Back in October, I went to a workshop at FleetFeet on Natural Running. It was sponsored by Newton. I tried on a pair of Newtons and did some running drills with them.  Unfortunately, I was suffering from a foot stress fracture. So it wasn’t a good time to buy.

Why wear Newtons?

Here’s what they say:

• Action/Reaction^TM Technology – Most running shoes utilize passive cushioning like EVA foam, gel or air that lose energy as they are engaged. Like a mattress, these materials flatten under your body weight over time. With Action/Reaction^TM technology, you will immediately experience a highly responsive and engaging cushioning that protects and loses less energy with every step you take. Some people have described our cushioning as a “trampoline,” only more fun.
• Minimal Drop – Newton Running shoes are designed with a minimal “drop” – or height difference – between the height of the heel and the ball of the foot. A more level-to-the-ground platform positions you to support a natural running motion.
• Biomechanical Sensor Plate – Our feet are sensitive and brilliantly designed to ensure that we step efficiently and protectively. Unfortunately, highly cushioned shoes often obstruct this communication with the ground. Enter our biomechanical sensor plate, which allows you to sense the ground better so you can stride more efficiently and with more stability – some might even say intelligently, the way nature intended. Some call this “neuromuscular” enhancement. The foot senses the ground and sends a message to the brain to tell the muscles what to do.
• Lightweight Comfort – Our shoes are designed to deliver function at minimal weight. We’ve been told that our shoes make you feel almost like you can fly, and that you can’t help but run fast in them. That’s fun, but we love that our lightweight, comfortable shoes help you pick up your feet and run more actively and naturally – almost as if you had no shoes on at all.

Then last month I went to an expo and Newtons were on sale for 40% off so I bought a pair.  I was training for my half marathon at the time so I kept running with my Sauconys until the race was over.

These are the ones I bought.

I have been running in them for the past month.  I started with 3 miles on the treadmill and then proceeded to run outside.  My longest run has only been 6 miles (I am not sure that they give my achilles enough support for longer runs…).

I really didn’t have a hard time adjusting to them.  They are light and comfy.  They have a wide toe box and narrow heel. (My orthotics fit nicely too.) I bought them in a bigger size than I am used to wearing and they feel fine.

My only issue is the color (how shallow).  I am drawn to pink, blue & purple (not yellow, orange & neon green). Maybe I need another pair.

Also, they are expensive and showing wear already in the outside of the heels (yes, I drag my feet and wear my shoes out quicker than I’d like).

Pros:

• My bunion hurts less (in fact I forgot about it in my last 2 races)
• I feel like I am running faster (They feel lighter & my legs feel less heavy)
• My race splits have improved (under 10 minutes)

running 5 miles in my Newtons!

Cons:

• Color (I guess I could buy new ones in a different color)
• Wearing out (I really do try not to drag my feet but they are rapidly wearing on the ouside of the heel)
• Less support? (Will I have problems with long runs in these?? I have had achilles strain & stress fracture in the past)

Happy Running!  Anyone else wear Newtons?  What do you think?