75 replies to this topic

[littleblackpug]

Newton Shoes

Do any CR's have any experience with these??

I like the pink ones

[Danny]

Groovy website!

[maryclaire]

littleblackpug, did you look into these further? they do look interesting - and i also like the pink. the technical jargon is over my head so I can't really make any judgement on their technical merit.

[The Owl]

I can't open the link.

[schoey]

lbp,

I've got a pair of Newtons but I'm still in the 'learning' phase, depending on your foot strike they can take some getting used to! They are meant to help/encourage forefoot strike so if you're a heel striker be ready for some pretty severe calf pain

There are quite a few reports of injuries (check out slowtwitch forums) so unless you have problems with how you're running now it may not be worth trying to change. People that have the best results with Newtons tend to be mid-fore foot strike efficient runners to start with, that way the transition isn't too much of a change.

[phYx]

Like the Nike Frees, they seem to have a lot of "stuff" between your foot and the ground. I don't see how this can mimmick barefoot.

[tim]

barefoot is the new black.

[BEN-HUR]

I really can't see how these shoes can mimic barefoot running - there is just too much bulk between the foot & the ground for starters. I also can't see how these shoes can encourage or promote a fore foot strike with the amount of bulk/height at the heel. Having said this the 'Newton Active Membrane Technology™' concept looks very interesting & looks to be (in theory) very effective in 1) absorbing fore foot (& subsequent leg) shock as well as 2) providing energy return. Both factors important in 1) reducing muscle/tendon fatigue/stress & subsequent delayed onset muscle soreness thus improving injury threshold thus reducing the chance of injury; 2) improved forward momentum thus possibly improved speed thus performance.

If this concept works ... as well as being durable (i.e. "the actuators are driven fully into their corresponding chambers [the action], then levering and propulsion come into play. As you push off and drive forward the lugs are released [the reaction] providing energy return.") throughout an adequate life span of the shoe; then it will be great for all fore foot strikers. In short, the materials need to be strong & durable for the concept to be effective.

I do feel that the shoe should have a lower profile heel - possibly a negative heel (heel height lower than forefoot height). This would certainly be conducive in promoting a fore foot strike as it would eliminate (to a large degree) the proprioceptive engagement of the heel. Maybe 'Newton' can look at the 'negative heel' option in a future model targeted towards runners experienced striking at fore foot. Reducing the bulk at the heel would also reduce the weight of the shoe which is another important factor in improving running efficiency. With this & the above factors in mind, then these shoes could be a great training & racing shoe. I know New Balance will be bringing out a shoe in around June/July targeted towards forefoot strikers as well.

As what seems to be the norm - it is the try-athletes that have once again jumped on board yet another new concept idea (although this one could be quite valid). 'Newton', how about getting some class runners on board to try & possibly support these shoes? After all, it is a running shoe with the company title coming up as 'Newton Running'. This in my opinion will give the product more credibility than what is currently in place.

[littleblackpug]

schoey, on May 15 2008, 07:41 AM, said:

lbp,

I've got a pair of Newtons but I'm still in the 'learning' phase, depending on your foot strike they can take some getting used to! They are meant to help/encourage forefoot strike so if you're a heel striker be ready for some pretty severe calf pain

Fortunately I went through this in the last 6 months, so it does pass, and it is worth the calf adaption phase in the end schoey.

I'm looking forward to getting out in the Five Fingers after this weekend's race

[Andy1234]

Hi,

Just bought myself a pair of Newtons and testing them out atm. I'm a noob, but thought they might help me with my technique ... etc... or... perhaps I just got caught up in the marketing...

How you guys going with your Newtons?

A

[mikel]

Andy1234, on Jun 12 2008, 01:06 AM, said:

Hi,

Just bought myself a pair of Newtons and testing them out atm. I'm a noob, but thought they might help me with my technique ... etc... or... perhaps I just got caught up in the marketing...

How you guys going with your Newtons?

A

How are your Newtons going? Can you buy them in Australia and if so how much? Or how much from the U.S

[flyingdutchman]

I love my asics.

[ads]

For those interested...

http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/...77/m/9261038982

[Danny]

Hi Folks,

Just wondering if anyone has some feedback on how these shoes perform?

Cheers,

Danny

[The G-Train]

I switched to Newtons over a year ago and would never go back to other brands. I used to run in Asics.

HOWEVER, my running gait is this:
my forefoot stikes directly beneath my centre of gravity before I commit to pulsing off the heel.

If you are a heavy heel striker (likely to be striking with the heel in front of your centre of gravity), Newtons will be of no benefit to you. I have noted that heavy heel strikers get calf tightness after wearing Newtons as they have a built up forefoot decreasing the angle between the top of foot and shin during the dorsi-flexion phase as the runner rolls off the toe, thus stretching the calf further than regular running shoes do.

If you are a forefoot striker, the built up forefoot of Newtons will provide the perfect platform for a solid foot strike.

Because my gait suits Newtons, I'm finding that I can get about 6 months of wear out of my trainers based on 60 to 120km per week consistently (note that 90% of my running is on soft bush trails, not concrete). This is because I'm 'popping' off the heel solidly after a well guided foot strike originating from the forefoot - there is less skidding or impact on the edges of the sole.

I feel like my posture is taller in Newtons and that I get more power with each strike (higher and further propulsion with each stride).

I have noted faster times in my running since switching to Newtons but this may also be the result of some hard work I've been putting into my gait over the last couple of years.

Edited by The G-Train, 31 July 2008 - 08:32 PM.

[Danny]

Thanks G-Train much appreciated

[73Robbo]

I saw this and kinda hoped I would see minimal cushioning and without the obligatory achilles-prodders to the rear. Can anyone explain what they're for please? - I genuinely don't know I keep having to cut them off (brought my long suffering achilles tendons instant relief - will see if it now allows them to heal). Sorry for the OT.

They sure do look purdy.

[batavia]

Got a pair of these last month only a few long runs in them, but must say I am pretty happy with them inspte of the outragious price tag.

[rio228]

Hi all,

I got a pair in november and have 330 kms and i think that they are on the way out. Nice shoe and good to run in.
just wondering how many kms everyone else is getting from there Newtons.

Thanks

Graham

[serena]

Perth crew, I noticed these Newtons are on sale at the moment at Total Triathlon. Also saw there's a sale on some shoes at Kathmandu (and no I am not connected with either place at all, just always on the lookout for a bargain)

Has anyone run a marathon in the Newtons?

[batavia]

rio228, on Jan 27 2009, 08:15 AM, said:

Hi all,

I got a pair in november and have 330 kms and i think that they are on the way out. Nice shoe and good to run in.
just wondering how many kms everyone else is getting from there Newtons.

Thanks

Graham

I have close to 400km on mine sofar, hardly a mark except for the yellow logo on the inside heal which cracked on both sides. love running in them. Pricey but overall happy so far

[maryclaire]

I have been having huge problems with PF and other problems lately and have been wondering about my heel-striking tendency. I had bought a pair of Newton's last year and only gave them a half-hearted try, so yesterday decided to dig them out and see how they go helping me to land more on the mid-foot. I had also read about proper mid-foot technique on Gordon Pirie's website, having been directed there from another current CR thread.

I have been having such a hard time lately running "easy" - no speedwork on physio's advice until injuries are under control. Despite this, I am running painfully slowly and my effort is not in proportion to my speed, especially when I know what I am capable of. Additionally, easy runs of only 45 minutes would still leave me hobbling in pain on running days.

Yesterday morning I ran 8k in the Newton's. i was very aware of my foot strike, being low to the ground and having a higher cadence than I had been running at lately. I found that even though this took a bit of conrentrating, it wasn't too difficult and in fact the running took care of itself very quickly. I knew I was running fast because I just felt like I was flying - yet my effort level was very much in control (to be honest, it was slightly above easy - but barely breathless).

I ran the 8k at an average pace of 4:59 and HR of 151. This is in contrast with a run only 3 days prior at pace of 5:18 and HR of 156 - and which felt llike a struggle.

On top of this, I was completely pain free the rest of the day - trouble spots (R foot and L hamstring) were quiet all day long. Calves are tight today, but my reading of info on these shoes is that is to be expected when one is a heel striker. One of my ongoing issues is hamstring strain that is exacerbated by long strides (hence the no-speedwork rule) - yet with the Newton's my stride length was very compact and efficient. The hamstring issue was never going to be a problem due to shorter steps.

It is too early to claim much at this point, but I thought it worth re-visiting this thread with my experience - I will see how things go over the next few weeks. The hard part will be slowly wearing myself into the shoes, as I now really don't want to go back to the old traditional runners.

Edited by maryclaire, 01 March 2009 - 07:45 PM.

[littleblackpug]

Thanks for the report maryclaire, sounds like good news for you.

Just one thing I would recommended however, having changed my foot strike from very predominantly heel strike to forefoot strike, is to take it really easy for a good while and let everything adjust to this new technique. Patience really pays off in running! So even though you could run that distance today, maybe stick to 5kms only for a few weeks. Your calves will thank you for it!

All up my transition has been about 18 months, and my calves still give me grief if I'm trying to do faster tempo and road stuff, and a running analysis from Andy Bull (Podrunner) was priceless, because it just helped me fine tune things and he gave me some valuable tips.

Edited by littleblackpug, 01 March 2009 - 08:02 PM.

[Fergus]

sjnathan, on Feb 4 2009, 04:36 PM, said:

Perth crew, I noticed these Newtons are on sale at the moment at Total Triathlon. Also saw there's a sale on some shoes at Kathmandu (and no I am not connected with either place at all, just always on the lookout for a bargain)

Has anyone run a marathon in the Newtons?

I have ran 3 marathons in Newtons and found them very good. I managed to improve my PB to 2:53:44 and more importantly haven't had any injuries.

[ricardo]

I'm usually a heal striker and have had shin splints and sore hips as a result. I've recently been given a pair of these (cheers Pete) and been for a few short runs in them (I'm sticking to shorter runs for the moment, 40mins to 1 hour) ... Here's my findings:

1) When I run on my forefeet I am rewarded with extra spring. The support under the balls of your feet helps push you forward on you feet and keep you there. It's easier to run "correctly."

2) I feel I'm running faster when I run "correctly." But remember I'm only doing short runs so it might just be placebo.

3) I find it hard to run on my forefeet usually and my calves normally fatigue quickly. I have had less fatigue in the calves with Newtons than in my other shoes (Nimbus).

4) When my calves do get tired and I fall back to running on my heels it feels like I'm running on planks, the support under the balls of your feet brings your forefoot up when you run flat footed (bad). I guess it encourages you to get back up on your toes (good).

5) They are light & airy. Fit is glovelike. Like running in slippers.

In all I like them. I will probably only run short distances in them for the time being, I really want to build up my calf strength properly. I feel they will help improve my technique ...

Hope this helps

[rio228]

batavia, on Feb 4 2009, 05:06 PM, said:

I have close to 400km on mine sofar, hardly a mark except for the yellow logo on the inside heal which cracked on both sides. love running in them. Pricey but overall happy so far

Thanks

I retired them to be everyday shoes now with 446 ks on them.

This time i bought the training version and very happy with them.

Graham

[dmnz]

mikel, on Jun 29 2008, 09:59 PM, said:

How are your Newtons going? Can you buy them in Australia and if so how much? Or how much from the U.S

if you go to the website they have alink with stockists in Australia

In Sydney there's SOS Running and Northside Runners (City and Manly)

[Davo]

dmnz, on Mar 30 2009, 12:06 AM, said:

if you go to the website they have alink with stockists in Australia

In Sydney there's SOS Running and Northside Runners (City and Manly)

Interesting that they have two or three in Sydney, same in Qld, one in WA, one in Port Macquarie for goodness' sake, but none in Melbourne or Adelaide or Tasmania!

[ricardo]

staypuff, on Mar 30 2009, 08:50 AM, said:

What i'd like to do is arrandge for someone to watch me run in my normal shoes then in the newtons and tell me if there is a difference or if it just feels like there is

Take them both to the gym and run on the treadmill in front of a video camera

[batavia]

Am currently using Gravity and like them very much. Was wondering what kind if milage should folks expect to get out of their Newtons. I am 74km and after abou 970km they are getting in need of replacment. Getting a sucking sound from the membrane on one and considerable wear on both.



Was thinking of getting aset of distance for racing also. Question, what differance can I expect on from the Distance over the Gravity models?

[batavia]

staypuff, on Jun 17 2009, 07:18 AM, said:

have a pair of womens newtons 8.5 for sale if anyone is wanting $100 only worn once

Not happy with them then? Unfortunatly I have mens feet !!

[BOG]

Hi guys

I have just started a new thread titled "Distance runners needed for shoe study- Heel strike vs forefoot strike". One of the shoes we will be using is the Newton shoe if anyone is interested!

cheers

Craig

Edited by BOG, 02 September 2009 - 04:16 PM.

[smiddo]

I've been reading and googling this subject (Newtons) for a few months now. Haven't made the jump to newtons but have tried to adjust my running style to try and overcome some Achilles issues which seems to have helped. Now wondering if I should go a step further and get a pair of these shoes. Looks like they have released a new shoe aimed at easing the transition to the full on newton shoe so that might be the go for those that are trying these shoes for the first time.

Sir Isaac Newton

Has anybody seen these and have any feedback. Not sure if their available in Aus yet. S'pose I just don't want to spend all that cash and not be happy - shoes are such a personal thing........

[Footpro]

Hi there,

To my knowledge we are the only shop that conduct full lower extremity video gait analysis and sell Newton Running shoe. Because of our analysis process we are getting some valuable feedback about the Newton's concept and its strengths and weaknesses.

One thing we have noticed that surprised us was the wear patterns from new to well worn. In terms of how well the Newton controls a pronating foot, it gets better the more km's you do. The midsole EVA will compress like all other brands, what’s different is the way the lugs wear on the outsole. Last week we saw a pair with 1400kms of wear that had this particular customer looking better aligned then in a brand new pair. The lateral lugs were considerably more worn then the medial lugs, creating a degree of pronation control. Also the lugs were well rounded as opposed to the squared shape when new. The fit of the Newton is excellent. The uppers are very simple yet very effective, light and responsive.

Having said that they are by no means for everybody. More then half of the curious customers we see directly attributed to Newton leave our store with a more traditional running shoe. Our analysis will often highlight how the lack of support and torsional rigidity deem Newton as an inappropriate footwear selection. In some case we may prescribe a structured race flat as an interim shoe before the Newton.

Anybody already experiencing Achilles and Calf issues should recover from those symptoms before trying Newton. Using Newton for the first time will naturally cause some tension in those areas.

Footpro

[Shankate]

I was fortunate enough to meet Danny, the co-founder of Newton shoes while at the Hawaiian Ironman and enjoyed discussing with him the Newton concept. I tried some on and he came for a few short runs with me to demonstrate the "land - lever - lift" concept.

This "land - lever - lift" concept is imperative to remember when adapting to the Newtons. I found myself guilty of trying too hard to forefoot strike. If you're not a natural forefoot striker (which I definitely am not); it's actually much more appropriate to concentrate on a MIDFOOT strike; with the foot parallel to the ground. This also allows the foot to land in quite a stable position.

I now do all my running in my Newtons and have found that the "land - lever - lift" concept (I also think "light") to activate my larger muscle groups (ie. glutes especially) much more. This in turn reduces the load and fatigue on the smaller muscle groups in the lower leg and feet, as it reduces the need for excess ankle and foot flexion.

It is worth going to the website and having a look at the videos. I was so lucky to have Danny there when I purchased, as I think with inappropriate advice you could so easily 'go wrong' with the Newton running concept. It takes a bit of concentration for the first few runs, but if you plan to be a runner for life - well worth the patience it takes. I do concur with footpro though - they are certainly not for everyone. Best to go to a specialist shoe store.

Enjoying the feedback from others - keep it up!

An article on Slowtwitch here : http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Running..._look_1119.html

Edited by Shankate, 25 November 2009 - 10:09 AM.

[halifax]

staypuff, on Nov 25 2009, 09:08 AM, said:

Ive come to the decision i run the way i run because it suits my body best and am happy again

Well this is the wisest thing I have read on all these forums ever. I totally agree. Most of our injuries are from trying to change the way we run by some artifical means.

[littleblackpug]

Quote

(staypuff @ Nov 25 2009, 09:08 AM)
Ive come to the decision i run the way i run because it suits my body best and am happy again

halifax, on Dec 2 2009, 11:29 AM, said:

Well this is the wisest thing I have read on all these forums ever. I totally agree. Most of our injuries are from trying to change the way we run by some artifical means.

It's not that simple but halifax, maybe staypuff naturally has a good technique (but in that case why was she looking to change it) but for others like myself our natural running style was very poor.

If I didn't learn to run correctly I would never be were I am today. I could only run 3 days per week and had chronic shin splints, stress fractures and compartment syndrome requiring surgery for 4 years. I HAD to re-learn how to run.

6 years later I have now run 13 marathons and 3 100km trail ultras and can run 100km weeks without problems, all because I put the effort into accepting that I had poor running technique and if I wanted to run I had to learn how to do it properly.

No I didn't do it with a pair of Newtons (a lot of it was bare foot on grass for 10 minutes every day) but don't discount aids (artifical means as you refer to them) which can improve your proprioception and body/foot strike awareness, as incorporated correctly, such as in ShanKate's post abve, they can be a useful tool for some people.

[littleblackpug]

I get the impression that a lot of people also underestimate the amount of time it takes to train yourself to makes changes to your running style as well, and it's not a simple as whacking on a pair of Newton's, Frees or Vibrams and off you go. We’re all so focused on a quick fix.

I did it in regular runners and bare feet and it literally took me 2+ years of persistence (luckily I'm very stubborn) and doing things like intervals of running with new foot strike vs old foot strike and slowly increasing the time I could run with better form for until I could do it for 5km, 10kms, 2 hours, now all the time.

And OMG did I discover some new muscles along the way, but the best thing was no new injuries were discovered!

[halifax]

littleblackpug, on Dec 2 2009, 11:39 AM, said:

I get the impression that a lot of people also underestimate the amount of time it takes to train yourself to makes changes to your running style as well, and it's not a simple as whacking on a pair of Newton's, Frees or Vibrams and off you go. We’re all so focused on a quick fix.

I did it in regular runners and bare feet and it literally took me 2+ years of persistence (luckily I'm very stubborn) and doing things like intervals of running with new foot strike vs old foot strike and slowly increasing the time I could run with better form for until I could do it for 5km, 10kms, 2 hours, now all the time.

And OMG did I discover some new muscles along the way, but the best thing was no new injuries were discovered!

They hand out orthotics like lollies these days and most of the time they are not necessary. Back in the day runners didn't have all these fancy shoes, orthotics etc, and ran just fine. As you know yourself, going back to barefoot running......they way humans were meant to run.

I find the more "help" I get with my running, the fancier the shoes, the more injuries I suffer. Back when I ran without all the fuss, just a simple pair of runners and didn't know supination from pronation, I never suffered any injuries and just enjoyed my running without constantly having to think about foot strike, head position, cadence...blah, blah, blah. Its nauseating.

[Shankate]

Halifax

You have a fair point. I also think that Orthotics and overly controlling shoes are often prescribed and utilised where not always necessary.

LBP also makes a fair point; that you (and others) must have good Biomechanics that allow you to run the way you are naturally inclined to do so without ongoing and or recurrent injury.

Back to the Newton topic, these shoes are designed to transition back to a more natural control method, if you like. This is not by means of rigid plastics and or heavily built up, cushioned heels; but by encouraging midfoot strike (or forefoot in some cases of a natural forefoot runner) and increasing mid and forefoot feel.

Like others, I have been and am having to persevere with changing my running style, secondary to suffering three stress fractures and SIJ pain. It is a slow and sometimes frustrating transition that requires concentration with every step, but well worth it for lifelong running. If only it was as easy as just slipping on a pair of Newtons ha!

[Campbell]

Shankate, on Dec 2 2009, 04:47 PM, said:

Back to the Newton topic, these shoes are designed to transition back to a more natural control method, if you like. This is not by means of rigid plastics and or heavily built up, cushioned heels; but by encouraging midfoot strike (or forefoot in some cases of a natural forefoot runner) and increasing mid and forefoot feel.

The thing about Newtons is that people think it will "change" their running form from the feet up. It doesn't work like that, and is a guaranteed way to get injured...hence why so many people who buy Newtons end up with calf & achilles problems.

It doesn't work like that. Running form starts from the hips, involves you back, shoulders, chest and arms. Once you've got that all sorted, then your legs and feet will find their own natural pattern.

Find a good coach who understands the basic principle of running form, and who is able to teach them. Running form doesn't come in a shoe box.

[WobblyBits]

Has anyone had experience with these shoes.

http://www.newton-running.com.au/


WB

[Danny]

Hey WB - I have them and love them!

[Gasher]

According to the Race Report 1 here.......

'Newtons are the fastest shoes, most professional triathletes wear them'

[Muzman]

My Newtons are the best investment I ever made. They suit my running style, don't cramp my toes up, and I had none of the 'wearing in' issues the manufacturers caution you about. IN fact, my third run in them waa 20km - all good!

See if you can try before you buy.

M

[CCor]

Hi all

Just bought a pair of Newtons a few weeks ago, Im at around the 200km mark and feel like they are wearing a bit fast. i know the company says they wear from the outside in and not the other way round but they just feel a little fragile. i absolutely love everything else about them, i just hope they last. Has anyone else bought a pair and experienced anything like this?
To be 100% honest i did buy the race version of the shoes and not the trainers, why? i dont know! the bright pretty colors maybe? i think this may have something to do with the wear and tear issue but just wanted to hear what others had to say.
Other than that i love them, they have helped with my form a lot and i no longer get pain in my hips and knees after i run long distances!

Thanks in advance