So there is something of a buzz surrounding the new Newton running shoes. They have a unique type of construction and design, and are designed to promote forefoot running. They also have a sizeable price tag.
Here is a video from their company that explains the idea:
It is a good video but one thing that is funny about this video is they run in barefeet and then tell you to put shoes on to help you run as though you were barefooted. Why not just run barefooted if that’s so good for you? I know, I know, some people have concerns about that too. I just think it’s kind of a funny point in the video.
Well, I bought a pair of these Newton shoes on Wednesday and just took them out for a short run today.
I got mine at TriLab in Santa Monica. I have a friend who bought some there who said the salesguy who helped her wasn’t very knowledgeable about the shoes and couldn’t really advise her on them. Well, I must have lucked out, because I got a pretty knowledgeable sales guy and he recommended I get the stability trainers.
I am already a forefoot runner. I don’t know if I’ve ever been a heel striker. Maybe. But in the last year or so I’ve been very certain I’m a forefoot runner, partly because of my pace, but also paying attention to the fact that my feet do hit the ground under my hips, not out in front of me. I’ve also played around a bit in the last several months with the Vibram FiveFingers and a bit of barefoot running, which also require forefoot strike in order to avoid injuries.
When I tried the shoes on at the store the salesguy confirmed that I am a forefoot runner and that I have good running form. The shoes do feel funny at first walking around in them, due to the “lugs” under the ball of the foot. It’s kind of odd to run on them and think about making that part of the shoe hit the ground first when you initially start running in them.
But after my 2.4 mile run this morning, I have to say that I don’t find that I run that differently in them than in my other shoes. It’s probably because I’m already a forefoot runner. I do appreciate that the heel doesn’t seem to get in the way. After running in my FiveFingers I would find that then switching to shoes the heel was so huge and it felt hard to land on the ball of the foot because the heel of regular running shoes are so built up. I don’t get that with the Newton’s, so that is certainly a good thing. Also the finishing and lining inside of the Newton’s is very soft. I ran with no socks today and it felt absolutely fine. I’m trying to get to a “no sock” style if possible to save time on triathlon transitions.
Also, after the run this morning, walking in the shoes feels less odd. I don’t seem to be noticing the lugs under the forefoot as much. The running also became more mindless and automatic. I guess I’m just landing in them how I’m supposed to. Feels right.
Wednesday night I did a few short sprints (about 50 yards each?) and did feel it in my adductors, and I wondered if that was due to the Newton’s or due to the fact that I’d already run 10 miles earlier in the day. Not sure.
So people want to know if these shoes are worth the money. Because they are super pricy (almost double what I’ve been paying for shoes). It’s really hard to answer that at this time, having barely tried them out. But my impression is that if you are not having any issues with your running form or injuries arising from form and if you already run pretty fast, then these shoes aren’t going to help you much. However, if you have injuries and form issues (meaning injuries resulting from your running form style) and if you are looking to possibly speed up, if you are naturally a heel-striker (bad) and want to change to forefoot running (good) then these shoes might be worth it for you, if you are not willing to try and learn to run in the Vibram FiveFingers or barefoot.
I will give more feedback on them as time progresses and I get to know them better.
#1 by Tanya on August 14, 2009 - 1:24 pm
I look forward to updates on your experience with these. I’m fascinated by the concept, and have considered the FiveFingers as well as these. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
#2 by Punk Rock Runner on August 14, 2009 - 7:46 pm
I picked up a pair of the five fingers today and plan on wearing them all weekend (not to run yet). As far as the Newton’s go, as soon as my current shoes are done I plan to switch. I’ve had too many injuries and need to make a change. Thank you for the post, it’s always nice to hear what the fast people have to say about a product. All the best – Ron
#3 by Michael Sandler on August 15, 2009 - 11:27 am
As a barefoot runner who spent 6-8 months in Newtons before going barefoot, I’d say they’re a good transition tool, but a bit backwards in key ways. Rather than helping your forefoot be closer to the ground…as you are barefoot, the ‘lugs’ take you farther away from the ground, which reduces both feel and stability. The lack of stability can increase the chance of injury, and cause soreness in muscle groups forced to provide stability in ways you’ve never trained for (or perhaps intended) and secondly, being able to feel the ground is important for stability, control, and light-footedness, keys to barefoot running that are missing when heavily shod.
#4 by SDrunner on August 27, 2009 - 11:53 pm
No wonder why there was a contest to win a pair of Newtons via Twitter! Can’t believe they’re so much more expensive than regular shoes. I really want to try out those FiveFingers though, they look very..interesting.
#5 by Amy Reinink on September 2, 2009 - 3:28 am
I don’t think I could ever justify spending more than I already to on what’s supposed to be a cheap sport (hello, sports massage and race registrations!), so your review is quite literally priceless to me. I’m not quite brave enough to go the barefoot route quite yet, so for now, your review makes me feel good about not spending the money. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you!
#6 by Middalia Wayman on September 3, 2009 - 7:26 pm
Thanks for the review and sharing your experiences. It is making me think twice about a Newton purchase. I would like to find something that isn’t clunky but is still a good long distance sneaker which many have said the Nike Free ( which I already purchased) are not.
#7 by sheila on September 3, 2009 - 7:29 pm
So Middalia, curious why the Nike Frees are said to not be a good long distance shoe. Do you like them? Have you done any long runs in them? What are YOUR feelings about the Nike Frees? What version do you have? Is the heel built up?
#8 by Middalia Wayman on September 3, 2009 - 7:45 pm
I have not tried long distance yet..I liked them on the little run I did but I need to do a few more runs to give a thorough review. I have the 5.0 and the heel is not built up, they are very light weight and easy to run in and can be worn without socks. You definitely don’t get the same feeling as you do in VFFs but they are not as clunky as regular trainers. From what I have read people start getting major pains/injuries on anything longer than 10 and the shoes don’t last very long (and these are reviews from people who really loved them). I guess I will have to try for myself and then give my own assessment, I will share on dailymile and on blog when I have.