Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Reflective elements found all over the upper of this shoe to protect the runner by ensuring their visibility on their evening runs• Highly durable SHARC technology is used on the outsole of these shoes to keep them looking and feeling newer for longer.• Flex grooves along the underfoot to add flexibility without taking away from the stability the shoe offers.• Biomechanical sensor plate located in the midsole gives this shoe a very responsive feel.• This shoe comes with a Metatarsal Pad Sock Liner that uniquely conforms to each individual foot to provide a personalized fit for extra comfort.• P.O.P.3 platform in the midsole for added comfort and responsiveness.
Upper
The upper of the Newton Aha is both breathable and durable. The material is a tough, durable, mesh. The entire upper is made from one seamless piece of material. The idea is that if the seams are eliminated, so too, is the unwanted chafing or irritation they can cause. In addition to this unique design, reflective properties have been added to the upper, including the heel, tongue and sides. Runners love this addition because it enables them to run safely, even in the dark.. A final addition to this upper is a Metatarsal Pad Sock Liner. It conforms to the shape of the foot for extra comfort and support.
Midsole
The midsole foam used in this shoe is an EVA foam. The EVA foam gives the shoe more cushioning, support, and durability, but it doesn’t weigh the shoe down. This shoe does an amazing job of absorbing shock from each foot strike, thus preventing injury and supplying the runner with an overall more comfortable ride.;The most interesting quality of this midsole is Newton’s patented P.O.P. 3 platform. What this means is basically that the midsole is designed with squishy compartments that take the pressure off of the foot and allow the runner to move freely and comfortably.
Outsole
This is a lightweight shoe and one of the reasons for that is that although the outsole provides great durability, it doesn’t use cumbersome heavy materials to do so. In addition to this, if a runner flips the shoe over, it will see that the underfoot is designed with flex grooves which give the shoe a very flexible, responsive feel. These grooves also provide the runner with added traction to keep them feeling safe and confident even on uneven terrain or in slippery conditions. Runners reported that they no longer worried about running in the rain with these shoes.;The outsole itself features SHARC technology to give the shoe a long life, regardless of the high number of miles runner can place on it. This high abrasion rubber protects the shoe and keeps them from breaking down easily.
Breathability
The upper of the Newton Aha is made of mesh. This material allows for maximum air flow. Even on longer or hotter runs, the foot is able to maintain dryness and comfort and ward off blisters and hot spots because of the maximum level of breathability afforded by the material for the upper. The level of breathability is visibly clear from the unique aesthetic of the shoe. The airflow holes create an almost honeycomb effect and clearly let runners know that their feet will stay cool and dry in the Aha II’s.
Comfort
A key comfort element provided by this shoe is granted through the intelligent design. The upper is made of a breathable mesh material. This in and of itself adds to the comfort level of the shoe because it allows the foot to stay cool and dry. In addition to this, the upper is made from one seamless piece of material. This might seem like a small feature, but seamless construction means fewer chances for chafing and irritation. This is key to runners.
Style
The Newton Aha II has Newton’s signature insignia alongside the upper. The upper contains breathable airflow openings throughout which give this shoe an almost honeycomb aesthetic. This shoe comes in a few different color combinations, but don’t expect to find outrageous color options in this model. The most popular model that runners reported on was a white, gray, and blue color combination with black details. Runners liked the classic look of this shoe.
Durability
The unique thing about the Newton Aha is that the durability of the outsole is matched by the durability of the upper. The upper is made of a mesh material, which isn’t unusual for running shoes, however, the unique design element is that Newton uses a more durable and heartier mesh to keep the upper for succumbing to wear and tear. Additionally, the outsole of the shoe is made using the SHARC technology which is extra durable and keeps the bottom from wear and tear.
Protection
A unique element to the Newton Aha is that the entire upper is made using a reflective material. This is a great addition for the runner who likes to take evening jogs. In addition to the use of reflective material throughout the upper, the Aha protects the runner through the use of the midsole material as well. This midsole is specifically designed to give more cushioning and absorb the shock from each foot fall. In the long run, this will help reduce the risk of injury to the runner.
Responsiveness
Runners raved about the high level of responsiveness offered in this shoe. A major reason for that is the inclusion of a biomechanical sensor plate in the midsole of the shoe. This intelligent technology actually gives feedback to the runner and keeps the foot engaged throughout the entire run. Although the midsole does offer extra support and cushioning, the inclusion of this technology enables runners to clearly feel the road beneath them and respond quickly and efficiently to changes in terrain, pace, and direction.
Support
There are a few elements in this shoe that make it quite supportive. For one, the EVA midsole foam offers extra cushioning. Another element is the Metatarsal Pad Sock Liner that wraps the foot in support. The upper is also made from a very supportive material and is actually seamless in its construction which provides the runner with a snug, supportive fit. Finally, the outsole provides a solid base for each foot strike.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is suggested for road running, and particularly, road racing. Many reviewers commented that this was a great shoe for their races from a 5k distance, all the way to a marathon. Additionally, the added traction that the outsole provides makes this a good shoe to take on uneven terrain or even slippy road conditions. Runners also reported that this is a great shoe to perform speed work with on the track.
Price
It is certainly a rarity to find a racing shoe of this quality below one hundred dollars. This shoe is no exception, and the retail price falls between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and fifty dollars, however, many runners reported that they waited until this particular model went on sale and were able to get it for well under one hundred dollars. Even if it can only be found at full prices, runners loved the durability of the shoe and commented that the Aha II didn’t need to be replaced as often as some other shoes, so the value was worth every penny.
Drop
The Aha II has a six millimeter heel drop. This brings the shoe very close to natural or minimalist running shoe which is anything at four millimeters or below. Runners liked that this shoe felt close enough to the ground to create a high level of responsiveness, but it still had enough cushioning and support to take the runner on longer runs and even in longer distance races. This heel drop is low enough for an individual who is looking to move away from the traditional heel drop of ten or higher but doesn’t feel comfortable jumping right into bear foot running.
Stability
This is a great shoe for the neutral runner, but it is also good for the runner who needs some more stability and arch support. The EVA midsole foam provided added cushioning. The outsole is durable and sturdy and provides a solid landing point and more support in the heel. Overpronators gave this shoe good reviews as did the neutral runners too.
Flexibility
This shoe offers the runner a very flexible ride due to the design on the underfoot of the shoe. If you flip the shoe upside down, it is easy to see the flex grooves covering the underfoot. Although the shoe does offer added cushioning and stability through the midsole, the shoe is able to keep a flexible feel due to these built in flex grooves.
Traction
Runners commented that the outsole of this shoe provided a higher level of traction than most other shoes they were used to. This can be attributed to the flex grooves that run along the underfoot. They provide not just flexibility to the runner, but extra grip to take them confidently through slippery terrain. One runner went so far as to report that a surprise downpour was no issue for her, even uphill, in the Aha II’s.
Bottom Line
This is a shoe for all distances and speeds. It is light weight and flexible enough to cover the shorter distances and faster speeds and stable and durable enough for the longer distances. Newton uses thoughtful technologies from the upper to the midsole to the outsole to makes this is a very comfortable, responsive ride. Although its price is listed above one hundred dollars, runners reported finding this shoe on sale for well under that.
