Just wondering if anyone has had (or heard of) any experience with Newton Running Shoes aggravating a neuroma? I recently bought some Newtons for my birthday just to try out. I have to say I like them and they’re comfy, a good ride, have had zero calf issues, etc. However, at about mile 3 into my runs, the neuromas (I have one in each foot–lucky me) they seem to flare up a bit. I’m playing with lacing techniques but just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? I’d hate to have to send them back but I have another week before my 30 days is up.
Yes, I did try the search function and didn’t find anything so I appreciate any help.
It has been my experience that Newton shoes would not be a first choice for forefoot issues such as neuromas, lesser metatarsal overload, stress fractures, bunions… This is not an absolute.
In theory it may seem like the “lugs” would be helpful for independent loading, but the reality is that they do not function in this manner and forefoot alignment deformities can actually be aggravated by the lugs independent action (pressure). In addition, the shoe’s somewhat fore-aft “negative” last tends to load the forefoot sooner. This increase in lever arm as well as the increase in rate load to forefoot not only can serve to aggravate issues like yours, but also increase moment needed by the heel cord. Transitioning to these shoes for some require some time as these new stresses can lead to some Achilles issues.
I do not have anything against the shoes (actually own a pair) but no question about the increase load on the forefoot.
The toe box could certainly play a role in your issue as well. A work around that sometimes is effective is a nice OTC insole with a metatarsal arch support. You should likely be using these anyway. I am a fan of Lyncos and I often use them if indicated versus the custom route. You will want to try the L425’s or L405’s depending on your need for any rear foot control; both these models have a nice metatarsal support, just with and without rear foot posting.
Alternatively, you could go see a qualified podiatrist, C-Ped, or PT that looks at feet for a living as there are some other orthotic options as well in you really love the shoes.
Thanks for both the replies. That makes sense and along the lines of what I was thinking. I’ve built up gradually the amount I’ve run in them and have had no problems other than the ones I described above. But, that may be enough to nix them. I haven’t had to use inserts for a while in my other running shoes so I may just go back to those. I just wanted to try them out in the off-season, etc. and had tried on a pair once and liked the way they felt. But, actually running in them may just not be for me. Thanks again for the input.
Not sure if this helps, but I have huge bunions, right foot more pronounced. It is so large that I have been fitted with orthotics with a built in dancer pad (pad in the middle of the forefoot that if someone else was using it would feel as if they were running with a ball of yarn in their sock under their foot). What it does is it allows for less pressure on the underside of the bunion by building up the orthotic in the middle of the foot to dissipate the force to a larger area. I use Newton Gravity’s and Sir Isaacs and although I used the orthotic prior to getting Newtons, I haven’t noticed any difference.
Thx. One of my good friends has huge bunions as well. Like, “wow” kind of bunions. Newtons are the ONLY shoes she can wear that don’t give her massive blisters and turn her feet into a bloody pulp. I haven’t worn inserts in a long time for my nueroma in other shoes but maybe I’ll try them again.
I am stealing the post for a quick question. And possibly some experience for the above poster.
I ran all season on a mindnumbing Neuroma, I saw about everyone. After a very successful season I had the Neuroma removed. FYI I ran all season in my Newtons, I kinda had to re-teach my foot strike for that foot so as to not bother it. I also had some huge help with PT Bob Cranny- Alititude physical therapy, to get the orthotics just right to reduce the pain. Not many other shoes helped me.
Anyway, Neuroma gone and I am back running, although a measly 30minutes at a time, but Pain free. But what if I want to strengthen my feet, kinda adopt a little barefoot running here and there a few times a week for a few minutes, and go minimalist with neutral flats and such or even back to Newtons Once I am 100% training/ racing. Do you think that is possible with someone with a long history of Orthotics? I mean in theory I could build my foot up to eliminate orthotics altogether, right? Will this just re-agrivate the Neuroma, running barefoot?
My neuroma was caused by stepping on an unseen small rock, a few years back.
Running is my background, HS, College, so its not like I just jumped in.
Anyway thanks.
You have responded to previous posts about my neuroma so I thought I would ask.
I have a mild neuroma in my right foot. I switched to Newtons and had some problems. I actually think a great deal of it has to do with the toe box being too narrow in their shoes. I never considered that it could be the running style.
I’ve been using Newtons for over a year now and had Morton’s neuroma surgery on my left foot (in '05). I’ve had no problems whatsoever…I agree that Newton is a narrower shoe compared to my Asics 2140 4E (extra wide), but I got used to them and I have reduced my running injuries 99%, of course after I got used to running forefoot which took me 3-4 months.
Try half a size larger? Maybe moving the spot the lugs contact your foot will help a little. It’s worth a try - if you haven’t gone that route already.
Yes, have had a few patients with increased metatarsalgia and/or Morton’s neuroma issues with Newtons (which one would expect).
End.
That’s interesting. You see more feet than I do, but I have had a couple of very talented runners who have had improvement in their forefoot pain after switching to Newton’s for their hard runs. Both had metatarsal bursitis on ultrasound and no neuroma.
My usual approach for vague forefoot pain is to make sure that they are running in a shoe with a lot of room in the toe box and good metatarsal protection. This often ends up being a trail shoe. If they have a prominent transverse arch, I make sure that it is supported (usually with a custom orthotic - this is the only group that I put in a cork orthotic rather than a rigid or semi-rigid plastic piece). I do this before I do any diagnostic testing because I find that about 80% get better and don’t need to move on to ultrasound, injections, etc. (anecdotal - this is not science)
Obviously, if the diagnosis is clear, I tailor treatment a lot more, but when it could be Morton, metatarsalgia, bursitis or sesmoiditis (and I’m fairly confident it isn’t a stress fx), this has worked well.
My thought process is that they are already getting forward on their foot when they run. I want to protect the metatarsals and make sure the heads aren’t getting squeezed without changing their gait.
It sounds like you might think differently about these problems - that allowing runners to stay forward, even if their heads have room and their metatarsals are protected, is going to exacerbate the problem?
Good thoughts Andy - I’ll leave this out here for other to read if they dare
Remember, the “lugs” on the Newtons will increase vertical ground reactive force (as will “forefoot” running), especially with faster runners (since they spend less time on the ground through midstance to toe off and more “time” in flight phase). Since most all forefoot pathologies from stress fractures to generalized metatarsalgia tend to increase with increased peak pressures (from force matt studies, etc. and my own observations) …
Intermetatarsal neuromas in men and/or runners without obvious forefoot pathology is unusual (I say men because women’s shoegear has a lot to do with the more classical etiology). There is usually a clue somewhere (i.e. genetic narrow intermetatarsal space, enlarged plantar condyles, etc.) if you look.
You don’t have to have lateral compression to develop a neuroma. Excessive dorsiflexion of the digits (causing retrograde pressure on the met heads from the digits) can also impact development of the entrapment. Many also theorize that excessive forefoot pronation (at the midtarsal joint, not subtalar joint pronation) causes excessive frontal plane motion at the met parabola, also contributing to development. This can be made worse with 1st ray hypermobility (from a forefoot varus, weak peroneus longus, etc.). This in particular can be worse in Newtons as they really change the runner’s proprioception (by design of course - good to “encourage” forefoot running, not so good for others).
I have a flat foot and mortons toe but it never bothered me in my 24 years of triathlon, with the exception of some hammer toe (42 now), then I tried running in in Neutons for ten minutes fast on a treadmill and the next day I experienced a lot pain in both feet around the ball of my feet. The pain was really bad and I went to a podiatrist who said I had metatarsalgia. Its been 2 years since that treadmill run and I still can’t run without the use of custom full length orthotics with a metatarsal pad and a forfoot cut out. When I wear the orthotics I am able to walk and run for a few miles but the area can still be sensitive at times. I must have injured my foot running fast for ten minutes on the treadmill with the Neutons. A did get a cortisone injection and it provided some temporary relief. I do not recommend a wiel osteotomy or any surgery for this problem because there are too many complications associated with surgery. I agree that this is a very frustrating problem because it can keep you from participating in running pain free.
I researched as usual. I have yet to run in the shoes personally so I feel pretty worthless for this thread but thought I would at the very least share this link. (devils advocate)
I know this is an old thread, but I googled Newton/Neuroma and found this. I just purchased a pair of Newtons. Had neuroma decompression surgery in 11/12. It’s now 04/13 and I still have pain. The Newtons I bought were a size bigger than my usual size, and the lugs are further back, not directly under the point of pain. I’ve always been a forefoot striker, so they felt good to me as far as foot plant goes. I’m going to ease my way into these shoes, and will keep you posted. I’m starting to wonder if it’s a bursitis, because my current pain is different than that before the surgery.
I have run a fair amount in Newtons and never ahd any issues with Morton’s Neuroma, but have had it with my Hoka Bondi B’s and Brooks Pure Cadence. I threw out the Brooks and now only run in the Hokas 1 day a week (long run). That has prevented any more flare-ups.
I think it is all highly individual…foot size, strike, etc. all seem to play into it.
had morton’s neuroma going way back, but shoes with larger toe boxes aided the problem after a shot or two. fast forward to era of newtons and no problems on my end. i do use inserts that help with morton’s foot/toe though. http://www.prokinetics.com/faq.html look under faq for morton’s foot.
the newer lightweight model of the newtons mv2s have narrower toe box imo and could cause problems. hope that helps in addition to valued contributions especially rroof who is a pro.
Newton’s definitely not working out. I switched to the Brooks Pure Flow shoe I purchased prior to my surgery and WOW! Virtually no pain. What a friggin relief! Taking the Newton’s back for a refund TODAY! I will do more research and running with the Brooks.
Newtons are the ONLY shoes she can wear that don’t give her massive blisters and turn her feet into a bloody pulp. I haven’t worn inserts in a long time for my nueroma in other shoes but maybe I’ll try them again.