I’ve been reading about Newton Running for a little while now, and I’ve been curious. I’ve always had a tough time finding running shoes that I love, and I know there are definite problems with my form.
These shoes promote a midfoot strike, and that really appealed to me. I do tend to land on my heels, and it’s not good. Could these shoes help me learn to change that?
The technology also intrigued me. Check it out! Little lugs on the sole add both cushioning and shock absorption. I often have sore feet after long runs, and I seem to whine about it more than my friends who have covered the same distance. I wonder if my feet are more sensitive. Maybe this is the answer?
The timing was right to give them a shot. I like to rotate my shoes, but only have one pair right now due to recent shoe retirement. I also decided the Nike Structure Triax that I had been using weren’t really right for me. The Brooks Ravenna that I bought more recently are a much better fit, but even they are starting to get old.
In the spring, I won a gift certificate for a free pair of shoes (no price restriction!), and a couple weeks ago I went in for a fitting. While I had my eye on the pricey Newtons*, I still went through the process and tried on all the salesman’s recommendations. Ultimately I didn’t care about the price tag — these really felt the best!
These shoes are super lightweight and fit great around my heel — even with my orthotics. That is often a problem. The fit around my foot is really good, too. I have kind of thin (but not narrow) feet, and it’s hard to find a running shoe that holds my feet steady enough without having to pull the laces as tight as they’ll go.
I’m following the recommendations and gradually increasing my mileage. Only one mile the first day, two miles the next. Currently my longest run in them is only four miles. So far, so good! My first couple of runs were pretty slow, but I was able to maintain a better pace for my four-miler.
I still feel like it’s too soon to take them out for my 14-miler tomorrow — I’d like one more week of short runs before really putting them to the test. I’ll be sure to come back with an update once I start racking up the miles!
* This particular model retails for $175 – a lot more than I usually pay for running shoes. I’m willing to pay more if it makes a difference . It was definitely a plus to be able to try them out for free!
Disclosure: These shoes were free from a gift certificate that I won at a race. It could have been used to purchase any brand of running shoe. I have no affiliation with Newton Running and was not compensated in any way for this post.
I’ve always wanted to try those, but the price is just too much for me!
I know! It’s a bit steep 🙂
I was happy to be able to try them out for free first. I’m hoping they’ll last longer than my shoes usually do to justify buying them again!
Hi Lauren,
Just wanted to say thanks for the initial review and that we are here and listening if you want to email us any questions about transitioning into the shoes.
Happy Running!
Sir Isaac
I’m debating if I should make this my “return-to-running” shoes. Since I have to build up mileage slowly either way…
Once you’re better, try them on and see!
Another brand that I find interesting is Somnio — there are a lot of ways to customize their shoes, you can even have something different on each foot. Never tried them, but might consider them as another option.
So are you midfoot striking now? As long as you’re doing that, that’s more close to natural form 🙂
As much as I’m a barefoot runner and Vibram FiveFingers supporter, I realize most people have reservations about them, and that’s fine. I still want to encourage midfoot strike, because it’s what our bodies are mechanically designed to do. It’s the natural way to absorb shock. But you knew that already 🙂
Don’t go too quick though. Transitioning from heel to midfoot strike does take some time, even in shoes. You do need to lengthen and strengthen your calf muscles.
I’m still transitioning — taking it slow! I’m sure I still sneak my heel in there, but I’ve had to wear my “normal” shoes for my last two runs. One was too long, and last night we were on trails. I was hoping to be ready for my next long run this weekend, but it’ll depend how far I can go tomorrow. I don’t want to push it too much!
We actually ran some barefoot drills across a high school field last night with my triathlon group. It’s an artificial surface, nice and soft. It felt great!
I am so glad you wrote a review about these. They’ve captured my attention, too, and I’ve been curious about them since the guy at Pacers told me about the Newtons. Are you putting your orthotics in them? I was wondering about that since I run in Rx orthotics and they make a huge difference; I’d hate to not have them anymore.
Yes, I still use my orthotics. They work really well with the Newtons. Sometimes it’s hard to get a good fit with them in other shoes.
I’ll be increasing my mileage in over the next two weeks, hopefully will get some long runs in for a better review.