Newtwon

By far the most popular endurance activity is running.  If you are new to exercise or a competitive athlete, the ease of access to running somewhat makes it a default exercise medium to numbers and popularity.  All you need is some simple clothing, a great pair of shoes and an open road.  Sounds easy enough but like most other things, there is always something that has to make the process difficult. In the case of running, it’s the shoes!

While running has been around since man first stood on two feet, shoes are a relatively new “advancement” in the evolution of the human race. While one would not think there could be a lot of difference in a pair of shoes,  logging on to Zappos and search for “Running Shoes” will produce more results than one can comprehend.

Shoes are much like cars and other clothing.  You develop brand preferences and what works for one person, will not work for another. And much like cars and clothing what often happens is you get attached to a particular model, size or fit and then, whammo, the manufacture completely changes the product and you are left having to find a new favorite.

I recently found myself in this predicament. I have been a faithful Saucony Kinvara wearer.  All was well until the Kinvara 5’s came out this spring.  With much anticipation I could not wait to get my new Kinvara 5’s!  Once they arrived I could not wait to send them back. Saucony completely changed the model to something that did not work for me.

Enter the Newton Gravity.  Searching for shoes can be as taxing as well, preparing your taxes. I was on a tear to find a new shoe so I decided to give the Newton Gravity a try. I have always known about Newton and their unique technology peaked my curiosity so I decided to give them a try.

Runblogger.com describes Newton running shoes as unique in that they are designed specifically for midfoot/forefoot runners. They accomplish this by reducing the height of the heel and increasing the cushion in the forefoot such that the overall offset or difference in thickness between heel and forefoot is minimized. In other words, Newton shoes have a flatter sole than most typical running shoes, and this makes it less likely that a runner will heel strike in them.

In addition to the minimal heel-toe differential, Newton shoes also have a unique system of “actuator lugs” under the forefoot that are designed to absorb shock upon impact and then release it on toe off. Newton calls this Action/Reaction Technology™. The idea is that the lugs get compressed under pressure when the forefoot contacts the ground, and then they spring back, releasing energy during toe-off.

While on the pricy side, the New Gravity (and entire Newton line with models for all distances and pronation) is performance oriented and delivers a great running experience. While providing cushioning and still allowing you to feel the road, ease into Newton’s the “actuator lugs” do take some getting used to.

While an apple may not fall on head, the Newton Gravity’s will give you a great run and you can save that apple for a post race snack!

HERE’S TO BEING FIT FOR LIFE! Chris is a Certified Personal Trainer, USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, Group Exercise Instructor, exercise and endurance enthusiast.  He competes yearly in numerous running races, marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons and other endurance events.  He is a member of the 2015 QT2 Systems Advanced Team.