Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
3mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 3mm heel to toe drop• NEW upper construction features a better fit and enhanced ventilation• Multi-directional tread pattern for traction• Highly resistant rubber outsole• All-weather water resistant upper• Closed-mesh upper• Protective rubber toe bumper• Reflective heel pull• Action/Reaction forefoot lugs (4 on each shoe) for energy-return and added protection• Metatarsal sensor plate for ground feedback• EVA cushioned midsole• ETC sock liner with blister-proof design
Upper
The Newton BoCo’s upper features the main changes in this third version of the trail shoe. A better upper fit and enhanced ventilation make the AT 3 an upgrade to previous versions. The new upper is all-weather ready and water resistant. The front of the shoe features a protective toe bumper and at the rear, there’s a bit of reflective material on the shoe’s heel tab. The shoe’s mesh covering is closed to help keep out all types of trail debris. Inside, there’s an anti-bacterial sock liner that features a blister-proof design.;Reviewers particularly appreciated the re-designed upper’s improved fit saying that they liked the generously sized toe box. Reviewers felt the upper was supportive and a definite upgrade from the previous models of the BoCo AT. Reviewers also appreciated how breathable the upper felt (a marked improvement since the AT 2) especially for summer running. One complaint that popped up often was that the laces easy came undone even when double knotted since they lack texture.
Midsole
The midsole of the AT 3 features EVA cushioning. Reviewers liked the feel of the cushioning but again, lamented the lack of a rock plate for extra protection. Reviewers particularly liked the feel of the forefoot cushioning saying the BoCo felt well-suited to forefoot landings.
Outsole
The outsole of the BoCo AT 3 is made up of high-wear rubber. In addition, the outsole features four Action/Reaction lugs – a feature unique to Newton brand shoes – located in the forefoot area. These lugs provide extra padding in the forefoot and provide a great deal of energy-return. The point of the lugs is to encourage a more forward footstrike. This design is what makes Newton brand running shoes completely different from other brands. The shoe also features a Metatarsal sensor plate, which helps with ground feedback.;Initial reviews seem to point to the BoCo having a durable outsole with excellent traction. Reviewers liked the shoe for snowy and icy runs thanks to its grippy multi-directional tread. Some did find the lack of rock plate a little disappointing. Unlike some other hardcore trail shoe options, the lack of rock plate isn’t substituted with extremely thick lugs, so protection suffers a bit.
Breathability
The AT 3’s new upper definitely improves the fit and feel of the shoe. Best of all, it improves ventilation by a mile. The closed mesh upper still manages to keep out debris, but air circulation is a whole lot better making the third version of the BoCo suitable for all types of weather, even very hot summer conditions. Inside the shoe, there’s even an anti-microbial liner to help with moisture management and ensure blisters are kept to a minimum.
Comfort
Reviewers found the Newton trail shoe quite comfortable and were very happy with the new upper design, which helped with breathability and fit. The water-resistant, all-weather upper keeps debris out while still letting air through to ventilate. Reviewers liked the new larger toe box design and found the midsole EVA cushioning perfect for reducing impact forces. The supportive design of the AT 3 also helps to ensure a comfortable ride that doesn’t feel sloppy or unstable. The interior liner (ETC sock liner) also helps deliver a blister-free running experience.
Style
The Newton BoCo AT 3’s design was well-liked by reviewers. The design is colorful without looking too much like a trail shoe. A Newton logo sits at the side of the shoe. A side glance at the shoe gives you a view of the Action/Reaction lugs, which don’t look as prominent as you might think. A contrasting midsole stands out compared to the upper. Newton has chosen unique combinations of colors to spice up the design of the AT 3 but overall, the colorways are significantly toned down compared to the previous version of the BoCo.
Durability
The jury is still out on whether the AT 3 is as durable as its predecessor, but the fact that only slight changes have been made to the upper leave us thinking that the shoe will certainly stand up to the test of time like the AT 2 did. The new upper is certainly sturdy enough and hasn’t lost any of its toughness during its makeover.
Protection
The AT 3 strikes the perfect balance between protectiveness and comfort thanks to its new clever upper re-design. The all-weather upper is water resistant but also keeps out trail debris thanks to its closed mesh design. The new fit of the upper, however, means that it breathes much better than before. At the front of the shoe, there’s a protective toe cap and at the back, there’s a reflective heel tab for a bit of added visibility in dark conditions. The outsole and midsole also work in tandem to protect runner bodies from feeling too much impact. The Action/Reaction lugs add an extra layer of cushioning when landing via the forefoot and the EVA midsole cushioning provides another layer of impact protection. The outsole also features a varied outsole tread pattern to keep runners steady in uncertain trail conditions. Some reviewers did point out that the shoe lacks a rock plate, which would have been a nice addition. This would certainly add weight, though, so the lighter construction is a nice tradeoff.
Responsiveness
Thanks to its four Action/Reaction forefoot lugs, the BoCo AT 3 provides an exceptional amount of energy-return that makes take off feel springy and snappy. The Metatarsal sensor plate technology also plays a part in enhancing ground-feel and providing adequate feedback to wearers. Overall, the design of the outsole provides wearers with an impeccable ability to react and navigate even difficult trails with ease.
Support
Reviewers found the fit of the AT 3 a lot better than its predecessor and agreed that the shoe was more supportive than before. The midsole’s EVA foam design offers a supportive base to run upon and the newly designed upper features a vastly improved fit, which in turn offers targeted support that surpasses that of the AT 2.
Terrain
The Boulder, Colorado-inspired shoe was born to tackle all types of highly technical trail surfaces. The multi-directional tread of the outsole and the highly responsive feel of the AT 3 makes trail running on all types of uneven surfaces a breeze. The upper is also cleverly designed to keep out trail dirt, rocks, and small twigs, so your socks stay cleaner and you don’t accidentally land hard on a sharp object that’s found its way inside your shoe. The upper is water resistant, too, and dries pretty fast when exposed to moisture.
Price
Newton shoes tend to be a little more expensive than comparably categorized footwear options but that shouldn’t dissuade you from considering the AT 3 as your new trail shoe of choice. The shoe is exceptionally durable, which makes it a great buy. You’ll be running plenty of technical trails in the BoCo without feeling like your ride is losing its bounciness. The lugs don’t wear down easily and the upper is highly resistant and should last for miles and miles.
Drop
The BoCo’s drop remains unchanged since the AT 2. The drop height of 3mm keeps runners stable and helps improve ground-feel and feedback, which is particularly important on rugged trails. The low drop doesn’t mean the BoCo lacks cushioning, however, quite the opposite. Reviewers still felt properly protection by the shoe’s EVA cushioned midsole.
Stability
For overpronators, the BoCo AT 3 just won’t cut it. The neutral shoe offers a supportive fit (thanks to an improved upper design) and supportive cushioning, but it doesn’t feature traditional stability components. Still, even neutral runners will find the AT 3 offers a stable ride thanks to its grippy multi-directional tread pattern and snug, durable construction.
Flexibility
The inclusion of the four Action/Reaction lugs on the outsole, unfortunately, makes the AT 3 feel a little more rigid than some might like. They do make landing feel a lot nicer, though, so it’s not a terrible tradeoff. Still, in future versions of the AT, it might be nice to see an outsole that’s a bit more flexible especially considering the shoe lacks a rock plate. Reviewers did, however, greatly appreciate the supportive feel of the shoe.
Traction
The BoCo AT 3 is incredibly grippy thanks to a multi-directional tread pattern. The inclusion of the shoe’s Action/Reaction lugs (there are four of them on each shoe) also adds some additional gripping ability. The outsole and tread pattern remain unchanged since the previous version of the AT, so expect the same high level of traction as offered by the previous iteration.
Bottom Line
It’s still a little early to decisively evaluate the BoCo AT 3 on things like durability, but overall initial reviews seem to indicate that the shoe is a solid update. The new upper design really delivers on what it promises. It fits better and provides enhanced breathability, without a doubt.;Reviewers agreed that the AT 3 was comfortable, grippy, and so far, fairly durable. The shoe is great for forefoot runners or anyone who wants to move away from a harsh heel striking pattern. The trail shoe is appropriate for various conditions and surfaces thanks to its rugged construction and supportive design. Although it lacks a rock plate, it’s still fairly protective. Annoyed by the finicky laces coming undone every few miles? Just change them. It’s easy enough to do. With a new set of laces, you’re looking at an excellent trail shoe that should last you a while.
