Details
Brand
Newton
Breathability
8.8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Excellent traction thanks to the multi-directional lugs on its outsole• Lightweight (9.6 ounces men’s/7.7 ounces women’s)• Highly breathable mesh upper• Comfortable EVA midsole• Highly responsive, low-cut, but not quite minimal
Upper
The BoCo Sol’s upper is made of a highly breathable open mesh that allow for excellent ventilation while on a long run through rigorous paths in nature. This mesh, made of a quick-drying material, keeps the foot dry while also having anti-microbial properties to stave off potential infections. In addition, it is also has anti-debris properties in its gusseted tongue to keep the BoCo Sol free from dirt and detritus. Featuring non-slip laces and a heel lock lace for extra security during a run, the upper also has 360-degree reflectivity to increase visibility when running in low-light conditions.
Midsole
The midsole of the BoCo Sol features their proprietary Action/Reaction tech, which runs from the heel to the forefoot. This technology effectively absorbs shock and releases stored energy with each liftoff for a more efficient and powerful run. This full-length EVA foam midsole also provides soft, durable protection from the often rocky and uneven terrain of the trail. A biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate fitted in the midsole also provides constant sensory feedback with each ground contact. Never too plush, instead the BoCo’s midsole acts as yet another active part of a trainer made for high-intensity workouts.
Outsole
Being a trail shoe, the BoCo Sol has to boast of a tenacious and terrific outsole, and sure enough it does. The outsole unit is trail-specific, outfitted with multiple multi-directional lugs that provide excellent traction and grip on many different terrains, from traditional running surfaces to the uneven and unpredictable trail. The forefoot is coated in high density rubber that’s durable and provides a long-lasting effect on this high-wear area. Newton had set out to make a trail shoe with outstanding performance and be long-lasting, and the BoCo Sol’s outsole is reflective of this intent.
Breathability
With an upper mesh that has been covered in a water repellent, the upper is both highly breathable and drains water well, which means a cool, dry ride is awaiting wearers of the Newton BoCo Sol. Considering trail runners go for miles and miles in open nature, in hot climes and often depending on their trainers’ ability to keep up with such a strenuous task, the BoCo Sol is designed to keep the runner’s foot cool and dry as they traverse tough terrain.
Comfort
With their Action/Reaction technology in the EVA midsole, which is comfortable without being too plush and highly reactive to the runner’s activities, the BoCo Sol provides a good amount of comfort while on the trail. Its sturdy outsole provides both protection and support as its lugs grip the earth, providing additional comfort in its traction, while its upper mesh wraps around the foot for a natural fit. In addition, the wide toe box in the BoCo Sol allows for natural toe splay.
Style
Newton has a signature style all their own and often not seen repeated in other trainer lines. Coming in a galaxy of color combinations that are bright and eye-catching, the kinetic design of the BoCo Sol is reflective of its intention to be worn as a serious trail shoe. In profile, the tenacious lugs that line the bottom are distinguished by the clashing color of the outsole to the upper, while the upper of the BoCo Sol is a bold color (blue or red, for example) that signals its primary purpose: to be worn as a serious trail shoe engaging in plenty of physical activity. This low-cut trainer is not subtle. It would look somewhat out of place if worn as an everyday shoe. But this is not an everyday shoe or a casual sneaker. It’s a trail shoe for serious runners. Its style reflects this intention in every visual signifier placed upon it, and serious runners will appreciate its bold, direct aesthetics.
Durability
With a sturdy rubber outsole with its forefoot, a high-wear area, coated in high density rubber, the Newton was built to last. The synthetic open mesh of the upper is similarly durable, while its EVA midsole and Action/Reaction technology will retain its shape and performance even after many miles have been put on it.
Protection
One of Newton’s strengths is their strategic design elements, which protect the foot without making the shoe clunky or heavy. With its rubber outsole rising up enough to protect the forefoot and toes from the impact of hard running surfaces and a thick outsole lined with lugs to protect and propel the runner forward, the BoCo Sol may not be as protective as trail gaiters or even some comparable trail shoes but will provide the nimble, experienced runner with a good amount of protection from the trail.
Responsiveness
With its midsole made of Newton Running’s Action/ Reaction technology, which cushions the impact of each footfall and provides energy return for an increased lift-off, the BoCo Sol is a highly responsive trail shoe. On the outsole, its lugs retract slightly into the EVA midsole, working in conjunction to take part of the shock and provide a fair amount of bounce upwards for quick rebound.
Support
Although the EVA midsole provides a good amount of cushioning and the lower drop (3mm) of the shoe increases stability, there have been some complaints that the BoCo Sol doesn’t provide adequate arch support, particularly for those with higher arches.
Terrain
While designed for the trail, the BoCo Sol can be considered an all-terrain shoe. Its tenacious lugs grip the earth aggressively but it also functions well on traditional running surfaces like pavement and sidewalk. As such, this shoe will appeal highly to both all-terrain runners and trail runners alike. Whether you’re looking to tear up the trail or just run the streets of your town, the BoCo Sol has you covered.
Price
Newton Running is a smaller company that makes highly technical and specific running shoes. Unlike such monoliths in the running world like Nike or Reebok, Newton Running makes smaller runs of their lines while reflecting the detailed craftsmanship with each one. This is reflective in its price, of course. A pair of Newtons may set you back a bit. However, the price for the BoCo Sol has dropped significantly since their introduction, so some smart shopping online may reveal an affordable price for such a high-quality shoe.
Drop
Keeping just outside the minimalist realm, the BoCo Sol has a 3mm drop, which may present a radical change for runners used to a more standard drop. However, with still a little heel-to-toe drop present, it does not present the quite as radical transition that zero-drop shoes present. Still, some runners may need to transition for a while before feeling comfortable in this shoe.
Stability
With a lower drop (3mm) than many comparable shoes, the BoCo Sol offers an enhanced stability that runners will appreciate. However, this is not specifically a stability shoe, instead designed mostly for neutral runners with regular pronation.
Flexibility
With an upper made of open mesh that’s both breathable and highly flexible and a midsole comprised of thin EVA foam, the Newton Boco Sol is a very flexible trail runner that is firm on the outsole but flexible inside and up top.
Traction
One of the BoCo Sol’s best attributes is its excellent traction. With its outsole covered by numerous multi-directional lugs that are fierce in tearing into the earth and propelling the runner forward, trail runners will find the traction this shoe offers exceptional and highly desirable.
Bottom Line
Newton Runner has been making some of the more unique high-performance trainers for serious runners since its reception and the Newton BoCo Sol is perhaps one of the best trail shoes it’s produced in its relatively short lifespan. Featuring great grip thanks to the many lugs on the outsole, a comfortable and responsive midsole, and a breathable upper, runners can hit the trail without worrying about discomfort or a loss in performance. However, the Boco Sol’s secret weapon is its ability to function as an all-terrain shoe that is just as able on asphalt and pavement as it is on dirt paths and rocky trails.;Although some runners have complained that its toe box is too large and that it doesn’t feature enough arch support for runners with high arches, the BoCo Sol is easily a dynamic entry into the trail shoe category that will suit most serious neutral runners’ needs. With a 3mm drop for added stability and a price tag that’s dropped significantly since its initial release, the BoCo Sol is a great all-around trainer and stands out especially as an excellent lightweight trail runner. While this is not an entry level shoe but suited more for the experienced runner looking for a high-performance trail shoe that can easily adapt to all-terrain conditions, the BoCo Sol may just be the next great trainer for you to tackle in your pursuit for running excellence.
