4 lugs just add 1 more lugs on the shoes? Or anyone have experience switch from new balance 1400 to newton (5 lugs)? Your feedback would be appreciate.
I don’t have expierience with the New Balance. I switched to newtons about a year ago from Nike Free Runs. I have ran in a few pairs of the classic (4lug) motions. While not an apples to apples comparison, I did got the MV3. Which has 5 lugs. I loooove them so much more than my motions. For anything under 10k, I run in my MV3. Anything more, the motions. As I only race Olympic distance, this works quite well
I used to run in newton distance( 4 lugs). I love it but my achilles couldn’t handle it and I rolled my ankle pretty frequently. So I switched to New balance 1400 (my current running shoes). But I really want to going back to newton shoes. Newton came up with 5 lugs. So I’m wondering is 5 lugs make huge difference of feel of shoes? or it is not make any difference from 4 lugs just add 1 more lugs on the shoes? Or anyone have experience switch from new balance 1400 to newton (5 lugs)? Your feedback would be appreciate.
Thanks
Hey, good question. I’ve been running in Newtons since 2011 and the 5th lug is a big change for me. It’s easiest to tell when you look at the wear pattern of your shoes, but with the additional lug, it has definitely created more stability for foot landing. The main wear on my lugs are from the 2-4 lugs, leaving the outer lugs with less wear.
Agree with this. The 5 lugs also have lower profile than the older 4 lug model and therefore it probably will put less strain on achilles and calf than before. I’ve been running in Motions for the past 3 years and these latest ones to me are by far the shoe I’ve worn. They are definitely more stable and less prone to ankle-rolling and I overall I notice the lugs less less than before. Still there as a point of reference, but not as prominent. I think these models are a definite upgrade over previous versions.
5 lugs are a major change from 4 in both the Distance and the Gravity models. As stated above, a lower profile, more stable, less prone to ankle roll. The fore foot is much softer on the 4 lug vs. the 5. To me they now feel much like a conventional running shoe than before. Sounds like they might work better for you than the 4 lug. For me, I don’t like them primarily due to the softer forefoot. Almost seems that Newton is selling out to the masses wanting an easier shoe to adapt to.
Yeah, they are starting to feel more like a conventional running shoe, at least the Motions I’ve used and ostensibly the Gravity, which are basically the same shoe. Everything about them is ‘softer’. I rotate with Saucony Cortanas and notice much less of a difference nowadays. I dont think its a bad thing to make a shoe thats easier to adopt to than previously.
"I dont think its a bad thing to make a shoe thats easier to adopt to than previously. "
Except that it’s not the same shoe, the shoe that some might be looking for - like me.
Probably will be good for the Newton bottom line. I have no problem with that. Capitalism - what makes 'merica great!
How big difference between 4 lugs and 5 lugs in Newton shoes?
The difference is 1 lug per shoe. Or 2 lugs total per pair(1x2=2.)
If there’s anything else I can clear up for you, don’t hesitate to ask.
I ran in the 4 lug motions for 2 years. I liked the shoe and the feel. I was really hesitate about getting the 5 lug version and almost started stocking up on 4 lugs. But I didn’t. I’ve run in the 5 lug since it came out. For me I was very glad I got them. They are immediately noticeably more cushioned/softer and more stable. I personally really like the change. I feel better over longer distances. I’m not a lightweight (178lbs) and I don’t have the most efficient stride so the changes are great for me. YMMV
I am currently wearing the 4 lug distance elite and have great comfort in them however, i’m currently considering the distance 5 lug as my next shoe. has anyone made that transition and are you happy?
I have several pair of 4 lug distance shoes and have worn them in two triathlon events this year without issue. I recently obtained a 5 lug distance shoe and noticed the slightly wider/stable forefoot, less pronounced lug feeling and best of all, the insole is now removable. A removable insole allows one to easily change to a newer/third party brand if desired/needed. The fit is the same between the four and five lug versions. I prefer the five lug version but gosh, the color scheme of the new 5 lug distance shoes a disaster. I just received the new Newton Fate shoe (5 lug) which is similar to the distance model.
Buck - see my comment/opinion above. I’ve run through several models of 4 lug Distance (although not the Elite, but they’re not much different from the regular 4 lug Distance). I prefer the 4 lug to the 5. Now I’m looking for a different shoe.
I literally just came home with a pair and I’m shocked I did. I tried Newtons maybe 5 years ago and had the same issues that you mention and really didn’t like the shoes… The sales rep went over the changes and suggested I try a pair. I was there,so why not. I really like how balanced/level my foot felt when running. The overall fit is great and I’m impressed by how comfortable it is.
I have been running in Mizunos (WaveRider/Sayanora/musha) for the last couple years and been relatively pleased, but the midfoot on the their shoes seem to be getting smaller and smaller. (Or my foot is getting wider)
My one criticism on the Newtons, the price is a bit crazy. I received a discount because of my club, but even with the discount, $150 is a lot for a shoe. Hope this helps.
That said, if you have been experiencing some achilles issues you might want to wait a couple of weeks on the new newton fate / kismet models. These are two new models with the 5 lug platform but on a 4.5 mm off set so those might be a little more forgiving for your achilles.
Next week the review on these new models will be here on ST, but i can tell you that they have more cushioning than the 4 lug newton’s.
I just received the new Newton Fate model and had no trouble adjusting to the 5 lug and wider forefoot. Ran at easy and fast speeds during a 50 minute training session. I would tell those new to the Newton brand and those with high arches to start with this model. Nice improvement over the four lug model (distance) that I have been using.
