Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
5 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Durable SHARC outsole• P.O.P. 2 responsive forefoot lugs• Action/reaction technology• Biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate• High-rebound midsole EVA foam• Quick drying, ultralight mesh upper• 4.5mm heel-to-toe drop
Upper
The upper of this shoe is redesigned from the original Fate. The material is an open-weave mesh that is very breathable and dries quickly. It is seamless for comfort and features no-sew overlays to prevent any irritation to the top of the foot. Metatarsal stretch panels on the side are designed to stretch and wrap around the foot for a secure fit. This allows the shoe to accommodate both narrow and wide feet. Many runners thought the toe box was wide and roomy and allowed them to wiggle their toes. A standard lacing system works with overlays to make a more customized fit. The upper eyelet allows the wearer to lock in the heel if needed by adjusting the configuration of the laces. The shoe also features reflective accents in key spots for increased visibility on dark runs.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is made of a lightweight material, high rebound EVA foam which provides most of the cushioning for the foot. This shoe is not highly cushioned, but the Action/Reaction technology of the outsole makes for a soft ride. The midsole also contains a metatarsal sensor plate which allows good ground feel without harsh ground contact. Although the shoe has a slight heel-to-toe drop, the midsole platform is fairly level which puts the runner in a position for a natural stride.
Outsole
This shoe’s outsole is made from Super High-Abrasion Rubber Compound (SHARC). This rubber is extremely durable and offers great traction on dry and wet surfaces. Unique to all Newton running shoes are lugs in the forefoot area designed to promote a forefoot landing and improved form. This lug system is called Point of Power or P.O.P., Newton has three different types of P.O.P. lugs referred to as 1, 2 and 3 which designates the shape and composition of the lugs. The Fate II features P.O.P. 2 lugs which are slightly beveled and work in conjunction with what the company calls their Action/Reaction™ Technology. As the runner lands and pushes off, the lugs move, compress, and expand for extra cushioning and return energy. Once runners got used to the feel, they really liked the design of the outsole.
Breathability
The upper material of this shoe offers great breathability. It dries very fast when it gets wet and allows plenty of airflow into the shoe. The overlays on this shoe are thin and small and do not interfere with air circulation in any way. A wide toe box helps to ensure fresh air movement around the toes. Runners had no complaints about the shoe’s breathability, even after long distance runs. The upper does allow cold air inside the shoe so thicker socks may be needed on cold days.
Comfort
Running in a Newton shoe is a bit different than running in a non-Newton shoe. The forefoot P.O.P. 2 lugs make it feel like there is something wrong with the shoe. They are not uncomfortable, but for runners not used to the feeling, it can be a bit disconcerting. The lugs are designed for forefoot strikers and provide cushioning and energy return under the ball of the foot. The heel area of the shoe also has some responsive properties, but the majority of the energy is in the front of the shoe. After a few runs, it is not noticeable and actually enjoyable. Neutral and more efficient runners will appreciate the design of this shoe. Those looking to improve their form will also benefit from the features of this shoe.;The midsole is not overly cushioned, but the P.O.P. 2 lugs and Action/Reaction Technology provides a smooth and comfortable ride. A metatarsal sensor plate which allows good ground feel which is important to some runners. Both heel and forefoot strikers will benefit from the shock absorption properties of the shoe. The excellent moisture-wicking tendencies of the upper help keep the foot cool and dry and prevent blisters and chafing. Extra padding around the ankle keeps the foot secure and comfortable within the shoe. A removable sockliner adds a touch of cushioning to the underfoot.
Style
The Fate II has a very streamlined, yet traditional running shoe look. Most runners find the shoe very appealing. Colors are bright, but not neon-bright. Men’s shoes come in red or blue. The women’s model is offered in light green and purple. The overlays and Newton logo add style and structure to the shoe.
Durability
This is a durable shoe. The P.O.P. 2 lugs are made from abrasion-resistant rubber, but road friction will wear them down over time. The EVA midsole is very resilient and will not break down for many miles. The upper is thin, but strong and keeps the foot secure. Runners can expect to get an average of 300 miles or more out of the outsole.
Protection
This particular shoe is meant to be on the road. The only real protection comes from the outsole and midsole which cushions the foot of the runner from the road. The upper being meshed works perfectly to hold securely the feet inside the shoes, but will not hold up to snags and other trail hazards. A stitched overlay across the toe protects the shoe and the foot from rough terrain. A small section of the outsole curls over the toe, but is designed for unexpected toe stubs.
Responsiveness
The Fate II is a very responsive shoe. The P.O.P. 2 lugs and Action/Reaction Technology create a bouncy ride at fast speeds and also offers great energy return for forefoot runners. The design of the heel also assists heel-strikers and helps with hard landings. In addition to its responsiveness, the midsole also provides some cushioning for the shoe. Despite the cushioning, the forefoot area still has a good ground feel which allows for quick turnovers. Most runners liked the fast feel of the shoe. Some said it felt more like a racing shoe than a training shoe.
Support
This shoe offers good support through the design of the midsole and upper. The foot rides on top of the EVA midsole rather than sinking in. The upper has an improved construction from the previous model which wraps around the foot for a comfortable, but tight fit. Metatarsal stretch panels can accommodate both wide and narrow feet and allow good toe splay.
Terrain
The shoe will perform well on most solid terrain, but the upper lacks protection for rocky or heavily wooded trails. The tread on the outsole provides excellent traction and durability for road running and offers just enough ground feel for most runners. The shoe performs well over both dry and wet surfaces. Some runners have used the shoe for mildly technical trails and reported no problems.
Price
The Fate II retails for $135. Online shoppers should be able to find the shoe for less than this price. Even at the retail price, the shoe is competitively priced and will give the runner many miles of solid wear. The shoe fits true to size for most wearers so buying online should not be a problem. Look for stores that offer free returns just in case.
Drop
The Newton Fate II has a drop from the heel to the toe of 4.5mm which is listed on the side of the shoe. The drop may feel less than this due to the raised lugs of the Action/Reaction system in the forefoot. The lugs cause the runner to land on their forefoot which may make the drop feel a little more severe than it actually is. Newton has tried to counterbalance this with raised tread on the heel, but runners may notice the difference if used to running in a higher drop heel. With all new styles of shoes, it is best to transition slowly by doing short test runs before taking the shoes on a long run which can result in injury.
Stability
The balanced midsole platform of the midfoot helps to stabilize the foot when running. The biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate also keeps the midfoot stable and minimizes excessive movement within the shoe. The Action/Reaction technology of the outsole and midsole also helps add to the stability by encouraging a forefoot strike without sacrificing momentum. Added momentum comes from the forefoot lugs which transfer impact energy back to the runner. This means less effort is needed at fast speeds. A moderate heel-to-toe drop also contributes to the stability of the shoe. The forefoot area of the shoe is fairly wide and stable for solid landings.
Flexibility
This is a fairly flexible shoe. A groove on the outsole, just past the P.O.P. 2 lugs allows the shoe to bend at the toes as the runner pushes off. The midsole cushioning is also soft enough to flex with each step, offering a responsive feel for the entire run. The upper made of mesh material helps create an extremely flexible shoe that also maintains the structure. Runners appreciated the flexibility in the forefoot that allowed for a natural feeling without being overly flexible.
Traction
This shoe has excellent traction on most hard surfaces. The high-abrasion rubber on the outsole delivers good grip which allows the shoe to handle a variety of road conditions. The five lug system that delivers cushioning and return energy also provides good traction. The outsole tread mimics a human foot and has the most aggressive tread where needed. Runners liked the way the heel and forefoot had a different feel which allowed for a smooth and powerful heel-to-toe transition.
Bottom Line
Newton Fate II is a great choice for runners who want a comfortable and balanced trainer that can go the distance and also makes a good racer. This latest revision offers a secure fit, a generous toe box, and forefoot propulsion lugs that encourage good form and provide forward energy. This shoe is good for faster tempo runs and longer distances without sacrificing cushioning and comfort. An improved and more breathable upper with stretch panels adds comfort and stability to the shoe with no change to the weight. It’s actually slightly lighter than its predecessor. Whether you’re looking for a new daily trainer or weekend racer that can take on some miles, this cushioned and energetic shoe is definitely worth considering.
