By Jeff Freer
For the past couple of years, I have been rotating various types of Newton shoes into my daily lineup. For those of you who are not familiar with Newton running shoes – they are a well cushioned shoe with very little heel lift that is designed for people with a midfoot to forefoot foot strike or a heel striker working toward a midfoot strike. Recently, many running experts and coaches have been emphasizing a stride that favors a midfoot strike as a way to potentially reduce injuries compared to a heel strike. With a heel that is less than 3mm higher than the forefoot (compared to an industry average of 12 to 14 mm), the heel of the Newton shoe does not get in the way and drag on the ground, halting the stride or increasing the heel impact. The smaller heel to toe ratio also keeps your foot in a more ‘natural’ position instead of canted forward or plantarflexed. Finally, the Newton design includes lugs under the forefoot for additional shock absorption and spring. Some of the Newtons I’ve used include the original Newton Performance Trainers which have a narrow fit and the Sir Isaac which is a slightly less aggressive shoe than the performance shoes with a heel lift of 3mm as opposed to 1.5mm and with less pronounced forefoot lugs. The Isaacs also fit a little wider than the performance shoes.
Earlier this year, Newton announced it was coming out with a trail shoe called the Terra Momentus or Momentum. I was able to acquire a pair in August and it was love at first run. The Momentum is based on the Isaac platform with the slightly higher heel and lower lugs, but this is not what sets it apart. Newton tweaked the upper a bit for a near perfect fit to my foot. The heel counter comes up a little higher and narrower than the Isaacs while keeping the forefoot width virtually the same. This creates a better form fit and eliminates heel slippage while keeping the toe box roomy and comfortable. Newton has removed most of the sewn-on overlays that usually make up the aesthetic as well as much of the structural design of a shoe’s upper. The normal overlays have been replaced with a sublimated material that maintains the structure of the shoe without the bulk or stitching. Several other companies have recently started using this sublimation process on their performance shoes or will be in Spring 2011.
The typical Newton shoe has a very open mesh for high breathability. This open mesh has allowed small pebbles and other trail debris to occasionally get into the shoe and irritate my feet. Some Newton runners have complained about how cold their feet get during the winter due to the openness of the upper. The Momentum has a closed mesh that will both keep rocks out and keep some heat in. I wore these shoes in August and did not find them too warm, just warmer than the other Newtons. Also, in true Newton fashion, the colors used on the Momentum really stand out with a bright green and yellow for the men and a bright blue and yellow for the women.
Like the Isaac, the Momentum is called a ‘Guidance Trainer’. What this means is the shoe has a little overpronation-control and a little under-pronation control and, if you happen to be neutral and do not over- or under-pronate, the control is balanced on both sides just for you. I want to emphasize that the control aspect of the Momentum (and the Isaac) is minimal, so if you have severe over-pronation, these shoes are not going to work for you without an orthotic. Nevertheless, Newton shoes are made to readily accept most over the counter and custom orthotics. In addition, the Momentum is currently available only in standard widths.
As with other Newtons, the price is a little on the steep side but the Momentum is priced on the low end at $139 a pair. This is comparable to an Asics Kayano, Brooks Trance, and other higher end running shoes. To me, the price is worth it for the flat midsole, the awesome fit, and light weight.
The new Newton Momentum is now my second favorite piece of running gear for trail and road, right behind my Nipguards. If you are a midfoot to forefoot runner looking for a great trail/cool weather shoe, I believe the Newton Momentum will make a fine addition to your stable.
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Jeff Freer is the Running Manager at Inside-Out Sports in Cary, a Certified Pedorthist, a non-practicing RRCA-certified Running Coach who makes custom orthotics on the side. He likes to run and ride when his wife and kids allow it. He does not like to swim but does it anyway.
