Newton shoes - anyone tried them?

aero2k

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a lightweight pair of shoes. Over the past year I've used Brooks Adrenaline and Asics 2140, and while they're both comfortable I much prefer running in my Asics DS Racer - I like being able to feel the road under my feet. I was considering the Asics Gel Speedstar 3 as I believe it has more forefoot cushioning, but then I found the Newtons online and was curious as I'd never heard of the brand before. Any feedback on them?

Thanks,

aero2k

savaloy

I've been using newtons since the begining of the year. I find them good for fast/tempo runs and/or on the track and races up to 1/2 marathon. They suit fore foot strikers. They feel a bit weird to start with as they have protruding lugs on the forefoot, but i've had no adverse reactions - if you are not a mid/fore foot strikers then they may cause you some issues.

Running Bing

savaloy wrote: »

I've been using newtons since the begining of the year. I find them good for fast/tempo runs and/or on the track and races up to 1/2 marathon. They suit fore foot strikers. They feel a bit weird to start with as they have protruding lugs on the forefoot, but i've had no adverse reactions - if you are not a mid/fore foot strikers then they may cause you some issues.

If your not a mid/fore foot striker wont you have issues anyway? Ive been led to believe landing on the heel is the work of the devil?

Would'nt mind trying the Newtons but their very expensive. Not sure they would be worth it tbh. What could they seriously offer that a good lightweight Asics/Nike shoe does'nt?

savaloy

Running Bing wrote: »

If your not a mid/fore foot striker wont you have issues anyway? Ive been led to believe landing on the heel is the work of the devil?

Would'nt mind trying the Newtons but their very expensive. Not sure they would be worth it tbh. What could they seriously offer that a good lightweight Asics/Nike shoe does'nt?

Can't really comment on the heel striker v fore foot striker debate, however if you want to fore foot strike then I undersatnd that the newtons can help you change. yes, they are expensive. I've previously used Saucony fastwitch A2's and Asics Noosa's (re-badged DS I'm led to believe). As a relatively heavy runner (ex - swimmer, now triathlete) at 81kg's I find the newtons offer more support than the A2's, but would say that there's little to choose between the noosa's and the newtons and the noosas are half the price. However if I was running a course with alot of steep descents I would probably opt for the noosas above the newtons as they offer more support in the heel (I tend to find that running downhill my heel tends to strike more).

RJC

Running Bing wrote: »

If your not a mid/fore foot striker wont you have issues anyway? Ive been led to believe landing on the heel is the work of the devil?

I think everyone is lead to believe this. I'm sure if you are waaaay up at the top of your game in terms of speed you'll have a natural forefoot strike (look at sprinters) but for me - I've tried everything and I am a heel to mid foot striker. All I can say about it is that I stay injury free running in cushioned neutral shoes with my heel strike. This is despite being told that I need pronation control and need to run on my mid-foot.

If you are a heel striker you should try and do a few weeks of running on your mid foot - you'll get pains in your calves and the metatarsals in your foot will scream with pain (or the soft tissue will).

I know we were born to run bare foot but that was before we invented asphalt and concrete.

RunSwift

I've bought a pair of newton and quite happy so far. Not done too much running in them yet and max distance has been 6 miles. On occassion, I'm a heel striker but trying for a more mid-foot land and do find these help.
I also wear orthotics.
I use alot of power in my quads to run so my calves would not be built up. These runners make your calves work alot more (when your pushing off) so you really need to build gradually in them, if your in the same situ.

I bought them from cyclesuperstores in dublin and the guy who sold them also used them - was a fan and knew alot about them.
There are new verisons out in the US that you can't get here yet.

aero2k

Thanks RunSwift.

I phoned a shop which advertises the Newtons on their website but they didn't have my size in stock - thought that was a bit strange as I'm a 9 or 9 1/2. They did offer to get them in for me but I didn't want to feel under pressure to buy them. I went to a different shop as I happened to be nearby to look at their lightweight shoes. Just by chance I noticed some Nike Free shoes - I'd never heard of them and the guy in the shop hadn't pointed them out. When he explained that they're supposed to mimic barefoot running I was hooked - I love running in racing flats as I like to feel the road underfoot.
I've had a few runs in them and I love them so far though I think I know what you mean about the calves - mine are very tight which I believe is due to my trying to land on the midfoot rather than my heels. I've no other problems though and I feel I have a smoother running style in them - they're the most comfortable shoe I've ever had from a fit point of view. Like you I haven't tried any really long runs yet, I'll report back when I have.

aero2k

DangerMouse27

The newtons have you running on your forefoot so first see if thats a good foot strike position for you.Id go with Adidas adizero sc (sportsworld terenure) as they are very like Haile Gebs runners and he is forefoot striker.

wizwill

A lot of top triathletes use Newtons, i have heard they are not very durable from what i have heard on the podcasts i listen to, the pro's seem very happy with the technique they encourage.

Aero2k, i am very interested in the Nike Free's, i tried a pair on in the UK recentely and they fit like a glove, they were on special, they only had one pair my size and they couldnt find the match, they were only £30 as well. I am looking to strengthen up my lower legs and heard the frees help. Do you use them all the time or once a week? there was a piece in the online magazine "rundirect" today, the winner of the cork marathon swears by them, they were recommended to him by Gerard Hartmann, the physio that looks after Paula Rathcliffe and other world class athletes, considering ordering them.

Puck

aero2k, what's the fit like in the Nike Frees? Tighter than regular Nike sizing? I'm interested in them but haven't seen them anywhere locally so would consider maybe buying them online, which obviously means I can't try them on first.

DangerMouse27

Nike frees in Kildare outlet Nike Store.
Pretty cheap too but takes a while to get used to.I use mine for short reps on the grass,its like grease lightening! Id never use em for long distance.
Gotta say,we arent Abebe Bikilas here,support in a general distance runner(shoe) is a must.

aero2k

wizwill wrote: »

Aero2k, i am very interested in the Nike Free's,... Do you use them all the time or once a week?

I've only had them for a week or so but I've used them about 3 times. First couple of runs on trails, the last one was a 60min totally on roads. My calves are a little tight, but other than that no problems.
I'm planning to use them once or twice per week and then try a longer run.

aero2k

Puck wrote: »

aero2k, what's the fit like in the Nike Frees? Tighter than regular Nike sizing?

I've never used any Nike shoes before so I can't say how they compare, but I have seen some comments on forums to the effect that they are a more snug fit than other Nike shoes. Depending on brand I wear 44 or 44.5 - my Asics are 44.5. I bought the 44s in the Free but when I tried them on the next morning they seemed a little too snug, so I brought them back and changed them for 44.5. Good call, they're plenty long enough now but still a very snug fit in width which is how I like my shoes - I find a lot of brands too wide.
They feel like a comfy pair of slippers with a bit more cushioning. I know the whole issue of shoes is controversial and a matter of personal preference, so I'm not making a recomendation, but I tend to lean (sorry) towards a lighter shoe. I also have Asics 2140 which fit well and I'm confident I won't get injured in them, but they do feel heavy and a little awkward. I just feel I run more smoothly in a lighter shoe, particularly if I run fast.