Newton Gravity General Info
The latest incarnation of the Newton Gravity seeks to accomplish two goals at once—promote midfoot striking while reducing bulk. For a brand that incorporates unique design features as the focal point of its manufacturing, the notion of a lightweight shoe with rubber forefoot actuators seems paradoxical, at best. The Gravity, however, provides an eminently rewarding running experience. With a lightweight upper, a flexible forefoot, and a supportive midsole, the Gravity could well become a force within a market usually left for light, thin, threadbare models. Weighing in at 9.4 ounces, they’re not the absolute lightest shoes in their category, but the fit and function of the shoe doesn’t suffer a bit for their size. Retailing for a bit more than many minimalist runners might be accustomed to, the shoes deliver an experience that can justify the price—resulting in a pleasant midfoot ride that could appeal to people looking to alter their form or reinforce current habits.
Newton Gravity Impressions
I was initially curious to see how the larger midsole and heavy-duty outsole of the Gravity would feel when compared to my usual arsenal of minimalist shoes. I hadn’t run in a shoe with a heel of similar size in at least half a year, so I anticipated a dramatic change in my stride. After a few miles, however, I never experienced the dramatically-different run that I was expecting: the shoes remained light, unobtrusive, and comfortable.
Newton suggests a slow, steady break-in period for the shoes and I am inclined to agree—those who aren’t accustomed to the fit and feel of their brand should take it slow at first. The midfoot lugs can take some getting used to, but like all good teachers, they reward good behavior. When your footstrike is on-target in the midfoot, the lugs respond and promote an affirming spring in your step. I found this to be reassuring as a midfoot runner—when I was on-key, I could feel it. All said, the Gravity was a fun shoe to run in; if I were looking to transition into midfoot running, or wanted more support without too much bulk, I would consider the investment in a pair without much hesitation.
Newton Gravity Sole Unit
The sole of the Gravity is where the magic happens, and is by far the most distinct component of the shoe. The Action/Reaction technology within the heel and forefoot seek to promote a natural, efficient stride throughout foot turnover. Metatarsal sensor plates, also called “lugs,” reward midfoot striking and help cushion against impact around the ball of the foot. The lugs create a springing feeling when footstrike is direct—promoting a midfoot gait by rewarding you for landing properly. The goal, according to Newton, is to create motor memory of proper form which is accelerated and assisted by the shoe’s lugs. All told, the lugs did help remind me to land on my midfoot—creating a “target” for my gait most of all. For midfoot newbies, this feature will be even more pronounced.
Newton Gravity Upper Unit
The Gravity features a lightweight upper that protects the foot against moisture or debris, but is still thin enough to reduce shoe weight and promote breathability. The slip-proof laces and minimal support strapping make the upper a nice and obtrusive element of the shoe. The fit is on the narrow side—particularly in the forefoot—so runners who enjoy a surplus of toe room may want to try out a pair thoroughly before committing. With a second toe that is longer than the big toe (known formally as “Morton’s toe,”), I didn’t notice much discomfort. A slightly wider toe box would certainly be welcomed, however. All in all, the upper unit is sturdy, fairly light, and well-designed.
Newton Gravity Opinion
Newton is seeking to revolutionize the way we run, and they may well be onto something. The Gravity is a comfortable neutral trainer that adds a little something extra—the forefoot lugs help promote positive form without getting in the way, while the rest of the shoe promotes natural movement with minimal interference. Despite being radically different in the mid- and outsole, the Gravity feels comfortable and natural. Anyone looking to make a transition to midfoot striking who could use a little guidance and support should consider the Gravity—even if the price tag makes it an investment in future improvements.
price comparison
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Mens Newton Running Gravity Running Shoe RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. |
$174.95
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Newton Running - Men's Gravity (blue/red) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns |
$175.00
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Written by Brian O'Connor
Brian is a writer/editor focusing on running, fitness, and sports medicine. With experience in Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, and Nutrition, Brian's interests include research on running and endurance activity-related injuries, rehabilitative medicine, and the role of footwear in orthopedics. Brian is a longtime contributor to RunningShoesGuru.com, focusing on the minimalist shoe market along with technological advances within shoe design.
I am not convinced that the lugs on newton shoes do anything differently than foam on any other shoe. Newton advertises energy return, but EVA offers good energy return without the weight of the lugs. The lugs simply give a positive feedback for those who forefoot strike. The same principle is applied with the sketchers go run shoes. These shoes would be terrible for heep strikers as the lugs create an abrupt transition from heel to toe, think speed bump, which also excessively the achillies tendon. These shoes are far from the most innovative and should get the award for most expensive gimmicky shoe. The newtonrunning site is filled with bastardations of actual physics and biomechanics to further promote its snake oil.
These shoes aren’t meant for people to heel strike and that’s because they are trying to get you to run on your forefoot instead of your heel. That’s why these shoes have the lugs to propell you forward onto your toes.
I got some damage with Gravity, metatarsal stress. You too?
Obviously a rep for a competitor’s shoe company. Don’t be so obvious…
Excessively stress**
I have ran over 400 miles in this shoe and have to say that it is the best shoe I have ever run in. Two things price and sizing make it less than perfect. The toe box is narrow and I cannot afford to replace this shoe at 175 as often as I need.
It is not a shoe for everyone and it will “not make you a forefoot runner alone.” I needed to change my gait due to shin-splint fractures as well as IT Band issues and I tried 5 different shoes. I bought Newtons BUT also read extensively on running form and incorporated drills and better practice into my running. So, unlike what Nick is saying, this shoe is not the answer to anything but if used as a tool it will help create better form. I PR’ed in this shoe at every distance 5k-26.2. I no longer run exclusively in this shoe because of the high price tag but have switched to shoes with lower heel drops and less support as a result. The fit is key when buying this shoe. If you order online don’t hesitate to return and get a new size until you get it right. But if you are like me and looking for help pick this shoe up and a book on natural running, pose running, chi running… and you might be surprised!
I’ve put 500+ miles on Gravities and Sir Isaacs. They aren’t gimmicks. They really work. Asics Gel an Brooks Pure flow seem squishy compared to Newtons. They seem to “bounce”. I Love them.
I picked up the destiny first and was impressed with it so much I got the gravity.. Newton suggest breaking into the shoes slowly, which I did by modifying my running style after viewing the several videos online about the benefits of forefoot running several months ago. But the proof is in the pudding, walking in the shoe at first feels different it took a little adjustment in my stride but once I got warmed it felt great…
I like the shoes, but they don’t last very long. The salesperson said they would last 750 miles with their extra cushion in the front, and after a few months, they’re already peeling. For $175, they should last more than the 400 miles I’ve put on them. Also, the company’s customer service is terrible and unwilling to stand by their product.
I have always been a mid-foot striker, having been a 400m / 800m runner through university. I spent many years looking for a good neutral shoe with forefoot / midfoot support and minimal drop. After 15 years of looking and trying everything and routinely suffering tendonitis, I discovered Newtons. I have been using these for 3 years now, the tendonitis is gone and I am a huge fan.
I have been a runner all of my life. Now in my early 60s I run through the mountains of Vermont where I now live. Over the past couple of years I have suffered severe pain on the ball of my feet. As a mid-foot or fore-striker, I think the wear and tear on my fore-foot was taking a toll. My son, a cross-country runner got me into Newtons, and like the reviews above, I find the shoes ‘reward’ me for my stride and the pain has disappeared. After trying about every brand over the years, I have found my running shoe. Newtons are amazing!