Details
Brand
Newton
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Newton Kismet III
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Heat welded overlays along the upper help keep the foot in place• Newton’s action/reaction technology adds superior responsiveness• 4.5millimeter drop keeps the foot level yet cushioned• Reflective materials all along the upper for added visibility• Extended Medial Bridge to provide a wider landing platform• Point of Power technology along the outsole provides a beveled lug system
Upper
Some of the biggest changes to the Kismet II can be found in the upper. The upper is more breathable due to the metatarsal stretch panels. These panels adapt to the shape of the foot and allow for maximum airflow. The upper material is light and breathable and runners loved that it provided maximum airflow to keep their feet cool and dry. Another new addition to the Kismet II is the all over reflective features. This helps protect the runner in low visibility settings. The entire upper is covered in these reflective elements and can be seen from every angle.
Midsole
The Newton Kismet II prides itself on being one of the most responsive shoes on the market today. This is thanks to the midsole design. This shoe uses a springy EVA midsole foam that keeps its shape and provides excellent feedback to the runner. The midsole features what Newton calls their E.M.D or extended medial bridge that provides a wider, more stable platform. The midsole foam is less thick and although runners felt protected, they appreciated the flatness that this shoe offered, and loved the 4.5millimeter drop.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe features two key technological elements. The first is Newton’s patented action/reaction technology. This technology provides an extremely springy, responsive outsole. In order to achieve this high level of responsiveness, the action/reaction technology relies on Newton’s P.O.P (Point of power) technology which can be found in the different lug systems they use on the underfoot of their shoes. This is where the runner generates their energy from, and through the beveled lug design of the P.O.P 2, runners can experience an extremely smooth ride that absorbs the shock of each footfall and returns the energy to the runner.
Breathability
One of the key improvement from the original Kismet is the addition of a breathable mesh. The newly redesigned upper is made using metatarsal stretch panels. The panels are not only ultra flexible and actually adapt to the shape of the foot, they provide an extremely airy feel and help the runner’s foot stay cool and dry during runs. Runners liked that the addition of a breathable upper helped up the overall comfort of the shoe and reduced the risk of blisters that were seen in the original version.
Comfort
This shoe offers superior comfort, especially for those with pronation issues. The shoe is closer to the ground and runners loved that the shoe provides them with an adaptable base and an upper that actually conformed to the shape of their foot. Runners who are seeking added stability found this shoe particularly comfortable. The shoe features a medial bridge element in the midfoot that helps keep the foot from rolling inward during movement. This helps keep the ankle aligned and it reduces the risk of injury to the runner.
Style
One word runners used over and over to describe the look of this shoe was bright. Runners loved how this shoe certainly got them noticed because of the bright color, and if that wasn’t enough, the entire upper is covered in reflective properties that help keep the runner safe during lower visibility runs. One thing that runners wished for, however, were more color options. Both the men and women’s styles only come in one color option: blue for men and pink for women.
Durability
This shoe features a few different elements that help to improve the shoe’s overall durability. In the upper, runners can expect to find heat welded overlays that protect the exterior of the shoe from premature wear and tear. Runners commented that the issue with some breathable mesh uppers in the original Kismet was that they begin to fray and rip too easily, but the Kismet II protects against that by including the protective overlays. The midsole material is also very durable and does a great job of not only keeping its shape but bouncing back from run after run to continue to provide the runner with a springy landing pad that feels newer for longer.
Protection
In terms of protections, one of the best features of this shoe is that the upper is covered in reflective overlays. This means that runners can feel safe running in low visibility areas and even in the dark. Another protective feature in this shoe is the seamless sew upper. This upper is designed to protect the runners against potential blisters and hot spots.
Responsiveness
Runners raved about the responsiveness that the shoe offered. The Kismet II is designed to be a highly responsive shoe and this can be attributed to two key designed elements in the midsole and the outsole: the P.O.P 2 and the Action/Reaction technology. The action/reaction technology utilized lugs on the outsole of the shoe to provide amazing responsiveness. The overall feel of the shoe is springy and it does a great job of absorbing shock from each footfall and returning that energy to the runner. The lugged outsole design uses the P.O.P 2 technology. This is a system of beveled lugs that provide a smoother run. Some runners even referred to this shoe as having a “trampoline” like feel to it.
Support
The midsole of this shoe features an Extended Medial Bridge or the E.M.B. for added support. This provides the runner with a wider landing pad that helps reduce unwanted side to side movement. Additionally, the upper of the shoe is covered in the heat welded overlays that also do a great job of keeping the foot locked down.
Terrain
This shoe is a road running shoe. Runners like this for a slew of different urban running adventures. Even though it is suggested for the roads, some runners commented that the added traction on the outsole worked well on light, well-groomed trails. Runners found this shoe to be a good cross trainer and especially liked it for treadmill workouts.
Price
This shoe is not the most affordable shoe on the market today, but it is nowhere close to the highest priced shoe either. It comes in well under the average road running shoe on the market today, and with the added durability features, runners found the Kismet II to be a great overall value.
Drop
The drop on this shoe is a low 4.5 millimeters. Newton’s are unique shoes in that they offer added stability features and a more cushioned ride, but they also focus on providing a low, minimalistic running experience. In many ways, this shoe provides the runner with the best of both worlds: a more flat platform and support and stability.
Stability
The Newton Kismet II is a stability shoe. This means that runners who struggle with overpronation issues, the inward rolling of the ankle, can benefit from this shoe, as it will correct excessive inward rolling. This can be attributed to the Extended Medial Bridge technology which provides a wider base for the foot to land on.
Flexibility
Newton is not too light on the cushioning, but they also believe in supporting a natural movement in the foot and because of this, their shoes tend to be flexible in nature. The upper is also flexible and the special metatarsal stretch panels actually conform to fit the exact shape of the runner’s foot. Runners liked that the upper felt breathable and flexible.
Traction
One of the key elements to this shoe is the beveled lugs found on the outsole. The lugs on these shoes are designed to provide responsiveness and feedback to the runner through Newton’s Point of Power technology. These lugs provide a smooth ride for the runner, but they also help with traction. Runners reported that because of the underfoot system on the Kismet II they felt protected on their runs, even in wet or slippery conditions. Since the grip on this shoes is so good, runners loved this shoe as a companion to their treadmill workouts too.
Bottom Line
This is a tec-heavy shoe for the runner who is looking for some of the newest features. This shoe is a stability shoe that offers a 4.5millimeter heel drop. It provides both cushion and a natural running experience to give the runner the best of both worlds. The shoe also features a handful of protective elements, from the heated overlays on the upper that keep the foot stable and secure to the reflective material found woven into the upper’s material for better visibility in low light settings, this shoe has your back. Runners also loved the lower price tag and though many enjoyed the bright color, it only came in one color for men and one color for women.
