New(ton) Legs?!?

Well, not quite...but they feel like new.

I came home to a lovely brown package on my doorstep and immediately was as giddy as a girl on Christmas!  My Newtons arrived!  And of course I had to test them out right away.  Be prepared for a lot of exclamation points!  I warned you! ;)

Last week the folks at Newton Running contacted me about trying out their shoes.  Since I've been stalking their website (i.e. THIS post) for a while trying to learn more about midfoot/forefoot running, it was a perfect opportunity to see what their technology is all about.  Fast forward to today and here I am wearing my brand new size seven Newton Lady Isaac trainers.  They are neon green, orange and white!  They're wicked comfortable!  They fit my banana feet!  AND they work with my custom orthotics!  Wins all around. :)

One of the main reasons why Newton shoes interested me so much was because they are specifically designed for a midfoot/forefoot running gait.  It seems that most running shoes focus on heel cushioning and gel support, and the Newton line looked like a great idea for a forefoot runner like me.  I mean, check out the wear pattern on my old Asics:

Most of the wear is on the front, while the heel looks practically new.

This is what the Newton site says about the Lady Isaacs:

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"The newest addition to the Newton family offers intelligent control for all foot types. The Isaac is a neutral guidance trainer designed for runners committed to improving their running form to the more efficient midfoot/forefoot running style.
How does the Guidance Trainer differ from the Performance Trainer?"

• Beveled Heel and Toe: helps guide runner easily into the midfoot/forefoot
• Beveled Lugs: smoother, stable feel that is more gradual in the forefoot
• Wider midfoot/forefoot and lugs: adds stability and creates a softer feel
• Midfoot Chassis/Shank: adds support and stability
• Carbon Rubber Outersole: increases durability
• Closed Mesh on Upper: keeps small debris out

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Here are my initial first impressions:

• Very lightweight, adequate padding around the ankle
• Shoe felt like a slipper, not bulky at all; soft material
• Walking around on my hardwood floor felt a little "funny"--like it would if I was wearing this type of shoe:
  

Initial running test:

• Immediately felt like my strides were more powerful and that I was "propelled" forward
• I concentrated on the Land-Lever-Lift running technique Newton Running describes
• Noticed that the ball of my foot felt like it was getting a real workout (just like back in my ballet days)
• Even though I went out with pretty much the same amount of effort as any other run, my pace was incredible!  8:07 pace for 2.6 miles for my hilly neighborhood.
• Since I have to break in the shoes and get used to the way they work, Newton recommends slowly increasing mileage with the shoe...and I can agree.  After only 2.6 miles my feet are tired.  Not necessarily sore yet, but just fatigued.  I'm using some different muscles!
• I felt like I had a brand new set of legs, and not running shoes. 

Not too bad for the first test drive. I can't wait to see what they'll feel like after a few more miles.  Stay tuned for follow up thoughts on these shoes. ;)

See the actuator lugs?

 

Lookin' & feelin' great!

Notice the awesome neon green laces??  (I thought of you, Katye!)

For more information check out www.newtonrunning.com or become a fan of Newton Running on Facebook.

Many thanks to the people of Newton for providing me with this awesome pair of shoes. :)

**Note: All reviews are based on my own personal experience with the specific product that I was provided with.  I  received this product free of charge from Newton Running and was not compensated for my review.**