Newton Shoes - Can anyone compare the Gravity & Distance models?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m seriously considering trying a pair of Newtons. But, I’m not sure which model to try.

Currently, I do the majority of my training and all of my racing in the Nike Lunaracer 2+. So, I don’t need much in the way of stability. But, I do need some forefoot cushion.

According to their website, the Distance (neutral racer) weighs in at 8.6oz, while the Gravity (neutral trainer) weighs in at 9.4oz. So, weight is a wash, as far as I’m concernced (since I’ll probably continue to race in Lunaracers, which are lighter than either of the Newton models).

What I’d like to here is a compare/contrast of these shoes as far as fit, forefoot cushion, durability and anything else you might feel relevant.

I was able to run around the parking lot of the local Fleet Feet in a pair of Gravity. They felt nice, and surprisingly light. Is the Distance built on the same last (ie. do they fit the same)?

Thanks.

Steve

2

Noone has tried both the Distance and the Gravity, and can give a quick comparison???

3

I have both. The gravity has a little more heel to it. Depends if you are a midfoot/forefoot striker or think you will adjust quickly to being a midfoot/forefoot striker (the distance shoes). My first two pairs were the distance shoes which I love. I picked up a pair of the gravity shoes for a change of pace and for my long distance runs, since you do have the “luxury” of being a little lazy and falling back to a little heel striking during or at the end of longer runs. For racing - I wear my distance shoes… the shoes fit the same - just less heel in the distance shoe… be sure to follow the website’s instructions on adjusting to the shoes, i.e., start out with a couple mile run and build up…

4

Much of the difference is in the outsole. The Distance has a less durable (lighter) outsole than the Gravity. The Distance is also approx $20 less. Everything else is more or less the same.

5

Thanks. Have you noticed the Gravity model being more durable (mid/forefoot, not the heel) than the Distance model? No difference in mid/forefoot cushioning, correct?

6

Correct, no difference in the mid/forefoot cushioning. The differences are there is rubber on the heel of the trainer where on the racer there is just a foam-like material (less weight, less durable) and there are some very minor differences on the upper but they are visible. It also seems like th racer has a bit more padding in the ankle area but I’m not 100% sure on that. I’d likely go with the trainer if you are trying to convert to a mid/forefoot strike, if you are already a mid/forefoot striker just get the racer and save $20.

7

Thanks. I already midfoot. The only time I ever heel strike a little is when going down steep grades to control speed.

Price will be the same, and these (at least this first pair) will likely never be raced. So, maybe I should just go with the Gravity to be safe and get maximum life out of them.