Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
2 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Seamless lightweight mesh upper• 360 degree reflectivity• Full Flex Zone allows the toes to splay comfortably• Ice Rubber Lugs provide great grip• Heel Lace Lock makes sure the heel stays in place• Semi-flat Laces provide a customized fit• Newtonian Foam Cushioning• Action/Reaction midsole technology absorbs shock• ETC Sockliner protects the bottom of the foot• P.O.P. 1 Platform retreats lugs into the shoe on impact
Upper
The seamless and lightweight mesh used in the upper allows ventilation around the shoe and reduces the risk of irritation. There is also a Strobel Last stitched in that has a silky feel to it. The tongue secures the fit and makes it easy to put the shoe on and take it off. Instead of regular laces, Semi-flat Laces provide a customized fit and stay tied during long workouts and long distance runs. The Heel Lace Lock keeps the heel in place to prevent slipping, and also fits comfortably around the back of the foot. The upper also has a 360-degree reflectivity for nighttime visibility, allowing the wearer to not have to restrict runs to daytime hours.
Midsole
The midsole has multiple layers for cushioning, responsiveness, and shock absorption. The top layer is the ETC Sockliner, which has anti-bacterial properties that help keep the foot odor-free and clean. Next is the Newtonian Foam Cushioning, which is responsive and close-fitting. The high-rebound EVA foam adds protection, durability, and responsiveness. There is also Action/Reaction technology that absorbs shock during landings and then releases that energy to the forefoot for stronger take-offs. The bottom layer is the P.O.P. 1 platform that has air pockets for the lugs to retreat into for better speed. The low drop also helps with speed, allows natural movement, and strengthens muscles.
Outsole
The outsole is composed of various kinds of rubber as well as EVA. The forefoot has a high-density rubber that is protective and provides great traction to prevent slipping during take-offs. The high-abrasion wedge in the heel adds durability for landings. The Super High Abrasion Rubber Compound adds durability even when going over rough surfaces. It also has a Full Flex Zone for comfortable splaying even for wider feet, and the Ice Rubber Lugs are flexible and provide good grip. The high-rebound EVA layer adds cushioning and responsiveness.
Breathability
The Newton Distance 6 has great breathability. The has lots of mesh for maximum ventilation for keeping the foot dry and cool on warmer days, and its seamless construction reduces the chances of irritation. The Strobel Last is extra soft against the foot to keep it blister-free. There is also an ETC Sockliner that has anti-bacterial properties in order to prevent odor, fungus, and irritation.
Comfort
Testers found that the Distance 6 has a snug, comfortable fit. The width is medium, as is the volume throughout the shoe, although the Full Flex Zone allows plenty of room for the toes to splay, even for wider feet. A few testers found the fit to be a little bit tight or a little large, but most people found it to be comfortable and true to size. The shoe was a little stiff for a few people during the first couple of runs. The outsole has a layer of high-rebound EVA material for cushioning. The midsole has an ETC Sockliner for cushioning and bacteria prevention, the close-fitting Newtonian Foam Cushioning for soft landings, and EVA for even more cushioning. The upper uses Semi-flat laces for a snug fit that stays tied, a tongue that helps make the fit snug and makes it easy to take the shoe off and on, mesh to keep the foot cool and dry, a Strobel Last for a silky feel, and a Heel Lace Lock for a comfortable fit around the rearfoot.
Style
The style and colors were very popular with reviewers. The pattern makes it look like a racing shoe, with white in the tongue and toe area and the second color everywhere else. There is plenty of mesh for ventilation and the weight is light for speed. The tongue was designed for comfort, and the laces provide a unique look and a comfortable fit. The men’s shoe has red in the heel and midfoot with black logos and a black interior. The laces are black with white edges. The women’s shoe has green in the heel and midfoot, with blue logos and a blue interior. The laces are white with blue edges. The shoe also has a 360-degree reflectivity for low-light visibility.
Durability
Testers found some problems with the Newton Distance 6 in the area of durability. Some people noticed that the construction starts to wear down after around 150 miles, while other shoes can last 300 miles or more without any problems. The outsole has pretty good durability because it uses high-abrasion rubber in the heel for landings, forefoot for takeoffs, and the outside edges for wear and tear. The midsole’s foam and cushioning work well, but the P.O.P. 1 platform starts to be less responsive after a while, and the air pockets stay collapsed rather than moving with the wearer’s gait. The upper is fairly durable, but it uses a lot of mesh instead of stronger material, which means it does not last as long as some other shoes.
Protection
The Distance 6 has good protection. The outsole has high-abrasion rubber in the heel and forefoot to protect against bruising and has good traction to protect against slipping. The midsole has an ETC Sockliner to protect against bacteria, and EVA foam and Newtonian Foam Cushioning to protect joints. The upper’s high amount of mesh protects against heat, the Strobel Last protects against blisters, and the toe cap prevents bruising. The Heel Lace Lock prevents slipping, the Semi-flat Laces are designed to stay tied to prevent tripping or looseness, and the 360-degree reflectivity keeps the wearer visible in the dark.
Responsiveness
Testers found that this shoe is fast and responsive. The outsole has a Full Flex Zone for comfortable splaying and more powerful takeoffs. The outsole and midsole have high-rebound EVA to help propel the foot into the air with each step. The midsole’s ETC Sockliner and Newtonian Foam Cushioning are also responsive. The Action/Reaction technology helps transfer energy from the heel to the toe, creating smooth transitions and powerful toe-offs. The P.O.P. 1 platform helps make the shoe faster, and the low drop allows the foot to move naturally, building muscles for faster speed.
Support
The Newton Distance 6 has good support. The ETC Sockliner and EVA foam add some underfoot support, but the Newtonian Foam Cushioning is close-fitting and very supportive. The arch support is neutral, so some people may need additional support. The upper provides support in its tongue, Heel Lace Lock, Strobel Last, and the laces and midfoot areas.
Terrain
As a racing and speed training shoe, as well as being used for daily or long distance runs, the Distance 6 works best on hard surfaces. It can be used on dirt, gravel, concrete, gym floors, forest paths, and light trails. Although it has “ice rubber lugs,” it was not designed to be a snow, ice or heavy trail shoe, but it can go on hills.
Price
This shoe is slightly pricey compared to other road running shoes, as its initial full price is around one-and-a-half times the average. Reviewers were willing to pay extra for this shoe because it can be used by both neutral runners and light over-pronators, it has a good amount of cushioning, good protection, a popular design, and is lightweight and responsive. Current pricing ranges from 33% off to 72% more than the original price, depending on the size and retailer.
Drop
The heel height is 25mm and the forefoot height is 23mm, giving the Distance 6 a drop of 2mm. Unlike other low drop shoes, testers did not complain of soreness due to adjusting from a standard 10mm-12mm drop, especially in the beginning when muscles and tendons are being strengthened. The lightweight, cushioning, and responsiveness makes the shoe comfortable to wear and fast, even without the forward momentum that comes from extra heel cushioning.
Stability
This shoe has some stability, although testers noted that the stability could be better, especially for over-pronators. The midsole’s arch support is neutral, so it does not stabilize the midfoot. The upper has an overlay around the midfoot and laces to keep the fit secure, but it does not slow moderate or heavy over-pronation. The heel is stabilized by the Heel Lace Lock. Some people noted that the shoe was a little stiff, especially in the beginning, which could be helpful for over-pronation, but the stiffness does not last very long.
Flexibility
The Distance 6 has good flexibility, although a few testers found it to be a little stiff during the break in period. The outsole’s Ice Rubber Lugs are flexible, allowing the toes to move naturally in order to create good take-offs. The midsole’s foam and cushioning are flexible, moving with the foot and transferring energy to absorb shock, transitions from heel to toe, and push the foot back into the air again. The upper is flexible enough to move naturally but stable enough to prevent rolling or sliding.
Traction
The Newton Distance 6 has good traction, with testers noting how well it works on hills and slopes. The forefoot has high-density rubber to keep the foot stable during toe-offs. The high-abrasion wedge in the heel grips the road to prevent slipping during landings. The ice rubber lugs provide good grip on roads and paths, allowing the wearer to run anything from races to marathons.
Bottom Line
The Newton Distance 6 is a popular shoe due to its cushioning, snug fit, lightweight feel, and speed. It even has a nice design that appeals to many people. It is breathable, allows comfortable and natural movement, and protects joints. It does have some issues with durability, is not stable enough for moderate to severe over-pronation, and its price is a bit above average. It is a great shoe for racing and speed training, and is also popularly used on daily runs or half or full marathons.
