ADJUSTING TO THE SHOES
With normal running shoes you typically have to break the shoe in. With Newtons, you have to break into the shoes.
While running in Newton Running shoes, your feet will sense the ground faster, you’ll have a better “feel” for the road and you’ll want to strike the ground with the actuator lugs located under your forefoot. Right away you won't feel the need to land on your heel. If you already run with a midfoot or forefoot strike you will notice that you are on and off the ground quicker with less harsh impact and greater forward propulsion. The faster you run the more you notice the benefits of Newton.
Newton Running shoes will promote a change in running form, so your body may need time to adjust. You may have sore muscles in areas you were not utilizing before — especially your feet and lower legs. From our wear testing program we have had runners who needed no time to adapt to runners who required two to four runs, or extended time, to get acquainted with the technology. A general rule would be to take it easy for several runs. Enjoy the new feeling and do short runs of 1 to 3 miles until you have about 25 miles total. At this point you should be somewhat to fully adjusted and ready to go farther and faster.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Newton running shoes have a unique feel as soon as you put them on — they are lightweight, breathable, comfortable, highly cushioned yet stable and responsive. While running in Newton shoes, you will feel the actuator lugs below your forefoot and your feet will sense the ground faster, encouraging you to strike the ground with your midfoot instead of your heel. If you already run with a midfoot gait pattern, you will notice that you are on and off the ground quicker with less harsh impact and greater forward propulsion.
Newton athletes and wear testers have consistently reported running faster with less effort and less recovery time than with their previous running shoes. And the faster you run, the more you notice the benefits of Newton's technology. Studies of elite runners, those who run barefoot and anyone running at 6-minute mile pace or faster run on their forefoot.
LETTING YOUR BODY ADJUST
As with any change in running shoes, you need to give your body time to adjust to your new shoes. And that’s especially true with Newtons because of the unique midfoot technology we’ve put into the shoes. No matter how good the shoes feel when you put them on, it’s best to hold back , break into them slowly and gradually increase the length of each run as your body is ready.
If you are already a midfoot runner you will likely adapt quickly, although it is common to feel new muscles you may not have noticed before. If you aren't a midfoot runner or you're not sure of your running style, we suggest you get acquainted with the technology by doing short runs of 1 to 3 miles until you have logged about 40 miles, or when you feel you are running comfortably at your longest training run. You may want to alternate runs with your old running shoes to maintain your mileage without overstressing your body. Be aware of how you adjust to the shoes, feel how they adapt to you, and enjoy the ride.
Whereas heel striking tends to disperse shock more directly to the joints, proper forefoot running technique engages muscles in the absorption of impact shock. If you are new to forefoot running you will have sore muscles in areas you were not utilizing effectively before running in Newton shoes.
Our shoes are designed specifically for midfoot running. These shoes will not make you a midfoot runner, but they will help promote a change in your running form if you are transitioning from a heel-strike stride. In the training phase, it’s common that your feet may feel tight or that you may experience soreness or tightness in your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors or other parts of your body. These sensations are not unexpected for people who are new to the shoes and running style. They will decrease as you adjust to the shoes and become a more efficient runner.
If you are experiencing problems in adjusting to a Newton product, please contact us at 01189 346 799 to talk to a running specialist.
LETTING YOUR SHOES ADJUST
Your shoes need a short break-in period to allow the Newton Active Membrane Technology™ and the actuator lugs to adapt to your unique bio-mechanics. You will know that the shoes have adjusted to your feet when you notice wear in the front part of the red actuator lugs. Don't be surprised if you see a color change in the rubber as the lugs wear down, this is simply variation in color due to the molding process and has no effect on the shoes function. Most runners report that the ride of the shoe feels natural after approximately 25 to 30 miles.
