Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
2 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Newton Distance V
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• SHARC technology in the outsole enhances durability• Carbon rubber in back area of sole• Durable rubber in forefoot for traction• Flex Grooves for better flexibility overall• Action / Reaction technology for excellent responsiveness• Special lugs guide runners to a more natural strike pattern• P.O.P. 1 midsole features energy-filled air pockets• EVA foam in midsole• Media Bridge provides better stability• Mesh upper is more open than ever before• Quick drying material covers the shoe• New SlipProof laces• ETC sock liner with anti bacterial properties
Upper
The upper of the Newton Distance S IV is covered with mesh material, and it has also been improved to feature a more open design with much better breathability than before. The material used for the upper is quick drying, as well as stretchy, to enhance the fit of the shoe. Also prevalent in this area of the Distance S are its numerous overlays, which help to secure the wearer’s foot and reduce instability.;The lacing system of the Distance S has also gotten a bit of a makeover. Previously, the laces had a tendency to slip and untie themselves. This fourth version of the shoe introduces SlipProof technology to ensure the they stay tied. Inside the shoe, there is an ETC sock liner which hinders bacterial growth and adds a layer of padding to the interior.
Midsole
The midsole of the Newton Distance S IV is a P.O.P. 1 midsole which includes air pockets to help pad each foot landing. The midsole provides excellent energy return. Also included in this area of the shoe is a layer of responsive EVA foam which provides additional impact protection.;New in this version of the Distance S is an enhanced Medial Bridge. It provides control for mild overpronators, as well as arch support. It has been improved so as to ensure a sturdier midfoot construction.
Outsole
The outsole of the Newton Distance S IV features SHARC technology which works to battle the wear and tear that comes with regular running. Newton has positioned carbon rubber in the rearfoot and a tough rubber compound in the forefoot area which works to grip surfaces and adds additional padding.;In addition, the shoe features prominent Flex Grooves to ensure the shoe can flex accordingly when toeing off. Special Newton lugs featured in the outsole act as a guide for runners looking to improve their form.
Breathability
The improved upper of the Newton Distance S IV is much more breathable than before. The mesh of the is well distributed and open enough to ensure proper ventilation. The material of the upper is also stretchy enough to ensure a snug fit that’s not overly restrictive. Reviewers loved the newly designed upper and said that it was very breathable. They particularly liked the stretchy forefoot mesh which helped to accommodate natural foot swelling and helped to alleviate heat build up inside the shoe.
Comfort
Reviewers mostly agreed that the Newton Distance S IV is a very comfortable shoe. The flexible upper material secures the foot without hugging it too tight. The shoe breathes much better than its previous iteration. The cushioning is nice and bouncy, providing rebound and padding each landing quite well. The shoe is nice and light, too, making it perfect for faster runs.;One area that reviewers complained about was the interior of the shoe. It’s not seamless and can cause friction issues. It’s not a great idea to wear the shoe without socks, unfortunately.
Style
The Newton Distance S IV shoe is not for the faint of heart. Most Newton brand shoes come in bright color combinations. The loud coloring might not suit all runners, but for those who appreciate a bit of brightness, the Distance S definitely delivers. The shoe features a modern design with neon accents. It’s the perfect style for a race day shoe. The Newton Distance S IV looks as fast as it feels.
Durability
For a racing shoe, reviewers were pretty impressed by how well the Newton Distance S IV stood up to wear and tear. The outsole is made of several tough compounds that resist the pressures of impact and running. The SHARC technology ensures the shoe lasts longer than most other racing type shoes. An additional, very tough compound is featured in the forefoot to help combat wear and tear.;The upper, although it’s very breathable and stretchy, is highly durable. It’s not prone to tearing like some mesh uppers. In this version of the Newton Distance S, IV the lugs have also been enhanced. They are more prominent and they are made of a tougher material which reduces the degree to which they are shaved down throughout training.
Protection
The Newton Distance S IV offers the standard protective features you might expect in a running shoe. Its outsole protects from wear and tear. The more open upper ensures the wearer’s foot doesn’t overheat. And, of course, the midsole padding ensures the wearer is protected each time they head out for a run. The P.O.P 1 air pockets and EVA foam help to absorb shock.;In addition, the construction of the shoe, with its unique forefoot lugs, ensures runners take on a more natural landing pattern. The medial post also works to protect runners with pronation issues from injury by correcting improper form.
Responsiveness
The Newton Distance S IV is a really responsive shoe. From its bouncy lugs to its air pocket filled midsole, the Newton Distance S provides an energy filled ride. Racers will feel fast thanks to the lightweight construction and they’ll get a nice dose of rebound thanks to the shoe’s responsive features. The forefoot lugs are part of the Action / Reaction technology used in the shoe to increase the amount of energy returned to the runner for a nice amount of spring in each step.;The cushioning also plays a part in the shoes responsiveness. The P.O.P 1 midsole contains air pockets which act like little springs to return energy. The EVA foam is equally responsive.;Reviewers mostly agreed that the Newton Distance S IV felt much more responsive than its predecessor making it a superior race day shoe.
Support
This Newton race shoe features a few components that work to provide support for the wearer. The midsole of the shoe acts to support the midfoot area. In this version of the Distance S, the Medial Bridge is stronger and more supportive, ensuring wearers do not collapse inward. The upper has also been improved to ensure better support. The material is flexible, but the fit is secure and comfortable. Overlays on the upper lock down the foot and the new lacing system is meant to stay put and ensure a reliable lock down.
Terrain
The Newton Distance S IV isn’t meant for technical terrain. The lugs underfoot are prominent, but they’re not really meant for rough trails. Rather, they are meant to encourage a certain foot strike pattern. They are fairly large but rocks tend to get stuck inside, so it’s not necessarily a good idea to take the Distance S IV off road. It’s a stable shoe but it lacks the amount of stability one might require on particularly tough trails.;Keep it for road racing and you’ll get the expected level of performance out of the Newton Distance S IV.
Price
A common complaint among reviewers was that they felt the Newton Distance S IV was priced very high. The shoe is definitely expensive, but it does what it’s meant to. It offers mild stability and an ample amount of responsive cushioning in a lightweight package. But is all that worth the high price tag? For a higher price, you get Newton’s unique lug construction which is a nice help if you’re attempting to alter your footstrike. The lugs do take some getting used to though.
Drop
The Newton Distance S IV is a low drop shoe. Runners get mild stability and a supportive fit while still getting to feel the ground with a minimal 2mm drop. This kind of drop is meant to promote, even further, a more forward foot strike. Reviewers found the ground feel to be excellent.
Stability
This is a mild stability shoe so don’t expect it to provide too much correction. Severe overpronators will want to select a race day shoe that will provide more control.;The Distance S IV provides support via its Medial Bridge in the midfoot area. It helps to reduce unwanted excessive inward rolling. Again, it’s meant to serve mild overpronators. The shoe’s outsole should also help to stabilize runners as they move but reviewers did point out the shoe’s traction issues. This is where the stability suffers a bit, especially on wet pavement.
Flexibility
The Newton Distance S IV features much better flexibility than the previous model. The upper’s mesh material is a lot more flexible and accommodates the human foot shape a lot better. The fit is still snug enough to be supportive but it’s not too tight that breathability suffers.;The outsole is also much more flexible than before and features Flex Grooves to ensure a more natural ride. Reviewers agreed that the Newton Distance S IV, overall, was much more flexible than the previous version of the shoe.
Traction
The Newton Distance S IV provides a decent amount of traction. It’s not a particularly grippy shoe, though, since it is meant for racing and too much traction would actually slow a runner down. However, some reviewers did complain that the lack of traction caused some stability issues.;The SHARC outsole is better at stopping wear and tear than it is at keeping runners stable while they run but most reviewers didn’t find the lack of grip to be a deal breaker. It’s something to keep in mind, though, especially if you plan to run in wet weather a lot.
Bottom Line
The Newton Distance S IV is a solid choice for runners looking for a race day shoe that can provide mild stability and exceptional rebound. The lightweight shoe for transitioning to a more natural foot strike. The lugs not only promote a more forward foot strike, but they also provide added responsiveness.;The Newton Distance S IV features ample cushioning that not only absorbs the shock of impact, but it also gives back a ton of energy to the wearer. With a comfortable fit, an improved upper, and new SlipProof laces, the Distance S IV is a great update. It is a little on the expensive side, but runners won’t get the Action / Reaction technology anywhere else.
