I recently was in the market for a new pair of running shoes and stopped by all3sports in Atlanta. Initially, I was considering the new K-Swiss shoes which look like a bargain at $90.
However, as I was intrigued by Newtons and have been for a little while, I decided to try on a pair of ‘Tester’ Newtons. They let me take them out and run around the parking lot a little bit.
Disclaimer: I am not a great runner; please do not view my opinions as fact
Being that I am a fore-foot runner, I figured these would be a good fit for me. I ended up getting a half size larger than my usual trainers. However, with the Newtons you must look at where the ball of your foot meets up with the lugs and not where your toe is, in reference to the front of the shoe.
My turnover feels faster and I feel that I run better. Further, they are very comfortable to run in without socks. Do I have any real world results? No.
I will however be buying another pair when these are worn out.
I like newtons too, I am naturally a forefoot runner. On my long runs when I used to wear new balance and saucony, after about 1.5 hrs my feet hurt so bad, I felt like there was no cushioning under the balls of my feet. I had a pair of newtons after they first came out. Liked them a lot and my feet never hurt, but then decided to save some money and go back to regular shoes. Could never really find a pair I liked. They all seemed to be geared to heel strikers, racing flats didn’t have enough cushioning in the forefoot, and weren’t flexible enough. I also noticed that my times were slower (could have just been the weight of the shoes), but I am faster in Newtons. I have a pair of k-swiss neutral run at home that are really comfortable but dig into my foot while running- so they are now work shoes. I do think that newtons are extremely over priced and not the best construction. I feel like I am picking up the tab for all the free pairs they give away and I have a pair to return to the store because the yellow part under the lugs came unglued from the sole. I have also asked them on several occasions to produce a some larger womens sizes (like 12-13) and they seem to have no interest in doing so.
I don’t like them. I tried out some Newtons and quite frankly, I found them to be more gimicky than real. Sure you try out any new pair of equipment and you think wow, I am doing so much better. Reality check is that results are a function of mileage run not shoes worn.
I generally agree with you that the lugs are a bit gimmicky. However, I’m a natural mid/forefoot striker so I appreciate the fact that the shoes are a bit more cushioned up front and since they’re not designed for heel striking, the shoes aren’t overbuilt in the heel area. At a minimum this allows the shoe to be lighter which is incrementally positive. I know some people have complained about durability, but I find I’m getting more mileage out of them than New Balance or Asics which helps offset the higher price tag.
I’ve been in newtons now for 2 months and love them. Previously an asics fan, but my coach suggested a shoe design with minimalist construction and recommended the newtons. I didn’t have any problems in my previous shoes, but I feel much more comfortable in newtons. I use the racers as both training flats and racing flats. Compaired to other shoes I’ve tried these have very little cushioning and thus I don’t feel sluggish on my push off. Granted, I may get this from another type of racing flat, but I have yet to find one with this much comfort and responsiveness.
I’ve been in newtons now for 2 months and love them. Previously an asics fan, but my coach suggested a shoe design with minimalist construction and recommended the newtons. I didn’t have any problems in my previous shoes, but I feel much more comfortable in newtons. I use the racers as both training flats and racing flats. Compaired to other shoes I’ve tried these have very little cushioning and thus I don’t feel sluggish on my push off. Granted, I may get this from another type of racing flat, but I have yet to find one with this much comfort and responsiveness.
I agree. I tend to train in flats as well and actually do not like a heavy/ cushioned trainer shoe. I now have about 60 miles on my Newtons, and am really digging these shoes. Keep in mind that I have not been a heel-striker for years, so it was an easy transition for me.
I am in love with these shoes to be totally honest! I have been running in a pair since October, and I just ordered my second pair last night. I was told by the people from Newton that has long as youre running as a mid striker or fore foot you can get 750-1000 miles out of a pair. I only run in the racers, and have put over 800 miles on my pair. Plus the people who work there are great, they have thrown in a few visors, socks, and hats for me. Plus when I was first trying them out and wasent sure if I was suppose to be a 12 or 12.5 they sent me both pairs, only charged me for one, let me keep them from 3 weeks to see what worked best, and paid for shipping back.
I am sick of the Newton haters talking trash about the shoes, I understand they won’t work for everyone, but this is a great company, with an amazing product!
I’d like to try them but damn they are expensive. Not sure why shoes have to be so freaking pricey. Granted, I was feeling some $30 ones at Walmart yesterday and wow they are crap, just stiff as hell, like they use a super hard rubber. It’s a shame some people actually use those, but I can’t believe a company can’t come out with a line of good shoes for about $50 or $60. All we’re talking about is some cheap foam and rubber and cloth anyway. Maybe they waste too much money on their constant “research and development”.
Oh I understand that it sucks how expensive they are, in fact being a poor college student, it kills me to have to order a new pair. But if they can last close to 1000 miles, that’s like three pairs of any other shoe, so in then end to me it all balances out
Both Triathlete Magazine (April 09) and Runner’s World (December 08) describe the Newton as a “minimalist” shoe design. There must be a lot of great humor out there.
For people participating in triathlons and marathons - the crowd at which Runner’s World and Triathlete are aiming - that Newton thingy is indeed a “minimalist shoe”.
But once you tried an Adidas Adizero, Nike Mayfly or Mizuno Universe(?), you might agree that this Newton stuff is not “minimal”.
It’s all relative.
Glad you like your Newton’s. Seems like you ether love them or hate them no gray area with Newton’s. Me personally I could not image running in anything else now that I have been running in my Newtons. Yes kind of $$ but if Newtons keep me injury free Ill gladly pay a few extra dollars to stay consistent with my running.
I had a pair of Newtons for about a year. Overall they were nice shoes - comfortable, light, and very durable. They helped keep my stride short and land closer to my center of mass. However I think you can accomplish the same thing running in a pair of light flats like the ones Uli referenced. Those shoes will force you to take shorter, lighter strides and that improvement in form will help you avoid certain injuries. So, while the Newtons are nice shoes, they’re nothing revolutionary. But I agree that their durability make them less expensive than many perceive. I think at least 600 miles per pair would easily be possible. Now if they would just make them much less ugly…