Newton Gravity Shoe review

4 miles on the schedule today.....done!  Can't say I'm that excited to be running in the dark again but the schedule is the schedule and I'm not running after work.

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Newton Gravity Neutral Trainer

A couple months ago Newton Running sent me a pair of their Newton Gravity Shoes to test and review.

I've heard so many good things about their shoes.  Also, if you follow triathlon, you know that Craig Alexander wears them.  I figured if a guy like that wears them, I'd be really happy with them.

Now being that these shoes are geared towards natural running, I could not just jump into a long run with these so I started off slowly by added a mile or so each time I was running.  My primary purpose of these would be for short runs and not long distance, however, these can certainly be used for long distance since they are trainers made for long runs.

Great little brochure that helps with the shoes

At first look, I love them!  Look at that those bright colors.  They really pop when you run in them.  The upper is quite comfortable and light.  The shoes run about 9.1 oz. for a size nine - nice and light.  I like how the tongue is a little harder near the top of the shoe near their name(see below).  It seemed to fit me quite nicely.  They have a large toebox so you have plenty of room for your toes to give you that natural feel.  The EVA midsole would help make the shoe last and I have no doubt that the quality is there.

Colorful outsole

Large tongue on end
I actually liked this as you could tighten the shoe but it felt very even on the foot

 There is a large reflective strip on the back of the shoes.  I think more companies should do this.  Why not help people that run in the dark like I do?  Also, as you can see, the black material helps give the upper some structure but still allowing your foot to move freely.

Great reflection on the back of the shoes

 As you can see the black material goes around the front of the shoe to bring it all together.  A really nicely designed upper.

Front

Here a look at the bottom of the shoe.  As you can see there are four orange grooves(called external actuator lugs) that protrude out of the bottom of the shoe.  They are quite pronounced when walking in the shoes.

Even a colorful bottom. Ha!

Here's a better shot of the lugs that stick out on the bottom.  These are Newtons Action/Reaction Technology.  As you land on them, they move back into hollow chambers and this absorbs the shock from the landing.  Then, the lugs release their energy and help propel you forward.  Initially, I really liked this concept.  Especially since I'm newer to the whole natural running, I liked that I could tell when I landed properly in the shoes.  However, as I got to wear them more, I didn't like those sticking out and in the end would rather that they were not built into the design.  I also did not feel that the lugs moved into the shoe nor gave me energy as I ran.  I just felt the lugs always on the outside.   I could see this feature for a really new runner(such as one that was not used to running in other running shoes) but I'm not sure it's something that most experienced runners would like all the time.  Of course, I'm no Craig Alexander and based on his success, they are certainly proven shoes.

Orange lugs to help give you energy.

Overall, I really like the fit of the upper but just can't get over the way the shoes are made to run on.  It kind of felt like it was something that kept me from running like I should be running and almost forcing you to land on those bars each time.  Perhaps if they were more flexible I would feel the benefit more?  I suppose that is the point of the way the shoe is made as it's their patented technology that makes the shoes stand out from other brands.

Likes -

• Very comfortable upper
• Really well made, quality shoe
• Love the colors available
• Environmentally conscience company with recycled laces, webbing, insole topcover

Dislikes -

• $175 - I'm not sure I see the benefit.  Yes, high quality but worth twice a regular running shoe?
• Those darn lugs on the bottom of the shoe - I just don't get it.  Sorry.

Overall, would I recommend these shoes?  I'm sorry to say that I would not.  I just could not get that comfortable in them.  I know lots of people really like them including professionals.  I really like the style and upper but couldn't get comfortable running in these.  I'd probably opt to purchase two pair of shoes that have a better feel when running.

If you are interested in learning more about Newton Running shoes?

Go to their Website, HERE

Go to their Facebook Page, HERE

Go to their Twitter Page, HERE

I would like to thank Newton Running for the opportunity to try out their running shoes.

* Note - I received a complimentary pair of Newton Gravity shoes in exchange for this review.  All opinions on this blog post are my own and I was not paid or required to give a particular opinion on the shoes.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!