I’m looking at a new race shoe. I’ve been using Hoka Cliftons but want something with a little more spring to it. What would be a better option the elite or distance. I do halfs and IMs.
I literally just asked this question to Newton like 3 days ago, here is what they said:
“The Distance Elite is our classic 4 lug shoe that is a light training and racing shoe for those who still like the 4 Lug feel. While the Distance IV (2015 model) has our new 5 Lug platform, a bit more stable and more POP from the lugs. The Distance III is our 2014 model.”
The distance will feel a tick more cushiony thanks the Elite, the Elite to me has a little more POP and less cushion on impact. I switched to the Distance as it more stable all around being 5 lugs,
How important is the adjustment period with the 5 lugs? Can you start running in them without issues? I know in the past they recommended starting slow in them but it seems the 5 lugs might make it more like a tradition shoe?
I would slowly ramp your volume in them. Maybe start by using them for easy, low mileage runs and continue to do your long runs in the cliftons until you have had a couple months to adapt. You don’t need to get a set back by straining your calf. I ordered a pair of the distance s iv and returned them. The upper was much thinner. Was like putting on the hoka bondi 3 after loving the bondi 2 and ultimately being dissapointed. Hoka learned from this mistake and corrected it in the bondi 4. Hopefully Newton will too. The distance iii are now on sale for 75$. I grabbed a couple pairs today.
Where were the Newtons on sale?