Details
Brand
Newton
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 4.5 mm drop• Rubber outsole for traction• SHARC anti-abrasion outsole material• Each shoe features five forefoot lugs• P.O.P. 2 midsole• Extremely responsive• EVA midsole layer• Moisture-wicking ETC sock liner• Seamless open mesh upper construction• No-sew overlays for minimal friction• 360-degree reflectivity• Stretchy metatarsal panels
Upper
The Fate 3 features a stretchy open mesh seamless upper. The upper is the same as before with a few design tweaks that don’t affect feel or fit. No-sew overlays and 360-degree reflectivity ensure wearers are secure and safe when wearing the Newton trainer. Stretchy Metatarsal panels allow for a little extra room to move around, and an ETC sock liner fits inside the shoe.;Reviewers liked the lightweight feel of the upper and appreciated its accommodating stretchy design. Wearers also noted that the shoe delivered a secure heel fit and a roomy forefoot area. Another bonus is that the upper is quick-drying. You’ll get wet if you manage to find yourself in the rain or stepping in puddles (thanks to the open mesh construction) but the material won’t stay waterlogged for long.
Midsole
The Fate’s midsole hasn’t changed, though users noted the cushioning felt more responsive than before. The three features the same powerfully bouncy P.O.P. 2 (P.O.P. stands for Point of Power – and Newton isn’t kidding) midsole as its predecessor. The action/reaction technology provides wearers with energy-return, and a ride feel that’s springy and reactive. The midsole’s futuristic sounding Newtonium cushioning also delivers an incredibly responsive ride. Under the space-age-esque cushioning there’s a layer of EVA foam for added impact protection.;Reviewers agreed that the Fate was perfect for short and long runs. The shoe delivers a fast ride for speedier efforts and ensures long runs will be energy-filled. Reviewers described the ride feel as responsive with cushioning that felt soft yet stable.
Outsole
Newton’s unique shoe design features a rubber outsole with SHARC anti-abrasion material. Pretty standard stuff, right? Take a peek underneath, and you’ll also spot some distinctive lugs placed in the forefoot area. The five pronounced forefoot lugs help to encourage runners to utilize a forward foot strike and eliminate heel striking. They also absorb impact and deliver energy-return.;The outsole is high-quality, and some users felt the build was even more durable than the previous edition of the Fate. A few users, however, did note that despite a sturdy design, the lugs on the bottom of the shoe tend to wear down quickly. There’s no surprise there. This is likely to happen with any shoe that features a prominent lug pattern. Over time, friction with the ground just grinds them down.
Breathability
An open mesh design makes the upper of the Fate 3 super well ventilated. A bit of extra stretch – thanks to the shoe’s metatarsal panels – also provides added room for air to circulate. Inside, the ETC sock liner works effectively to wick moisture. Reviewers noted that the shoe’s upper felt incredibly lightweight and liked that the material dried so quickly.
Comfort
While heel strikers may require some time to warm up to the Newton Fate’s unique P.O.P 2 platform, others will find the built-up forefoot design a welcomed change. The shoe’s five Action / Reaction lugs add an extra layer of cushioning for forefoot strikers. The running shoe market is slowly catching up to deliver models appropriate for forefoot strikers. Where before the options were limited and mostly focused on minimalist designs, companies like Newton offer a balance of lightweight and comfort for non-heel strikers. Soft and responsive Newtonium pads underfoot and the bouncy midsole ensures wearers get back the energy the put into their runs. A roomy toe box, secure heel, and breathable upper round out the overall super comfortable design of the Fate.
Style
The Fate 3’s design hasn’t changed much save for a few tweaks to the upper. The minimal cosmetic changes, though, are barely noticeable. What does present a big change is Newton’s introduction of a black colorway for both men and women. For men, the colorway includes pops of bright blue and for women bright pink accents. Newton has long been known for its aggressively bright designs that easily standout amongst a crowd. The loud color schemes, though, aren’t for everyone. Wearers were particularly vocal about their love for the newly added black styles. The shoe also comes in a bright green design for men and a salmon & blue option for women.
Durability
While the shoe hasn’t changed much, users seemed to believe that the quality of the shoe had definitely improved since the previous iteration. The components are essentially the same, so it’s tough to confirm, but overall, the Newton Fate 3 is a high-quality trainer. Some reviewers did point out the tendency of the forefoot lugs to shave down quickly. The speed at which this occurs may differ depending on your particular foot strike. Midfoot wearers may be able to get a bit more life out of the Fate 3’s lugs than heavy forefoot strikers. Either way, even if the lugs do grind down the shoe itself stays pretty well intact.
Protection
The neutral Fate 3 offers the same protective features as the previous version. Unique compared to other running shoes are the five forefoot lugs on each shoe. These not only provide energy-return, but they also protect wearers from overly relying on a heel strike pattern. The midsole, packed with Newtonium cushioning, delivers a responsive ride that also protects wearers from experiencing too much impact. Finally, the upper’s open mesh design reduces the potential for overheating, and its quick drying material eliminates the chances of water retention.
Responsiveness
When you think of futuristic, what comes to mind? Moon boots, perhaps? And what do moon boots make you think of? Bouncy energy, right? That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Newton Fate. A bouncy, energy-filled ride, that happens to also feel light as air. The shoe, far from looking like a bulky moon boot, features an energetic midsole design. The P.O.P 2 action/reaction platform is snappy, and the Newtonium cushioning is soft but responsive. Reviewers raved about the shoe’s responsive design and ride feel, and some even pointed out that the midsole feel was even more responsive than that of the Fate 2.
Support
The neutral running shoe provides an adequate amount of support. Reviewers found the platform fairly supportive and liked the lightweight yet firm hold provided by the shoe’s upper. The stretchy metatarsal panels of the Fate 3 are accommodating but deliver a secure fit.
Terrain
The tough SHARC anti-abrasion rubber outsole is the first clue that the Fate is ready to handle a variety of surfaces. Reviewers reported using the shoe for more than just road running and ran into very little trouble doing so. The open mesh upper might prove a bit tricky when dealing with loose rocky terrain, but the quick-drying material also works well in wet environments. Spaces between the lugs may be magnets for trail debris, but the flexible nature of the sole helps to dislodge any pebbles that find their way into the shoe’s crevices.
Price
Newton’s specialized technology fetches a higher price than similarly positioned shoes in the neutral category. Users, though, seemed perfectly happy to pay a premium for Newton’s signature P.O.P. 2 midsole and forefoot lug design. Newton’s unique shoe design is an attractive one for forefoot strikers who have so often been stuck with excessive heel-cushioning and built-up heels.
Drop
A 4.5 mm drop height for the Fate 3 keeps wearers low to the ground and in tune with every step. It also helps to ensure a stable ride. A five-lug rocker design has the potential to create an unstable platform for wearers, especially those who are used to heel striking. Keeping the wearer lower to the ground promotes greater stability.
Stability
The rocker-feel of the shoe may require a bit of a breaking in period. Those who have been heel strikers all their lives may find it awkward to rely on the forefoot lugs of the Fate. A little instability might occur during this phase. The design is perfectly stable, though, and reviewers agree. The Newtonium cushioning is soft but firm enough to deliver a stable ride. The upper’s open mesh construction is stretchy yet supportive.
Flexibility
The outsole delivers the perfect about of flex for wearers to experience the full benefits of the responsive Newtonium cushioning, snappy P.O.P. 2 midsole, and five lug rocker design. The action/reaction technology paired with a flexible sole delivers an incredibly responsive ride. The upper, too, features a stretchy metatarsal panel design. This opens up the toe box area a bit, so there’s more room for toes to move around.
Traction
The Newton Fate 3’s lugs aren’t primarily meant to provide traction, though they do add an extra textural element that helps to grip surfaces. The rubber outsole is sticky enough on its own to handle rough terrain. Not a trail shoe, by any means, the Fate is well-built so that it won’t fall apart in off-road conditions. The outsole is covered in resistant SHARC material. The lugs do shave down over time, though, especially for those who happen to be true forefoot strikers.
Bottom Line
Though the bearer of few changes, the Newton Fate 3 is still a solid neutral running shoe. For forefoot strikers, the shoe offers a comfortable, reliable, cushioned platform that’s otherwise hard to find. For heel strikers, the rocker-design and forefoot lugs help with a transition away from heel striking.;Overall, the shoe’s ride feel is incredibly responsive in delivering a soft but stable platform for runners to confidently run upon. A low to the ground profile encourages stability and connection to the ground. A durable design makes the Fate 3 a versatile choice for those who enjoy running on multiple surfaces. Durability combined with generous cushioning and a lightweight feel makes the Fate a suitable choice for either long training runs or shorter track workouts. If you enjoyed running in the Newton Fate 2, there’s little doubt that the three will offer the same comfortable and energy-filled experience.
