Newton Running shoes-Gear Junkie approved

[Adam]

A good review of Newton running shoes over at thegearjunkie.com

[Geoffrey Nenninger]

Does anyone here have experience with the Newton shoes? I am curious how they perform as racing flats? If you train in the Newton shoe and switch to another brand for flats, are you at a disadvantage?

[Barry]

I was a big skeptic of the Newtons when they were first introduced. I think I am always a skeptic of anything new at first; particularly, when something arrives with such a smart and strong marketing effort. And ... I'm not even from Missouri!

My very good friend, Kirk, who has only been serioulsy running for maybe 2 years was raving about them. He actually had several running injuries, and started running pain-free once he started running in the Newtons.

For me, I was concerned that after 26 years of running (I did my first marathon in 1981) pretty much injury-free, why would I even think of running a dramatically different shoe? But, I tried them ... and, the experience has been very positive so far. I have been "slowly prudent," starting at 10 minutes, then 20, and 45 at the most. I have run three 5K races in them, and they do feel awesome when I race - with absolutley no negative effects duirng or after.

I'm a pretty big guy (6' & 173#) and don't run in true racing flats; so, I can't comment on switching from them; but, I do go between my Newtons and several other more conventional training shoes ... and all's been fine.

[Jase Robinson]

I suffered 2 tibial stress fractures as a 160 lb runner and spent the next few years looking for the shoe which would solve this problem. Then I got married, fat and happy.
Many years later (now in my late 30s) I decided to do an ironman. A buddy of mine talked about these shoes so I investigated. Realizing that POSE method / chi running / barefoot biomechanics was a precursor to this I spent 6 months getting back into running with very specific drills and mechanics. At first my calves ached like crazy but bit by bit my 230 lb frame was running and cycling enough to drop back to 180 and I'm far faster than I ever was at 160 lbs and totally injury free. The point of Newtons is that they don't get in the way of good mechanics. However, you really have to have developed those mechanics previously. Heelstriking in Newtons is not a great idea since the angle between your foot and leg will be made more acute placing stress on the foot and lower leg. The correct cadence supporting efficient use of your leg tissue elasticity is also a big factor. Slow, long strides will not see the benefit so much as short quick strides developed from beneath the knee.
Check out the POSE method video and then try Newtons. It'll change your outlook on running shoes forever.

[Scott Whitten]

I had been looking forward to getting Newtons and have been running in them for about 4 weeks; Hardly enough time to make an endorsement. In my situation, I have been actively working on running with the "barefoot style" the Newton's are premised on. I started my quest about 5 years ago. For the last year, I have run the majority of my runs (long ones included) in a sparse pair of running flats. And guess what? I have been injury free.

I have been hearing of people getting injured running in the Newtons. Achilles issues and stress fractures in the foot come to mind, but I don't blame the Newtons, but the people who ran in them. From my experience, each person, went "cold turkey" from their previous running shoes/running style and ran exclusively with the Newtons.

As running is very biomechanically stressful on the body, one must use caution when changing the way you run. Even if you are a heel-to-toe runner (I can't imagine why anyone still runs this way?) going to a more natural barefoot style, the body needs time to callus to the new style.

Bottom line, I have had no problems with my Newtons, but everyone should look at their own situation and ease into running with them vs. the "all or none" method.

[MIKE]

Thanks I'm considering buying a pair of these? I'll go check out the Link.

[Steve]

I am a real rookie with only 6 triathlons but was getting some real pain and TBAND issues. No pain since getting Newtons

[IMoo_McBeth]

I used them exclusively all of last year (2007) for my training and racing.
*** I will not use them this year ****
They severely aggravated my sciatic nerve (back) issues during my Ironman buildup phase. [MRI, Sports medicine doc, Chiro, etc were consulted]. Once aggrevated, the pain & inflamation did not go away - I continued wearing the Newton's in training, and tried to take it easier. In preparation for my 4th IMoo: I had changed nothing else in 2007, just wore the Newton shoes all year.
> Besides the pain while running; The pain and inflamation also began to affect the Power I could generate on the bike, especially on the IMoo hills: thus I had to go slower & use lower gears - rather than push the bigger gear that I knew I was capable of.

This year (2008) I'm sticking with a top level Asics shoe and going well without any issues so far... IMoo in Sept. is a ways off, but I'm well into my training and so-far-so-good.

*** My advice is - IF you have any existing back issues (ie: bulged or herniated disc): stay far away from these shoes. By design - they change the way you carry yourself while running - putting stress in other areas. Sure they feel great & you will perform better at first, BUT if your going for a long course event - that stress & strain might be too much.
>>> Sorry to be the Party-Pooper <<<</body>

[Exfit]

Running is a different experience for every individual, because of biomechanics, and starting out with any new pair of shoes, no matter the brand should be done with entry level and gradual increase in time, distance and speed.

[Ric Johnsen]

I just switched to Newton Running shoes, and I am an immediate believer in this shoe. The best shoe that I have ever used. I plan to use nothing but Newtons going forward. However, I do believe that this is a shoe that you love or hate, and it is clearly not for everyone.