Adjusting to your Newton shoes
Choosing the size for your needs
Finding your foot type

Most popular FAQ’s

Sizing, Model and Fit

What model is right for me?

We can help you right here.

What size should I get?

Please use the ShoeFitr application located next to the sizing selection of the product you are considering in order to get an accurate estimate. Remember to fit for the largest dimension of your largest foot, not simply length.

What is my size in European sizing?

Please check the sizing chart on the bottom of the Choosing A Shoe page.

How do I know if my shoes fit right?

While comfort is key, there are additional factors to keep in mind when fitting Newton Running shoes:

  • Flex point/arch length: The joint of your big toe should fit approximately in the middle of the flex panel on the inside of the shoe. This places the flex point of your foot over the external lugs on the bottom of the shoe.
  • Width: Your foot should not spill over the sides of the shoe when you stand and put weight on the ball of your foot. Remember that your foot spreads and swells as you run. Your running shoe will be larger than your dress shoe –often up to a full size larger.
  • Length: You need at least ¼ inch of room between the end of your longest toe and the inside of the end of the shoe – preferably more. This can be up to a full inch if you have a very long arch and/or very short toes.
  • Volume: You should be able to comfortably lace your shoes.

Normal Wear & Tear Patterns

Is there anything I can learn from the wear patterns on my Newton Running shoes?

Newton Running shoes wear like car tires: from the outside in. Like wear on car tires, shoe wear is a result of friction: the shoe sliding along the ground during your gait cycle. This is like a car skidding to a halt or spinning its wheels taking off from a stoplight. When you run, this may be so slight you can’t hear it, but the wear on your shoes shows where you are creating friction. If the heel of your shoe shows wear, you are braking on the foot strike. This is inefficient and you should work on your form. Make sure you maintain good posture and position (lean from your ankle; don’t bend at your waist).

As the wear on your lugs accumulates, you will see that the front third wears significantly more than the rear two-thirds. This is totally normal and to be anticipated. Ideally, the lugs will wear evenly, from one side to the other.

If you have excessive wear on the front of the shoe (under your toes), you are toeing off too hard at the end of the foot strike and pushing harder off the ground than need be. This is also inefficient and indicates that you are not utilizing the benefits of the shoe’s midfoot technology.

It is not uncommon that some runners will burn off the outside (lateral) lug. This doesn’t mean you are supinating – in fact, most runners with this wear pattern are pronating. It indicates you are hitting the ground to the outside of your foot with a slight stabbing motion. To correct this, try to bring your foot back toward you as it strikes the ground.

When should I retire my Newton Running shoes?

Retire your shoes when any part of the shoe is worn down unevenly close to the surrounding material. An example would be one side of the lugs under the ball of the foot is worn down level to the outer part of the outsole. If you wear the shoe evenly, it will continue to perform even if you wear down all of the rubber lugs. This is because the Action/ReactionTM technology continues to work regardless of wear.

How many miles will I get out of my Newton Running Shoes?

The number of miles you can get from a pair of Newton Running shoes depends on many factors – the most important of which is the efficiency of your gait. In most cases, you will get the same type of mileage out of your Newton Running shoes that you have had in traditional running shoes.

If you don't track your mileage, you can base your need for new Newton Running shoes on how they feel – when you feel like your Newton shoes are no longer giving you the same "pop" they once were, it's time for a replacement.

MV2 & Zero-Drop Shoes

What is the MV2?

The MV2 is a "zero-drop" shoe engineered for athletes who practice Newton running form. The MV2 is unique in that it is built on a level profile: There is no drop from the heel to the midfoot, hence the term “zero drop.”

It is not unusual for runners who are transitioning to a zero-drop shoe like The MV2 to experience tightness in their calf muscles and Achilles tendons, as well as their feet. This can occur because the muscles and tendons are further elongated when running in a zero-drop shoe, compared to a conventional shoe with a lifted heel.

Adapting to a zero-drop shoe and a Newton running style takes time, and the process is unique for each athlete. It is always better to make this transition gradually. With this in mind, we enclose a removable 3 mm heel lift with each pair of our MV2 models in the event that you wish to transition with incremental steps. This is particularly recommended if you are transitioning from a shoe with a high heel-toe drop.

How do you insert heel lifts?

  1. Remove sock liner (insole)
  2. Peel adhesive backing away from heel lift
  3. Place heel lift, sticky side down, flush against the back of heel cup (with the tapered edge facing toward the toes)
  4. Re-insert sockliner over the heel lift
  5. Remove the heel lift when you feel you have adapted

How much does the MV2 weigh?

Men’s size 9 = 5.8oz; Women’s size 7 = 5.2oz

How do they fit?

Most people go up a full size from their current Newton Running shoe size if they are looking for a “comfort fit.” For a tighter racing fit, stay in your current Newton Running shoe size.

Adjusting to the Shoes

What is the best way for me to transition from my old shoes?

If this is your first pair of Newton Running shoes, spend time to adapt. You may need to strengthen muscles and tendons to adjust to any changes in your running form. This could take some time, so be patient!

Can I rotate with my old shoes?

As you are adjusting to your Newton Running shoes, you can rotate with your traditional running shoes so that you maintain mileage and fitness. Use your Newton Running shoes only for 10-15 minutes at a time. You will find that the more you adjust to the midfoot foot strike and strengthen your lower legs and feet, the more inclined you'll be to start running longer in your Newton Running shoes.

Why are my calves are sore, and what can I do?

There are several reasons your calves may be sore, the most common of which is running too much, too fast, too soon and not allowing time for your body to recover and strengthen. A midfoot foot strike engages the calf, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia (connective tissue behind your leg and under your foot). If you are adjusting too fast, pushing off the ground too hard, not allowing your heel to settle fully to the ground or trying to reach the ground by pointing your toe down at foot strike, you may experience calf tenderness. Take time to learn proper running form and adjust slowly.

How long/how many miles will it take me to adjust?

Adjusting to your Newton Running shoes will depend on many factors. If you are a very efficient runner with excellent form, the transition may be very short. If you have embedded heel-striking habits and/or have been wearing a large, built up shoe, your transition can take much longer. Don’t be concerned if it seems to be taking forever; learning to modify your foot strike takes time, but it is worth the effort!

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