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If Running Barefoot Is Not For You, Try Newton Running Shoes
By Christina | September 12, 2009
There have been some elite marathon runners over the years who run barefoot. This unconventional way of running has yet to go mainstream in this country. In fact, running shoes are big business. There is a significant amount of money that goes into research and development in order for companies to design the ultimate running shoe.
My running partner just came back from a store that specializes in running shoes. I stared at her new shoes and knew they were different than any shoes I had seen before, but had no idea who made them. They are called Newton running shoes and the company is based out of Colorado. Just like most fitness shoe companies, Newton believes their shoes will improve your athletic performance, make you faster, more efficient, and less prone to injury than conventional running shoes. Unlike the competition, however, Newton shoes are specifically designed to get you to land differently when you run.
There is extra traction on the bottom of the shoes that force you to land on your forefoot instead of your heel when you run. The interesting thing about my running partner is that she is already a toe walker and a toe runner. For years, everyone has tried to get her to change her stride and practice landing on her heels. I can only imagine her surprise when the shoe salesperson told her that they have a shoe that reinforces what she has been doing naturally for years.
The science behind the design of Newton shoes is that they mimic running barefoot. Running barefoot, according to their researchers, showcases our optimum running form. Runners, naturally land on their forefoot whereas walkers land on their heels and sprinters land on their toes. The designers of the Newton feel that their shoe is a natural extension of this.
I am interested to see what these shoes do for my running partner. She is a 10 min. miler. Do I think she will become a 7 min. miler because of these shoes? No. It is like the fast suits in swimming. If you don a fast suit in the water, will it make you slightly faster? Maybe. Will it magically transform you into Michael Phelps. I don’t think so.
Comments from runners who have been running in Newton running shoes fall into two distinct camps. They either love them or hate them. Heel runners find them uncomfortable and unnatural. They especially don’t like them for long distance runs. Toe runners, on the other hand, love them and feel that they are better runners for it.
As with anything else, there is a learning curve when you try something new. After a few weeks of running, if my running partner suddenly whizzes past me, then Newton is onto something.
Topics: Marathon Training, Running |
