WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE NEWTON'S?
Newton shoes were invented to break every perception of the traditional running shoe. Their patented technology was inspired by Sir Isaac Newton and his Third Law of Motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The shoe features Newton Active Membrane Technology,™ which replaces the foam and plastic of traditional running shoes and promotes forefoot running. The membrane is layered between four mid-sole actuators and four hollow chambers. On impact, these actuators stretch the membrane as they drive into the chambers in the sole (the “action”). The actuators absorb more shock than traditional running shoes, creating an enhanced cushioned feel. During the toe-off phase of a runner’s stride, the membrane thrusts the actuators back out of the chambers (the “reaction”), returning the impact energy into forward propulsion. It’s the science of motion. Sir Isaac would be amused.
To discover your best running form all you need to do is run barefoot. When running barefoot, you’ll immediately see that you're not landing on your heels. Instead, you're striking on your forefoot. Striking on your forefoot is the most natural, efficient, ergonomically sound, safest and fastest way to run.
See http://www.newtonrunning.com/run_better.php for more information.
Newtons are not for everyone. They are designed specifically for people who are already mid-foot/fore-foot runners, or for people who are working on transitioning from a heel-strike stride to a mid-foot/fore-foot stride. If you are transitioning we recommend that you get training from an experienced coach who teaches forefoot running methods, and read as much as possible about forefoot-running before using the Newton's:
Pre-existing conditions or injuries may mean the shoes are not right for you. If you have an injury, a biomechanical issue or anomaly or a predisposition to a particular type of injury, consult your physician, coach or orthotics supplier before using the shoes.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE RIGHT SIZE?
Sir Isaac would never approve of an ill-fitting shoe, so make sure your Newtons fit properly. Try on your Newtons with a lightweight running sock. Kick your heel gently to the back of the shoe before lacing lightly. Put all your weight on the larger of your two feet. A perfect fit should always accommodate the larger foot. For a proper fit there should be one-quarter to one-half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Try running in them a bit indoors on a clean floor. You will definitely feel the lugs under your forefoot. Bounce a bit – this will allow you to feel the movement of the technology. Newtons were designed to work with your feet. The foot needs room to work naturally inside of the shoe. If the shoes are too small, you will not be centered over the forefoot technology and you will not feel the true cushion, levering and propulsion of the shoe. If you find the shoe is too large or small, please see the back of this sheet for exchange instructions.
Newton Running shoes have a unique feel as soon as you put them on — they are lightweight, breathable, comfortable, highly cushioned yet stable and responsive. You will feel the actuator lugs below your forefoot. While running in Newton shoes, your feet will sense the ground faster and you will want to strike the ground with the actuator lugs. You won't feel the need to land on your heel. If you already run with a mid-foot or forefoot strike you will notice that you are on and off the ground quicker with less harsh impact and greater forward propulsion. Newton athletes and wear testers have consistently reported running faster with less effort and less recovery time than with their previous running shoes. And the faster you run the more you notice the benefits of Newton.
HOW DO I ADJUST TO MY NEWTON’S?
As with any change in running shoes, you need to give your body time to adjust to your new shoes. No matter how good the shoes feel when you put them on, it is best to hold back and gradually increase the length of each run.
If you are already a forefoot runner you will likely adapt quickly. If you aren't a forefoot runner or you're not sure of your running style, we suggest you get acquainted with the technology by doing short runs of 1 to 3 miles until you have logged about 40 miles, or when you feel you are running comfortably at your longest training run. You may want to alternate runs with your old running shoes to maintain your mileage without overstressing your body. Be aware of how you adjust to the shoes, feel how they adapt to you, and enjoy the ride.
Whereas heel striking tends to disperse shock more directly to the joints, proper forefoot running technique engages muscles in the absorption of impact shock. If you are new to forefoot running you will have sore muscles in areas you were not utilizing effectively before running in Newton shoes.
Our shoes are designed specifically for mid-foot/forefoot running. These shoes will not make you a forefoot runner, but they will help promote a change in your running form if you are transitioning from a heel-strike stride. In the training phase it is common that your feet may feel tight or that you may experience soreness or tightness in your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors or other parts of your body. These sensations are not unexpected for people who are new to the shoes and running style. They will decrease as you adjust to the shoes and become a more efficient runner.
If you are experiencing problems in adjusting to a Newton product, please contact us at 877.860.7695 to talk to a running specialist.
DO THE NEWTONS NEED TO ADJUST TO ME?
Yes. The our shoes need a short break-in period to allow the Newton Active Membrane Technology™ and the actuator lugs to adapt to your unique biomechanics. You will know that the shoes have adjusted to your feet when you notice wear in the front part of the red actuator lugs. Don’t be surprised if you see a color change in the rubber as the lugs wear down, this is simply variation in color due to the molding process and has no effect on the shoes function. Most runners report that the ride of the shoe feels natural after approximately 25 to 30 miles.
WHAT ABOUT MY CUSTOM ORTHOTICS?
No shoe can replace the comfort and control provided by custom-made orthotics, so we encourage you to use your own with your Newton running shoes. Simply remove the shoe’s sock liner and insert your orthotics, it’s that easy. Flexible sport orthotics tend to be more effective that rigid inserts, and their thickness will determine how your foot fits the shoe. If your insert exceeds 1/8 – 3/16” thickness, you may require a half-size larger to achieve the perfect fit.
HOW WILL THE SHOES WEAR OVER TIME?
Newton shoes are different than other running shoes in many ways, including the way they wear over time. Unlike other running shoes that wear from the inside out, reducing cushioning and energy return, Newton running shoes are constructed to wear from the outside in. This allows them to maintain their high level of cushioning and energy return longer. As a result, you will see more wear on the sole than with standard running shoes, but this does not impact the performance of the shoe.
Like all running shoes, the longevity of Newton shoes will depend on many factors that are specific to the individual wearing them, including body weight, biomechanics, stride, running efficiency and technique. If you are a forefoot runner you will likely get the same amount of mileage out of your Newton product as your current running shoes.
Traditional running shoes place much of their emphasis on heel cushioning, bulking up the rear of the shoe in order to prevent excessive wear. Runners with a heavy heel strike may not experience the same durability as more efficient forefoot strikers. Thus, the heels of Newton shoes may tend to wear quicker than a regular shoe. Over time and as you become a more experienced forefoot runner, you will see significantly less wear on your Newton shoes.
The most visible wear comes during the break-in period, which is typically the first thirty miles. You will notice wear in the red lugs immediately. This is normal and part of the Newton design. Each lug will wear differently, and the wear on your right and left feet might be different. This is the technology adjusting to the unique biomechanics of your foot. Do not be concerned with lug wear: this is normal and expected.
Newton's are designed for and perform best on hard surfaces. They can also be used on paths and grass surfaces. Our current models are not designed for rough terrain, but trail runners can rejoice: a trail model is in the works.
THE SHOES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TREADMILL RUNNING. If you decide to use a treadmill, we suggest you increase the gradient to about 3% to accommodate for changes in wind resistance, inertia and momentum.