Details
Brand
Newton
Heel To Toe Drop
0 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Triathlon
Key Features
• Ultra lightweight trainer will be appreciated by marathon runners• Very breathable upper mesh keeps foot cool throughout a ride• Built-in drainage for moisture keeps foot dry• Reflective color palette maintains high visibility even at night• Newton’s Active/Reactive technology provides responsive midsole• 5-lug outsole has excellent traction for excellent performance
Upper
With large holes in its mesh to keep breathability to a maximum, the upper of the Tri Racer is a seamless construction with minimal overlays that will keep the wearer’s feet cool and provide a comfortable wear even without socks on. Nighttime runners or those that find themselves in low visibility environments will feel safer thanks to the reflectivity of the upper. In addition, its antibacterial ETC sockliner in the interior provides a plush cushioning, while its speed laces allow for single-hand cinching.
Midsole
While the Tri Racer is a minimalist shoe, it’s designed to afford as much midsole support as an ultra lightweight shoe can. While the lugs on the outsole work to provide some cushioning, the standard EVA foam and the 2nd generation Newton Action/Reaction technology create a responsive midsole. Meanwhile, drainage holes in the midsole allow water out, keeping the foot dry and lessening risk of blisters.
Outsole
Newton’s shoes have built quite a reputation for the short amount of time they’ve been around, and their outsole design is a major reason for this. The patented Newton 5- lug pattern is located just beneath the metatarsals to absorb impact and provide cushioning and support along with focused traction points. The durable high-density rubber that comprises the heel and forefoot is resistant to wear and tear. Just one look at the outsole and a runner can see that this is a trainer meant to deliver durability and performance on a long run.
Breathability
The Tri Racer is a one-piece construction whose upper is mostly comprised of a thin, breathable mesh. Since it aims to be as lightweight as possible, its minimalist design allows for maximum ventilation that will keep a runner’s foot cool whether doing speed training or during a marathon. A runner can even wear this shoe comfortably without socks! Even after the foot begins to perspire, the midsole is outfitted with drainage holes to keep the foot dry.
Comfort
Although the Tri Racer is an ultra lightweight minimalist running shoe designed for efficiency, it still provides snug comfort for the runner thanks to its sock-like, flexible fit. Its EVA midsole furnishes a good amount of cushioning while the proprietary Action/Reaction technology provides efficient performance in its responsiveness. Meanwhile, the lugs on the outsoles also deliver extra cushioning and the Tri Racer is outfitted with neutral arch support. Some reviewers have complained that it fits a little too tight, particularly in the heel area, but this may vary from runner to runner. Alternately, others have also complained that the forefoot is too loose.
Style
Form fits function in the Newton Tri Racer, and appropriately enough its aesthetic is as slick and kinetic as its performance. Not exactly subtle, the color palette of this trainer is meant to catch the eye. Coming in bright Day-glo colors for enhanced visibility, the Tri Racer’s mesh upper shows off its superior breathability with numerous mesh holes with the Newton logo placed on both sides. Its multicolored outsole highlights its multiple tread contact points that reflect the foot outline and is similarly as brightly colored as the upper. Although not subdued in its look, this trainer is designed for performance and competition, but on the track and in a marathon, the Tri Racer looks serious in its purpose as a pro running shoe looking to win races, not fashion awards.
Durability
Given its solid construction, the lightweight Tri Racer is a flexible but incredibly durable trainer. Its thick high-density rubber outsole will continue to hold its traction even after many miles of wear and tear, while its synthetic mesh upper will retain its shape and composition without deteriorating over time.
Protection
While its thick rubber sole will provide great protection and responsive support over the rough asphalt, springy track, and hard pavement surfaces that the Tri Racer is designed to excel on, this lightweight and highly breathable trainer is optimal in dry, warm conditions. But for the runner looking for a shoe that can perform on the trail or in rain, sleet, or snow, the Tri Racer is not going to provide much protection against these elements.
Responsiveness
The midsole of the Tri Racer is designed with Newton’s proprietary Action/Reaction technology, which provides a responsive cushioning so that every footfall is as productive as possible. Similarly, Newton’s signature 5-lug pattern on the outsole beneath the metatarsals helps absorb impact while also working to propel the runner with every stride.
Support
A neutral running shoe, the Tri Racer provides neutral arch support and its standard EVA foam midsole supplies a fair amount of comfort. But it’s in Newton’s Action/Reaction technology that works the most in providing support and responsiveness to the runner. In addition, the Tri Racer’s outsole lugs also work in combination with the midsole to provide solid support so the runner feels secure and balanced throughout a ride.
Terrain
While the flexible, dynamic Newton Tri Racer is designed for speed and response on traditional running surfaces, such as tracks or asphalt, its lightweight design and mesh upper is only optimal for dry conditions and consistent surfaces. Neither a trail or even an off-road trainer, the Tri Racer is best on the road and even better on the track.
Price
Given it’s an ultra lightweight trainer with a responsive, dynamic outsole and optimized for speed and durable performance in marathons, the Newton Tri Racer is not a budget trainer. Considering its superb design, including built-in drainage, traction-heavy outsole with flex grooves, and excellent ventilation from its one-piece seamless construction, the Tri Racer’s high quality certainly reflects its price tag. Best for serious runners who are looking to invest in a shoe that will reliably deliver in training and competition alike, it’s attached to a similarly serious price tag. But from all reviews, the Tri Racer is well worth the money for the runner looking to improve their performance and invest in a lightweight trainer.
Drop
The minimalist Newton Tri Racer is a zero-drop trainer: as such, those used to the standard drop-in trainers will want to work in a period of adjustment before taking over these trainers as their main shoe. But for those who have adapted to the zero drop will find this shoe a dynamic trainer on the road, in a race, or for their daily run.
Stability
With a well-balanced design that provides a great amount of stability for the wearer, the Tri Racer will have the neutral pronation runner feeling stable on their feet. With neutral arch support and a highly responsive EVA midsole, the Tri Racer is a comfortable shoe but it is not a stability shoe in itself. In addition, those not adapted to a zero-drop trainer may experience a period of adjustment before finding their stride.
Flexibility
Since the Tri Racer is a one-piece with an upper made of breathable mesh that conforms to the shape of the foot for a snug fit and a rubber outsole outfitted with multiple flex grooves, it’s an incredibly flexible, lightweight trainer. Made for dynamic performance and created for ultimate control, the Tri Racer’s a flexible trainer designed to respond and adapt to the runner, whatever their style and gait may be.
Traction
Since this trainer’s looking to propel the runner forward and deliver optimal performance, the Newton Tri Racer features intricate, tenacious tread that covers the outsole. The flex grooves that line the outsole offer excellent flexibility that allows the runner to dig into surfaces and grip the ground, providing ferocious potential grip. Meanwhile, the metatarsal stretch panels seek to provide focused points of traction so the runner gets the most out of every footfall.
Bottom Line
The Newton Tri Racer wants you to hit the ground running and keep the pace up mile after mile. Its ultra lightweight design and superior flexibility are made for the marathon racer in mind, while its proprietary Active/Reactive technology in the midsole seeks to provide a responsive and comfortable ride throughout. Its highly breathable seamless upper mesh that conforms to the runner’s foot keeps the foot cool and well-ventilated while its built-in drainage keeps the foot dry. The outsole of the Tri Racer reflects Newton’s innovative approach to running shoe design, featuring their patented 5-lug system placed beneath the metatarsals which provides optimal support and traction to propel the runner forward with every footfall. Outfitted with speed laces designed for single-handed lace-up, a seamless construction to reduce irritation, and an eye-catching, highly reflective aesthetic that provides high visibility even in the dark, runners in the know will recognize the value of these features. Speaking of which: although its price may bar some runners from purchasing, for the experienced and serious marathoner looking for a dynamic and responsive trainer, it’s an investment that will pay off literally in the long run–especially if a runner is seeking to beat their personal best time while getting the most performance for their money. Reliable, resilient, and made for the 5K, 10K, and marathon runner, the Newton Tri Racer is a high-performance trainer made for mile-after-mile runs in mind.
