Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
2mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Distance V
Terrain
Road
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• Newton Distance IV• Amazing lightweight high-rebound EVA cushioning• Breathable mesh uppers that dry quickly• Innovative rubber lug technology• Bright colors• Seamless upper• 2 mm drop
Upper
The upper material of the Newton Distance IV is an extremely durable and breathable mesh. Fortunately, it’s flexible and roomy enough that these shoes will feel great whether wearing socks or not. The tongue and upper material is virtually seamless and feels great against the skin. Runners should have no issue with chafing, which has occurred in some of Newton’s previous shoes. Some may find that the upper mesh used in the forefoot is slightly more narrow than similar sizes in other models. Sizing up may be a solution for those who feel they need the extra room. While not a waterproof shoe, the upper material does dry very quickly if you get caught in a rainstorm or shallow puddle.
Midsole
The midsole of the Newton Distance IV also benefits from the P.O.P 1 technology found in the outsole. The midsole works in tandem with the outsole to make sure that runners are landing properly during each stride. There is just enough midsole cushioning for this shoe to hold up as a solid option for those looking to increase their mileage on a weekly basis. Newton uses their s.h.a.r.c cushioning system in the midsole. Runners will still have good contact with the ground without having to worry about taking too much punishment from the terrain below the foot. Minimal shoe enthusiasts will appreciate the lightweight efficiency in the midsole, while those used to a more traditional running shoe will have no problem making the transition to the Distance IV.
Outsole
Newton has done a great job with the outsole on the Distance IV, and it stacks up favorably when compared to other Newton running shoes. The outsole relies on “lug technology” to help train the foot to develop a more efficient stride. This comes in handy for runners looking to change up their running style and become more of a mid or forefoot striker. Newton calls this P.O.P. 1 technology and runners will notice the difference right away. The rubber used throughout the outsole is a high-rebound EVA that makes the most of each and every stride.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is extremely breathable. These shoes are designed to be lightweight and fast. With speed, must come good breathability in order to avoid overheating. Newton has done a fine job in creating an upper material that allows air to flow in and out. That means that these shoes will be prone to getting wet in rainy conditions, but dry fast enough for this to be a worthy tradeoff.
Comfort
Newton has done everything possible to make the Distance IV a very comfortable shoe. The midfoot and heel cushioning is superb thanks to the high-rebound EVA. Some may find the heel cup to be a little snug at first, but it breaks in nicely. Right out of the box, these shoes will feel great on the feet. The seamless upper and lightweight design make it designed for maximum comfort. Some runners may just want to keep these shoes on after the run and wear them around town. Whether wearing with socks or without, these shoes will feel excellent on the foot.
Style
Newton chose to go with some loud color options when creating the Distance IV. This could present a problem for some. The bright yellow design will ensure that runners will not be lost in a crowd when wearing these shoes. Those who are looking for more subtle colors may need to find a different shoe. But those who want to be different, will love the color options on display here. Despite the colors, Newton offers a subtle logo and a svelte silhouette that still makes this shoe a fashionable choice for runners.
Durability
Durability is a concern when you are purchasing a shoe that you hope will last for many training miles. The Distance IV is meant to be an everyday workhorse when it comes to your training. The durable EVA rubber used throughout the outsole and midsole should hold up nicely to the average wear and tear of training. Newton has used a high abrasion rubber outsole to keep the shoe looking sharp over lots of wear. The lug technology found on the outsole is made to withstand many strides and should continue to provide ample protection and stability for a long time. Keep in mind that this is a road running training shoe, though. It will likely deteriorate quicker when taken to the trails. Runners looking for that sort of durability should look into one of the top trail running shoes.
Protection
Protection is terribly important when you are subjecting your feet to the impact of long distance running. Fortunately, the Newton Distance IV comes with the technology to ensure protection over many miles. The lugs found on the outsole will give ample traction and protection over the lifetime of the product. The shoe also comes equipped with an enhanced medial midsole platform to keep impact low across the center of the foot. With just enough high-rebound EVA rubber and cushioning throughout the heel and forefoot, runners will feel secure and protected across some of the most common running surfaces.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness may be the area where the Newton Distance IV shines the brightest. By creating such a lightweight, responsive training shoe, Newton has made these shoes a joy to run in. Runners will feel a great connection to the road that is almost reminiscent of some of the more popular barefoot shoes on the market. Subtle shifts in weight and stride within the shoe will be easily picked up when running in these shoes due to the high-rebound EVA rubber. For runners who are already efficient mid and forefoot strikers, this will feel like the perfect shoe. Newton’s Action/Reaction technology is found in the midfoot to help propel the foot into the next stride with no wasted energy.
Support
The Distance IV offers enough support throughout the heel and midfoot while still allowing the foot to land in its natural way. Traditional heel to toe runners may feel out of sorts when wearing these shoes for the first time. The support system used here helps to encourage runners to land gently on the forefoot rather than the heel. High-rebound EVA rubber found throughout the shoe will support the foot across most terrain. The biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate in the midsole also keeps the foot in place and adds additional support where it’s needed.
Terrain
These shoes were designed with speed training in mind. Having said that, they should still be able to handle most terrain that they come across. Most runners will feel at home on the track and pavement with these shoes. To get the most out of these shoes, it makes sense to reserve them for road running and the occasional speed workout at the track. For those looking for a more dedicated track shoe should look elsewhere.
Price
Newton has traditionally offered products that were on the higher end of the running shoe price range. The Distance IV is no different in this regard. With the amount of technology being offered in this shoe, Newton felt it was appropriate to command a higher price tag. This seems justifiable. Runners who are looking for the ultimate speed training shoe will have no issue paying top dollar for such a quality product. Deals can sometimes be had, but the price seems to be worth it.
Drop
The Newton Distance IV has a 2mm heel-to-toe drop. This positions it nicely in the more minimal and barefoot categories of footwear. The low drop allows for the foot to find its natural midfoot stride. The additional two inches will be noticeable for those who are used to some of the best 0 drop shoe options. Those runners who are used to the more traditional 8 mm drop will find this shoe to be far different than what they’re used to. It’s important to gradually work your way into this shoe if coming from a different level of drop.
Stability
The stability found in these shoes is adequate for the type of running shoe that it is. No one will confuse these shoes with some of the top stability shoes on the market. The seamless tongue and lacing system will keep the foot snugly in place. The heel cup is narrow enough to make the runner feel stable with each stride. The enhanced medial midsole platform and biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate add even more stability to the shoe. The shoe may cause a little bit more pronation that one is used to. For that reason, it isn’t as high on the stability ranking as some of its peers.
Flexibility
The cushioning used in the Newton Distance IV makes them rate high on the flexibility scale. There is ample toe and midfoot flexibility to allow the toes to properly splay out and grip the terrain as they run over it. This flexibility comes from the full flex zones found throughout the shoe and will be a welcomed addition for those coming from heavier, more rigid running shoes. The comfortable upper material and flexible cushioning make this a perfect shoe to wear with or without socks.
Traction
The Distance IV is best suited for fast-paced road runs and track workouts but it does have a decent amount of traction. The EVA rubber lug technology found on the outsole of the shoe does help with traction across a variety of slippery surfaces. Runners shouldn’t have any problems running across slick pavement or wet tracks.
Bottom Line
Newton has done some really good things with the Distance IV shoe. Improving upon the features of its predecessors, this shoe has found a good balance of speed and innovation. The P.O.P 1 system is a clever way to help develop a more efficient stride. The color combinations will help it stand out from the pack. The high-rebound EVA rubber protects the foot while giving it a comfortable, bouncy feel. Any runner who is looking for a good all-around speed trainer will be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Distance IV.
