Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
3 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• Responsive high-density rubber outsole• SHARC outsole material• New Newtonium cushioning in the midsole• Action / Reaction midsole• POP1 midsole• Special lugs underfoo• Seamless engineered upper• 4-way stretch in front area• New more breathable tongue• Half-flat lightweight laces• 360-degree reflectivity for nighttime• New and improved heel counter design• Anti-bacterial inner liner
Upper
The upper of the Gravity 6 is seamless all around and made of engineered material making it super lightweight. There’s no extra stuff weighing the shoe down. The 4-way stretch material in the forefoot helps to accommodate swelling and varied foot shapes. Half flat laces make up the shoe’s lacing system and are also nearly weightless. Reflective elements that completely envelope the shoe are an extra safety net for runners who find themselves running after the sun goes down and have forgotten a light at home. An anti-bacterial liner keeps rotten odors away and ensures runners stay dry. It should also be noted that it’s possible, and comfortable enough, to run sockless in the Newton Gravity 6 because of its seamless design. A few updates have improved the upper since the last version. The tongue has been updated a bit to improve breathability in the area. A better heel counter has also been constructed to help prevent heel slippage.
Midsole
The Newton Gravity 6 features a new type of midsole cushioning dubbed Newtonium. It sounds futuristic, doesn’t it? It provides a nice amount of padding without weighing down the shoe. The Action/Reaction midsole allows runners to get a smooth ride while also providing rebound for greater efficiency. The POP1 midsole material is still present as well.
Outsole
The outsole of the Newton Gravity 6 actually provides a nice bit of rebound. Made of high-density rubber and S.H.A.R.C material the outsole is outfitted for durability and responsiveness. Most noticeable in the outsole are the special lugs in the forefoot area that provide runners with excellent ground feedback and rebound.
Breathability
The Newton Gravity 6 has a very breathable upper thanks to the fact that it’s made of very lightweight engineered material. In the front of the foot, the material covering the toes has a nice bit of stretch to it allowing the foot to move every which ways without feeling constricted. The interior liner of the shoe stops bacteria from proliferating but also wicks moisture to ensure the inside stays dry. The upper material also has the benefit of being quick-drying to ensure water or sweat doesn’t get it and create an uncomfortable run experience for wearers. A change in this version of the shoe is a more breathable tongue section. Prone to heating up in the previous iteration of the Newton Gravity, now the tongue allows for better air circulation.
Comfort
Overall, reviewers liked how the Newton Gravity 6 felt. The Newtonium cushioning is a big improvement over the previous iteration’s cushioning. It wasn’t bad before, but now it feels great. Enough room in the forefoot allows feet to splay comfortably and a breathable upper ensures the temperature inside the shoe is always bearable. A true to size fit also helps to ensure all wearers get a comfortable ride out of the Newton Gravity 6. Also, the improved tongue helps with ventilation improving overall comfort.;Some reviewers found the lugs underfoot were quite noticeable but explained that they didn’t quite feel uncomfortable. They just take some getting used to, especially for those who are not natural forefoot strikers.
Style
The Gravity 6 looks great. Like other Newton brand shoes, it’s clear the company has put effort into creating a good looking running shoe. True to Newton’s aesthetic, the Gravity features bright coloring. You won’t find boring or plain color options offered by Newton. The fun colorways offer runners a way to play with style by way of their feet. The women’s version is offered in a vibrant pink color accented by fun pops of baby blue. For men, the Gravity 6 comes in a jarring cobalt blue with bright green accents. The shoe was clearly designed with care. It’s a subtle but fresh update that looks fabulous for both sexes.
Durability
The S.H.A.R.C outsole is the Newton Gravity 6’s first defense against general wear and tear. The engineered upper material is also resistant and despite being lightweight won’t end up tearing even with prolonged use. Even the shoe’s lugs can handle a beating and won’t wear down easily. The Newton Gravity 6 will probably last longer than your average running shoe.
Protection
This shoe first and foremost protects runners from heel striking by providing a geometry and construction that promotes a more natural ride. The shoe also provides impact protection thanks to its well-padded POP1 midsole which contains stellar Newtonium cushioning. The very breathable upper made of engineered mesh protects the wearer’s foot from overheating and 360-degree reflectivity protects runners should they find themselves out in the dark unexpectedly towards the end of a run. An antibacterial liner also helps fight off bad smells and protects runner’s feet from festering in an unhealthy environment.
Responsiveness
The Newton Gravity 6 is a very responsive shoe thanks to its unique design. The outsole of the shoe actually provides the first layer of responsive material and the lugs underfoot give runners plenty of energy-return so they can experience an efficient ride. The POP1 midsole’s Newtonium cushioning is much more responsive than ever before, too. Reviewers commented on the shoe’s excellent feedback and improved ride feel.
Support
The Gravity 6 offers a decent amount of support thanks to the secure fitting upper made of engineered mesh. A locked-in heel ensures the wearer’s ankle is supported as well and the back of the foot doesn’t slip out of the shoe.
Terrain
The shoe is made for road running but can handle non-technical trail if runners take care to avoid debris like rocks and pebbles that might get logged in the outsole. Some runners might find they feel unstable because of the forefoot lugs when dealing with uneven terrain, so as long you stick to level ground, the ride should feel fine. The mesh material of the upper also happens to be quick-drying which is helpful when encountering puddles on any type of surfaces.
Price
The Newton Gravity 6 is priced at the high end of shoes in its category but it also provides nearly unmatched durability. In addition to its resistant construction, the shoe is lightweight, versatile (good for training and racing), comfortable, breathable, and super responsive. At any price, the Newton Gravity 6 offers good value. It happens to be suitable for both regular training and competition runs, making it versatile as well.
Drop
This shoe features a low 3mm drop, bringing runners close to the ground to ensure a responsive, feedback heavy ride. The low to the ground design doesn’t mean that cushioning is lacking. The Newtonium midsole provides enough padding to absorb shock while still allowing the wearer to feel what’s beneath. Reviewers thought that the shoe was low enough to the ground to feel like a racing flat but also had enough cushioning for comfort.
Stability
This is a neutral trainer, so there are no traditional control features one might see in a stability shoe. Still, runners will feel secure in the Gravity 6. It’s a nearly minimalist shoe with a definite solid feel. The upper nicely hugs the foot while the laces lock it down. A better heel counter provides improved overall stability by eliminating the chance for heel slippage. Some runners might feel a little off balance because of the special lugs, but once you get used to them, the ride feels natural and doesn’t ever feel unstable.
Flexibility
The Newton Gravity 6 offers a nice amount of flexibility, but it’s nothing above average. The shoe bends enough to allow for a natural ride and a smooth push-off from the ground. The shoe doesn’t ever feel stiff and neither does it feel overly bendy. It’s a nice balance between the two and leads to what feels like a very easy ride.
Traction
The Gravity 6 provides adequate traction. The less than stellar traction underfoot is perhaps the biggest drawback of the shoe. It does just fine on wet pavement, although there are certainly other shoes that have better grip. In snowy winter weather, though, the shoe has a lot of trouble keeping runners stable. Normally, a runner might decide to add crampons for better traction but with the Newton Gravity 6, the lugs get in the way. It would be a good idea to keep the Gravity 6 for fair weather training.
Bottom Line
The Newton Gravity 6 is a successful update to an already great shoe. It provides excellent feedback for wearers while delivering a nice amount of cushioning to soften the force of impact. The shoe fits snugly but still has enough room for a person’s foot to breathe and sit naturally. The lightweight, breathable design still manages to be highly resistant to wear and tear. Once you get used to the special outsole lugs, a ride in the Newton Gravity 6 will feel smooth and comfortable. The Newton Gravity 6 is a perfect choice for wearers wanting a shoe that can perform double duty during training and on race day and a shoe that both looks and feel fast on the move.
