REVIEW FACTS
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is unique in that it uses EVA material that is usually reserved for the midsole to add extra cushioning and comfort to the outsole. This EVA material along the outsole of the shoe adds a responsiveness that is unique to the Gravity V. In addition to this, the outsole of the shoe also utilized Newton’s patented S.H.A.R.C (super high abrasion rubber). This material is designed to hold up against the toughest conditions and keep the shoe looking and feeling new, mile after mile. The outsole of this shoe is also unique in that it employs a “lug” system that provides added traction and helps runners feel safe and secure even on wet or snowy roads.
Midsole
Some of the biggest changes to the Gravity V from previous iterations is the added flexibility to the midsole. Runners can also expect o find more cushioning for an even more comfortable ride. The midsole is made using Biomechanical metatarsal sensor plates that create an unbeatable connection to the ground. This material also helps to add stability to the shoe and provide a solid landing pad for the runner that also absorbs shock from each footfall to reduce the runner’s risk of injury and pain during their runs. Newton shoes are known for their patented action/reaction design. The Gravity V utilized this design to provide the runner with superior responsiveness and impact absorptions.
Upper
Another key change from the fourth version to the fifth in the Gravity line is the upper. The upper of the Gravity 5 now features a material is that more flexible and works to conform to the shape of the runner’s foot. This provides a customizable fit that is snug and supportive. The material used is a four-way stretch metatarsal. This material moves and bends with the shape of the foot to provide the runner with a “second skin” feeling. Runners reported that there was no need to wear socks with this shoe. The upper is highly breathable and provides ample ventilation holes to keep the temperature inside of the shoe cool. The upper is also seamless which reduces the possibility of irritations or hot spots that can lead to blisters. Finally, Newton added a unique radial band in the tongue to keep the tongue in place and provide added cushioning and comfort for the runner.
Breathability
Just by looking at the upper, runners can see this shoe offers maximum ventilation. The perforated upper provides the runner with unbeatable breathability. This helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe and keeps the foot cool and dry even in extremely ho t or wet conditions. Additionally, the material used in the upper of the shoe features a metatarsal, four-way stretch. This stretches and moves with the foot and creates a very breathable fit.
Comfort
Runners commented again and again on the overall comfort that the Newton Gravity V provided. To being, the upper keeps the foot cool and dry and the supportive overlays keep the foot locked in place. This reduces the risk of blisters and friction leading to irritation in the shoe. Although the shoe has a very low drop, it still provides ample cushioning for the runner. The midsole rises up to meet the foot and adapt to the unique shape of each runner’s foot to provides an individualized fit and feel.
Style
There are pros and cons to the styling of this shoe. The pro is that the shoe is brightly colored and designed. It is perfect for the runner who likes to get attention while out on their runs or while crossing the finish line. Additionally, the bright color helps runners stay safe in low visibility areas or while running in the evening. The only con is that the color options are very limited. Runners who like a lot of options will be displeased with how few options are offered in this shoe.
Durability
Although this shoe carries a heftier price tag than some others brands, runners reported that the high level of durability justified the purchase. The fifth version of this shoe adds more durability to the upper and it also uses Newton’s patented super high abrasion rubber on the outsole. This material protects the shoe from wear and tear. Runners reported that because of the durability features found in this shoe, they had to replace it much less frequently than other, less expensive shoes.
Protection
The upper of this shoe is covered in brightly colored material. This helps protect runners in low visibility areas or during their evening workouts. This material makes runners stand out and keeps them safe from approaching cars or other runners. Runners also found that the lower drop of the shoe helps to keep them free from injury because it allows the muscles in the foot and leg to fully develop. The lower drop mirrors the natural movement of the runners and many runners found that this helped protect them against injuries.
Responsiveness
Runners reported that the lower drop and the overall design of the shoe provide them with a high level of responsiveness. The midsole and outsole of this shoe are both designed to absorb shock from each footfall and return that energy to the runner. This helps runners feel connected to the ground below them. Newton’s patented action/reaction “lug” system along the underfoot ensures that runners can respond quickly and efficiently to changes in speed and direction.
Support
There are few key supportive elements of the Gravity 5. To start, the upper uses a radial band in the tongue to keep the tongue in place which helps keep the rest of the foot locked into place. The lacing system also works to lock the foot in place from the forefoot all the way through to the heel. This reduces unwanted movement and keeps the foot securely in place.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested for the pavement or the gym. While this shoe does provide adequate traction and a more durable outsole that can handle a groomed trail, this shoe is best suited for the urban adventurer. Runners found the Newton to be a good choice for cross training as well as running too. This is a good shoe to use on treadmills, elliptical machines, or during spin class or on stationary bikes.
Price
For many runners, the price is an issue. This shoe comes in well above the average price for running shoes on today’s market. While there are great shoes for a lowered cost, the Newton Gravity 5 is not going to be one of them. Although the price tag is shocking for some, for those that did purchase this shoe, they viewed it as more of an investment because it has superior durability and lasts much longer than other shoes in the same class of road running shoes.
Drop
Newton is an interesting combination of a shoe that is a very low drop and a shoe that has a high amount of cushioning and support. The overall heel drop of this shoe comes in at 3 millimeters. However, this does not mean that Newton is a true minimalist shoe like many zero or low drop running shoes on today’s market. It provides the runner with the level base of a low drop shoe but the cushioning of a more traditional feeling shoe. The heel height of this shoe is 25 millimeters while the forefoot height is 22 millimeters.
Stability
Although this shoe is technically labeled as a neutral running shoe, runners reported that the shoe provides slight stability supports as well. Especially in the midsole of the shoe, runners can expect to find a Biomechanical metatarsal sensor that helps to stabilize the foot and keep the runner feeling secure and safe in their runs.
Flexibility
One of the key overall improvements to this fifth version of this shoe from earlier versions is a more flexible fit and feel. Newton made some changes to the upper and midsole of this shoe to ensure that runners were given a shoe that moves with their natural gait cycle. Especially in the upper, runners can expect to encounter a much more flexible fit. The upper utilizes a four-way stretch material that conforms to fit the shape of the runner. This was especially good for runners with wider feet who could benefit from a little more give in the upper material.
Traction
Newton is known for their patented action/reaction outsole design. This designed creates a lug system along the underfoot that gives added grip and protection to the runner. Many runners commented that this is a great shoe to use during wet runs, and some even commented that the traction made this a sturdy enough shoe to wear during runs in the snow.
Bottom Line
The Newton Gravity V takes the best elements of the Gravity line and adds more flexibility and cushioning. This shoe provides the low drop, high cushioning that runners have come to love in the Newton line of shoes. It has a stretchy, breathable upper and a cushioned, adaptable midsole to provide the runners with a comfortable ride. This shoe is lightweight enough to speed up and take runners through speed workouts like sprints or fartlek’s, but it is also durable and cushioned enough to provide enough protection for long runs too. Although the price of this shoe is pretty high, runners found this shoe to be a solid investment due to the long lasting durability it provides to the runner.
Key Features
• Full-length EVA midsole foam• S.H.A.R.C technology (super high abrasion rubber system)• Biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate for added stability• Action/reaction technology to provide superior responsiveness• 4-way stretch metatarsal mesh
