I recently purchased a pair of Newton running shoes for training and long distance race. In the past I bought Asics, Mizuno and Saucony. My running is naturally forefoot and I’ am a supinator. I prefer reactive shoes. Intrigued by Newton's shoes and comforted by the review of Slotwich I was very curios and I decided to buy a pair of “Neutral Performance Trainer”. In the box you can find a paper with “ Newton's 10 Laws ofNatural Running” where is made clear that you have to ADAPT SLOWLY to Newton's Action/Reaction Technology. And here is my first test of 15 minutes: the fit is very snug (like a second skin), they are very lightweight and they seem more a pair of racing shoes than trainer. Breathing is remarkable.The first impression is that the foot contact area on the ground is much smaller than normal sole of an other brand. The second feeling is that impact on the ground is much softer and springy than a normal shoe. Dispite the normal feeling with this shoe feels also considerable reactive. It's as if the axiom Cushioned shoe = heavy shoes = unresponsive shoe was completely subverted. In this case I would say Cushioned shoe = lightweight shoe = very responsive. The impression is to have like a spring on the forefoot and that the stored energy in the stance phase is returned when you make the stride. Another thing noticed is that wearing Newton I naturally tends to increase cadence and enhance the plantar work during stride. For now I am very pleased by the first impression of these shoes but I will make more detailed considerations as I'll use them more.
