It’s been a couple of months since logging my first miles in the 2008 Newton Gravitas and now, 150 miles later, I figured a quick update as to how they’re holding up is in order. As you can see in the pic on the left (click for larger view), the 150 mile shoe is definitely showing signs of wear compared to the brand new one I have waiting in the wings, especially on the actuator lugs. However, without doubt, there’s plenty of “spring” left in the lugs which means I’m still receiving an energy return from every foot strike.
Newton Running claim that their shoes should last as long as a regular training shoe. For me, that equates to about 400 miles and means there’s still plenty of forefoot running left in the orange and yellow shoes. My only question would be I wonder how I’ll “know” when they’re done? Anyone have any input on this?
In case you haven’t got the message from previous blog posts, I simply love wearing the Newtons. They’re so comfortable that out on the road they almost feel like a carpet slipper. In fact, they are so comfy, quite often I’ll forget I’m wearing an actual training shoe and not a minimalistic racing flat.
As for training, now that I’ve totally found and experienced the “Newton Sweet Spot”, I’m able to run longer and faster and am confident I’ll be able to wear them with great success at the Richmond Marathon in November. Last Wednesday’s longish run was a prime example: just over 13 miles in 1 hour 26 minutes – a time that would have put me in the top 80 at last years Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach! Actually, now that I think about it, it wasn’t too many years ago that I was struggling to break 1:30:00 in a half marathon, so to go out in training and run this fast is pretty sweet.
Thank you Newton Running for the boost! Coupled with the motivation and inspiration I’m taking from DailyMile.com at the moment, I predict the second half of 2009 is going to be even better than the first half! Here’s to a couple of hundred more miles in the ’08 Gravitas, and then onto the next pair. And the next. And the next…..
I have the same pair and I love ’em.
Hi Steve
Just getting caught up with you. Not literally of course as You are still faster than fast! I am really looking forward to doing a half one of these days and when I see your times… wow.
I am pretty much sold on the idea of picking up a pair of Newtons and was wondering how you think they compare to the ST4. Could I do a whole marathon in the Newtons (if I trained in them of course) or do you think I would be better off in the ST4. I have done 3 marathons in the ST3 and actually felt not too beaten up afterwards.
Take care and best of luck with the training.
Hey Steve,
It’s great to see that you’ve found a great shoe for yourself. I know you’ll get those Gravitas ready for Richmond. No doubt about it.
Similar to Bill, I’ve run 2 marathons in the Brooks ST3s and have felt really well in them. And, I’ll be running the MCM this October in the ST4s. It’s their turn, I guess.
You may be surprised to learn that I actually tried on a pair of 2009 Newton trainers, the Motus (I require a sprinkle of stability). I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. 😛 While putting them on in front of a salivating salesman wasn’t pleasant, their lightness and looks were great! However, I can see that it would take one a lot of time to get used to Newtons, if they weren’t already 100% mid-to-forefoot striking. I’ve got a little heel wear on my shoes that I’m not proud of. If I had the time to invest in the Newton learning process, I’d buy a pair. But, as you know, I’m just getting back into running after minor surgery on the ball of my right foot, and my MCM is only getting closer.
I’ll consider Newtons down the road again, after my MCM at least. Besides, right now I can get 3 pair of Brooks for the price of 1 pair of Newtons, under my current Brooks ID arrangement. It would be nice if Newton’s price points would come down some more.
I don’t know this shoe. I’m a Mizuno girl.
Thanks for your input Andy. I’ve also completed several marathons in the Brooks ST3. Aside from this year’s Shamrock Marathon (where the ST3s should have really been in the trash and not on my feet), I have nothing but good things to say about them.
The Newtons are definitely a different animal than the Brooks ST3 or ST4 (which incidentally I also own), but I am confident of racing a full marathon in them. Bill, I’ve seen many of your race photos and I don’t see anything obvious that suggests you couldn’t train and race a marathon in a pair of Newtons. They do say there’s a gradual adaptation period where you “break into the shoe” and I definitely experienced a short period of adjustment and minor calf pain, but nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that stopped me running.
One other option is to introduce the Newtons into your training, use them as a tool to improve your running efficiency, but still race in the ST3s or ST4s. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in running form in my race photographs and I don’t over stride when tired as I tended to in the “old days”.
The other great thing about the Newtons is that they offer a 30 day 100% money back guarantee. If you try one of their shoes and decide they’re just not for you, send them back for a full no questions asked refund.
Thanks again for the great question. I was on the Newton fence for a while (mainly due to the high price point), but I’m so glad I took the plunge and decided to try them out. Can’t wait to build up to 20 milers and beyond and see how they perform.
Cheers!
–Steve
Hi Steve
Ok, I think that is it. I’m going to take the plunge next month (and next credit card billing cycle) and go ahead and get a pair. I went on their site and was really impressed with the video. And it really makes sense. I’m going to go with the neutral racer (I’m a reverse pronator) and ease them into my shoe rotation.
Thanks Steve.
Hi Steve,
Tory from Newton Running here – I tell folks that when they feel like their shoes are no longer giving them what they once were, then it’s time for a new pair. For some, this is 300 miles, for others it’s 500+. I’ve never taken any running shoe over 400 myself, but there are some who like to push it!
Glad to know that all is still going well with your running, and if there’s anything that comes up along the way, just give a holler.
Cheers,
Tory
Director of Customer Service
Newton Running
Thanks for the comment Troy. Appreciate it! I hope to get 400 miles out of the Gravitas and a couple of hundred out of the Racer. I’ll be sure to tread carefully though so I don’t overdo it.
Bill, don’t want to turn you away from the racer, but you may want to consider the neutral training shoe too. The difference in weight is negligible (9.4oz compared to 8.6oz for a size 9), but for the extra $20 more I think you’ll get better mileage and hence better value.
I’ve raced in both shoes and wouldn’t say I found the racer to be any faster than the trainer. Just my opinion of course….
Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions!
–Steve
By the way, you’ll find a ton of great Newton Running info at Brandon’s Marathon web site: http://brandonsmarathon.com – videos, podcasts, articles and more.
I purchased a pair of Newton Neutral Racers in January 2009 have now over 525 miles logged on them. That is at least twice as many miles as I’ve gotten out of ANY other running shoe! Except for some scuffing on the left side mid-foot the heels are hardly blemished!! I am now looking for a sweet deal on a pair of the red neutral trainers….
Hi Steve,
I just bought a pair of Newton Gravitas. I’m curious how many miles you got out of the pair you mention in this post. The 30 day money-back period helped me take the chance on them. I also want to be a more efficient runner with good form – glad to see that you’ve had good experience with them. Cheers.
Hi Michael,
Believe it or not, I still have the Gravitas in my current shoe rotation. I probably only wear them once a week, but they’re still going strong at 373 miles.
Good luck!
–Steve