Newton Running Neutral Racer Test Drive

After several months of “thinking about” trying the much talked about Newton Running shoes, I finally plonked down the cash and purchased a pair of Newton Neutral Racers. I also wanted to buy the Neutral Trainer, but my local running store didn’t have a size 9.5 in stock – not surprising really, as they’re currently selling the Motion and Gravity models for an incredible $109.99 (a huge $65 saving!)

According to the Newton web site, it will take the average runner roughly 25 to 30 miles to adjust to the shoes. Apparently the short break-in period will “allow the Newton Active Membrane Technologyâ„¢ and actuator lugs to adapt to your unique bio-mechanics”.

For this reason, I warmed up for a couple of miles in my fairly new Pearl Izumi Surge – an interesting shoe which is lightweight, responsive and very comfortable. To test drive the Newtons I chose a 1200m loop of the Virginia Beach Sportsplex – 800m for the speed intervals with 400m for a recovery. I quickly changed shoes and immediately felt the forefoot lugs making contact with the ground. Weird.

I started the first 800m and took no time at all adjusting to the on-your-toes sensation. I won’t say the running was effortless, but it did feel like someone was pushing me forward – maybe it was all in my mind, but the 2:46 split was still a surprise.

I jogged the (almost) 400m back to starting point, hit lap on the Garmin, and set off again. Same on-your-toes running style and even as fatigue set in after about 600m, I was still able to maintain the forefoot strike. To be honest, it’s almost impossible to heel strike in the Newtons. Second 800m – 2:40.

At 2:39, the third split was the quickest 800m interval I’ve run in a very long time (if not ever). Admittedly, I only planned on running 4 x 800m, but to run a 2:39 was very satisfying.

Around about this time I noticed the outside of my right foot was rubbing against the inside of the shoe – probably due to too-thick Balega socks. Maybe I’ll need to wear the thinner ones next time? Anyway, I briefly thought about loosening the laces but decided to just set off for the final interval and focus on maintaining good form instead. Split #4 – 2:36!

I spent a few minutes stretching my calves (more as a precaution than anything else), changed shoes and ran slowly back home, happy with the performance and very pleased with the Newton Racers. I just hope I can get hold of the Neutral Trainers pretty soon so I can start wearing them for tempo runs and some of my faster training.

By the way, stepping back into the Pearl Izumi’s was a very strange sensation – despite only having about 40 miles on them, they felt flat as a pancake and wide as a barge. I’d guess it must have taken a good half mile to get used to the feeling of wearing traditional shoes again. Most odd!

7 thoughts on “Newton Running Neutral Racer Test Drive”

  1. Steve, Congrats on taking the plunge in Newtons! I got my first pair about a year ago and wouldn’t think of changing shoes. I REALLY love the trainers; more cushy than the racers. The racers are great — don’t get me wrong — but the extra cushioning of the trainers is wonderful! I have noticed that if I sprint in my racers I get a little bit of pinky toe rub, as the toebox is a little narrower than the trainers. There are a whole bunch of things I like about the shoes (no wonder why I talk about them all the time on my blog or Twitter!) but one of the features I haven’t mentioned enough is the breatheability (is that a word?) of the upper. My toes always feel cool; even in the AZ heat! These shoes are worth every penny; and at $175 the trainers are an investment… but a worthwhile one!

    Reply
  2. HI Steve

    Very interesting post! I have never even heard of the Newtons, but followed your links and they do seem to make sense. I have to admit that the price is a little bit daunting, but at some point I may take the plunge and give a pair a shot.

    Those weres some pretty blazing 800s by the way.

    Hope all is well.

    Reply
  3. Thanks Brett for the comprehensive comment and thanks to you too Bill.

    The Newtons felt great in the store where I first tried them out, but it’s difficult to put into words how great they felt yesterday in the first test run.

    I’m definitely going to invest in the 2009 training shoes when they’re available later this month – it’s about time I put my Richmond Marathon prize money to good use!

    http://www.newtonrunning.com/newton-products/the-shoes/mens-shoes/men-trainers/men-neutral-trainer-09

    I’ll be sure to keep posting my experience with the shoes, much the same as Brett did on his great blog:

    http://blog.triphx.com/?page_id=38

    Hope the taper is going well Bill. Just over 2 weeks to go…

    –Steve

    Reply
  4. Glad to hear you like the racers, Steve. If my experience is any indicator, I think you’ll like the trainers too. Like you, I don’t feel like I took very long to adjust to the Newtons either.

    Reply

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