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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Newton Distance IV Review}} The Newton Distance has Newton's unique lugs under the forefoot, which are intended to improve Running Economy. The Distan..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Newton Distance IV Review}}
The Newton Distance has Newton's unique lugs under the forefoot, which are intended to improve [[Running Economy]]. The Distance shows some evolution of the earlier Newton designs, and the five lugs under the forefoot are a big improvement over their rather unstable 4 lug shoes. However, a shoe with as radical an approach as the Newton involves a number of compromises, and I'd urge some caution in adopting the Distance too quickly to prevent foot injuries. Overall, I rate the Distance as "Worth Considering" as I think it's better than a traditional high-drop shoe, but I'm less convinced when I compare it to a more optimal design. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|}
=The Forefoot Lugs=
The unique feature of Newton shoes is the "lugs" that they add to the bottom of the forefoot. These lugs change the Newtons from a fairly traditional shoe to one with relatively low drop and a rather unusual feel. These lugs are solid rubber protrusions that sit on an elastic membrane that has empty chambers behind each lug (see image below). As the shoe lands, the lugs press up into the chamber and stretch the elastic membrane for cushioning and subsequent rebound.
[[File:Newton.jpg|none|thumb|500px|The Newton Lug system. You can see the red lugs sitting on an elastic membrane with the empty chambers above them. ]]
The Newton lugs make them different to other shoes in a number of ways:
* The Newton has a lower drop than a traditional shoe. In the case of the Distance, it's only 5mm unloaded and 3mm when worn. If you're used to a low drop shoe, this aspect of a Newton shoe will be quite familiar.
* The cushioning provided by the lugs uses a different approach to most shoes that rely on EVA foam. However, the forefoot cushioning of the Distance feels quite similar to shoe of the same drop that use standard EVA foam. Running with a Newton Distance on one foot and the [[Brooks PureCadence]] on the other, the forefoot cushioning was nearly identical. In fact, I felt like the Brooks had a little more rebound than the Distance.
* There is some research comparing a Newton shoe with the lugs to the same shoe with the lugs ground away. This shows the lugs improve [[Running Economy]] in spite of being slightly heavier. However, it's not clear if this is due to the lugs, or simply indicates a lower drop is more efficient.
* Early Newton shoes had only 4 lugs, which made the forefoot contact patch rather narrow and created some side-to-side instability. It was a bit like running on a narrow ridge, creating extra stress on the ankle. The Distance (and some other recent Newton shoes) have 5 lugs that solve this problem nicely. The 5 lug shoes have the lugs spread across nearly the whole width of the forefoot as you can see in the pictures.
* The lugs mean that when the foot is on the ground, it is only supported at the forefoot and heel, not in the middle. I'm a strong advocate for avoiding shoes that push up under the arch of the foot, as an arch is a strong structure unless pressure is applied under the middle. However, the human foot normally has support and contact along the outside edge, and it's here that I find the Newton creates some unusual stress. I'm a little concerned that the Newton could cause problems for the outside bones of the foot (lateral metatarsals). This might be solved by gradually adopting the Newtons rather than simply swapping to them for all running.
* I find the shape of the lugs means there is no support under the toes, which means there is no real "toe off", which I dislike. I did have a bit of an issue with my toes feeling numb with the Newtons, possibly because the forefoot bends the other way from other shoes. In most shoes your toes bend up as you toe off, but with the Newton they bend down due to the lack of support. This issue is more noticeable at faster speeds where toe off becomes more important. So at 9+ minute/mile pace it's a minor annoyance, but at sub-7 minute/mile pace it's far more of a problem. It's possible that as the front of the lugs wear down, then toe off will be regained, but that might take some time.
* The way the lugs provide cushioning means they should last much longer than EVA foam. I've run a few hundred miles with no noticeable wear.
* The lugs can act as a stone trap, and when they do it can be quite painful as the stone is right under the forefoot. I found this was a rare occurrence, but it did happen.
* The Newton is even stranger when walking than running, so I'd not choose to use them for a run/walk workout.
* There is some talk of the Newton encouraging a "barefoot gait", which I think is true. However, I believe that this comes simply from the lower drop, not anything special about the lugs.
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Distance is well cushioned, though as noted above, the cushioning from the lugs is a little different to other companies' shoes. The cushioning-to-weight ratio is not as good as the best shoes, but it's still respectable and better than most.
* {{H:drop}}. The Distance has only 3mm of drop, which is close enough to zero-drop that you probably won't notice.
* {{H:structure}}. While there is the complexity of the lugs, the overall structure of the Distance is nice and simple, without any attempt to interfere with natural foot movement.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Distance is not especially flexible, but the inflexibility manifests itself as springiness rather than rigidity.
* {{H:outsole}}. The forefoot lugs are hard wearing rubber, and there is some further hard rubber along the outside rear of the heel and the forefoot in front of the lugs. This is a little hard to see in the pictures as it is the same color as the midsole.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe is does not match the shape of the human foot, so the [[Shoe Modifications| toe box needs to be cut open for comfort]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is an extremely open mesh in the forefoot, thin and unpadded in the midfoot, and nicely cushioned in the rear. This is a nice combination for breathability and comfort. The padding around the ankle opening is thin but adequate.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Distance has a traditional tongue with tabs for the laces to hold it in position. There is no padding in the tongue but there is some reinforcement that spreads any pressure from the laces out.
* {{H:lacing}}. The laces are slightly rounded, but I had no problem with them coming untied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite firm, but it's small enough that it shouldn't dig in unless you twist your ankle.
{{FastBlr|newton/distance-iv-1331|1331|Newton Distance IV}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Newton Distance and Saucony Kinvara ==
The Distance and the [[Saucony Kinvara]] are quite similar, though they do things in different ways. The Kinvara is minimal drop by simply having a thicker forefoot rather than the Newton's lugs. Overall, I prefer the Kinvara, which feels more natural and creates less stress on my foot. However, the lugs on the Distance may last longer, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 top]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 inside]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|saucony/kinvara-6-952|952|Saucony Kinvara 6}}
==Newton Distance and Brooks PureCadence==
The shoe that I found that's closest to the Distance is the [[Brooks PureCadence]] and I spent some time either swapping between them on runs or even running with one of each type on either foot. I was surprised by how similar the forefoot cushioning felt, as I was hoping that the lugs would provide a little more spring than the EVA foam of the Brooks. The big differences come from the lack of support under the outside edge of the midfoot and under the toes. I found I really missed the toe off with the Distance, and I had aches and pains in my feet with the Distance I've not had in any other shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 top]]
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 inside]]
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|brooks/pure-cadence-4-1063|1063|Brooks Pure Cadence 4}}
==Newton Distance and Hoka Clifton==
The [[Hoka Clifton]] is the one of the better shoes that runners should be looking at. The Clifton is far better cushioned for the same weight, as well as feeling far more natural. If you're after a really well cushioned shoe, then chose the Clifton.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Newton Distance and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 is over engineered and these features go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]], causing more problems than they solve. The GT 2000 represents the shoes I expect many runners to be transitioning away from; it's a lot heavier, but less well cushioned. The GT 2000 has a high heel and various densities of foam in an attempt to manipulate your stride. The lower drop and better cushioning makes the Distance a far nicer shoe to run in. However, the Distance's lack of contact under the midfoot and toe is also a little odd, though not as much of an issue for me as the GT 2000's high heels.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Newton Distance has Newton's unique lugs under the forefoot, which are intended to improve [[Running Economy]]. The Distance shows some evolution of the earlier Newton designs, and the five lugs under the forefoot are a big improvement over their rather unstable 4 lug shoes. However, a shoe with as radical an approach as the Newton involves a number of compromises, and I'd urge some caution in adopting the Distance too quickly to prevent foot injuries. Overall, I rate the Distance as "Worth Considering" as I think it's better than a traditional high-drop shoe, but I'm less convinced when I compare it to a more optimal design. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|}
=The Forefoot Lugs=
The unique feature of Newton shoes is the "lugs" that they add to the bottom of the forefoot. These lugs change the Newtons from a fairly traditional shoe to one with relatively low drop and a rather unusual feel. These lugs are solid rubber protrusions that sit on an elastic membrane that has empty chambers behind each lug (see image below). As the shoe lands, the lugs press up into the chamber and stretch the elastic membrane for cushioning and subsequent rebound.
[[File:Newton.jpg|none|thumb|500px|The Newton Lug system. You can see the red lugs sitting on an elastic membrane with the empty chambers above them. ]]
The Newton lugs make them different to other shoes in a number of ways:
* The Newton has a lower drop than a traditional shoe. In the case of the Distance, it's only 5mm unloaded and 3mm when worn. If you're used to a low drop shoe, this aspect of a Newton shoe will be quite familiar.
* The cushioning provided by the lugs uses a different approach to most shoes that rely on EVA foam. However, the forefoot cushioning of the Distance feels quite similar to shoe of the same drop that use standard EVA foam. Running with a Newton Distance on one foot and the [[Brooks PureCadence]] on the other, the forefoot cushioning was nearly identical. In fact, I felt like the Brooks had a little more rebound than the Distance.
* There is some research comparing a Newton shoe with the lugs to the same shoe with the lugs ground away. This shows the lugs improve [[Running Economy]] in spite of being slightly heavier. However, it's not clear if this is due to the lugs, or simply indicates a lower drop is more efficient.
* Early Newton shoes had only 4 lugs, which made the forefoot contact patch rather narrow and created some side-to-side instability. It was a bit like running on a narrow ridge, creating extra stress on the ankle. The Distance (and some other recent Newton shoes) have 5 lugs that solve this problem nicely. The 5 lug shoes have the lugs spread across nearly the whole width of the forefoot as you can see in the pictures.
* The lugs mean that when the foot is on the ground, it is only supported at the forefoot and heel, not in the middle. I'm a strong advocate for avoiding shoes that push up under the arch of the foot, as an arch is a strong structure unless pressure is applied under the middle. However, the human foot normally has support and contact along the outside edge, and it's here that I find the Newton creates some unusual stress. I'm a little concerned that the Newton could cause problems for the outside bones of the foot (lateral metatarsals). This might be solved by gradually adopting the Newtons rather than simply swapping to them for all running.
* I find the shape of the lugs means there is no support under the toes, which means there is no real "toe off", which I dislike. I did have a bit of an issue with my toes feeling numb with the Newtons, possibly because the forefoot bends the other way from other shoes. In most shoes your toes bend up as you toe off, but with the Newton they bend down due to the lack of support. This issue is more noticeable at faster speeds where toe off becomes more important. So at 9+ minute/mile pace it's a minor annoyance, but at sub-7 minute/mile pace it's far more of a problem. It's possible that as the front of the lugs wear down, then toe off will be regained, but that might take some time.
* The way the lugs provide cushioning means they should last much longer than EVA foam. I've run a few hundred miles with no noticeable wear.
* The lugs can act as a stone trap, and when they do it can be quite painful as the stone is right under the forefoot. I found this was a rare occurrence, but it did happen.
* The Newton is even stranger when walking than running, so I'd not choose to use them for a run/walk workout.
* There is some talk of the Newton encouraging a "barefoot gait", which I think is true. However, I believe that this comes simply from the lower drop, not anything special about the lugs.
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Distance is well cushioned, though as noted above, the cushioning from the lugs is a little different to other companies' shoes. The cushioning-to-weight ratio is not as good as the best shoes, but it's still respectable and better than most.
* {{H:drop}}. The Distance has only 3mm of drop, which is close enough to zero-drop that you probably won't notice.
* {{H:structure}}. While there is the complexity of the lugs, the overall structure of the Distance is nice and simple, without any attempt to interfere with natural foot movement.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Distance is not especially flexible, but the inflexibility manifests itself as springiness rather than rigidity.
* {{H:outsole}}. The forefoot lugs are hard wearing rubber, and there is some further hard rubber along the outside rear of the heel and the forefoot in front of the lugs. This is a little hard to see in the pictures as it is the same color as the midsole.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe is does not match the shape of the human foot, so the [[Shoe Modifications| toe box needs to be cut open for comfort]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is an extremely open mesh in the forefoot, thin and unpadded in the midfoot, and nicely cushioned in the rear. This is a nice combination for breathability and comfort. The padding around the ankle opening is thin but adequate.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Distance has a traditional tongue with tabs for the laces to hold it in position. There is no padding in the tongue but there is some reinforcement that spreads any pressure from the laces out.
* {{H:lacing}}. The laces are slightly rounded, but I had no problem with them coming untied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite firm, but it's small enough that it shouldn't dig in unless you twist your ankle.
{{FastBlr|newton/distance-iv-1331|1331|Newton Distance IV}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Newton Distance and Saucony Kinvara ==
The Distance and the [[Saucony Kinvara]] are quite similar, though they do things in different ways. The Kinvara is minimal drop by simply having a thicker forefoot rather than the Newton's lugs. Overall, I prefer the Kinvara, which feels more natural and creates less stress on my foot. However, the lugs on the Distance may last longer, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 top]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 inside]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|saucony/kinvara-6-952|952|Saucony Kinvara 6}}
==Newton Distance and Brooks PureCadence==
The shoe that I found that's closest to the Distance is the [[Brooks PureCadence]] and I spent some time either swapping between them on runs or even running with one of each type on either foot. I was surprised by how similar the forefoot cushioning felt, as I was hoping that the lugs would provide a little more spring than the EVA foam of the Brooks. The big differences come from the lack of support under the outside edge of the midfoot and under the toes. I found I really missed the toe off with the Distance, and I had aches and pains in my feet with the Distance I've not had in any other shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 top]]
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 inside]]
|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Brooks PureCadence 3 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|brooks/pure-cadence-4-1063|1063|Brooks Pure Cadence 4}}
==Newton Distance and Hoka Clifton==
The [[Hoka Clifton]] is the one of the better shoes that runners should be looking at. The Clifton is far better cushioned for the same weight, as well as feeling far more natural. If you're after a really well cushioned shoe, then chose the Clifton.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Newton Distance and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 is over engineered and these features go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]], causing more problems than they solve. The GT 2000 represents the shoes I expect many runners to be transitioning away from; it's a lot heavier, but less well cushioned. The GT 2000 has a high heel and various densities of foam in an attempt to manipulate your stride. The lower drop and better cushioning makes the Distance a far nicer shoe to run in. However, the Distance's lack of contact under the midfoot and toe is also a little odd, though not as much of an issue for me as the GT 2000's high heels.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV top]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV bottom]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV inside]]
|[[File:Newton Distance IV-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Newton Distance IV outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
