Pubished: October 10, 2021
| SCORE | 9/10 |
| Weight | 8.2 oz size 9(M) |
| Heel Drop | 2mm (Heel stack 30mm forefoot 28) |
| Shoe Type | Lightweight, mid-cushioned neutral stability shoe |
| Pace | Tempo, Fast Running (short efforts), and half marathon |
| Surface | Road and Trail |
Pro
- Lightweight
- Highly breathable
- Snug-fitting
- Stable
- Nimble
- Fast with seamless transitioning
- Well-cushioned/ super comfortable and can be worn without socks
- Accomodates wide foot
- Durable midsole
Cons
- Early noticeable wear in the lugs and heel.
Take Away
From the upper construction, you can tell that Newton's idea is all about combining aesthetics, secure fitting, and overall shoe performance. Newton is a shoe brand that doesn't attract a lot of buzzes when it comes to conversations about running shoes. Do not be deceived because some models are doing well, especially Gravity, Distance, Fate and Fusion.
Newton's forte is producing lightweight and responsive running shoes for speed runs and long marathons. For this reason, Newton spends a lot on innovations that focus extensively on responsiveness and speed. Action/Reaction Technology is the modus Operandi for powering Newton's midsole for speed.
When I look at the Distance S 10, I see an embodiment of Newton's modern and futuristic shoe technology. The midsole is very responsive and has lugs in the midfoot that compress to provide a springy sensation. It is very profound if you are a midfoot striker. The centre of the shoe's performance is in the midfoot lugs. They form a trampoline-like effect and explosive toe-off during running.
While many brands are stacking up their midsoles, the Newton keeps it to the minimal size. Newton Distance has a low heel drop of 2mm – almost on the same level- for a natural ride.
Newton Distance S 10 Instant Impression
It was time to replace my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 after clocking several miles with it. The Adrenaline GTS 21 is the shoe I fell in love with and fought myself hard from going for the same shoes. Still, I wanted something new with a low heel drop, a slightly firm ride, stability and motion control, and lightweight, fast pace and versatility.
Never had I tried a Newton shoe before. Still, for a long time, I have had Newton on my wish list. Besides, I have heard positive comments from my fellow runners regarding the Newton Distance and Newton Gravity series.
It wasn't difficult to choose the Distance S 10 because of its sleek appearance and unique midsole shape.
Straight out of the box, the lightweight was apparent, and the highly perforated upper mesh was captivating.
I was amazed by how the foot fit because the upper mesh precisely took the shape of my foot but with enough room to allow my toes to splay out. I loved the lower drop too.
The Newton Distance S 10 rode like a fast shoe. The roll under the foot was profound and seamless. With the Distance S 10, I had improved my mileage speed from 8 minutes per mile to 7:30 minutes per mile.
Though the bars under the foot made the ride quite awkward, it didn't take long before I got used to them. Besides, the lockdown was great, so there was no wiggling of the feet.
It has been easy to rack more than 50 miles per week with the Distance S 10.
Newton Distance S 10 Upper Component
My Newton Distance S 10 has striking royal blue and yellow colorways upper constructed with a single-layer engineered mesh. Newton states that the mesh has been produced from recycled material. The mesh is very thin and highly perforated.The mesh is very thin and highly perforated. The thickness is comparable to what I see in On Cloudboom.
According to Newton, the upper is constructed according to gender-specific fitting. Mine fits well, and I believe the fitting is replicated in females' feet. I tried to check out reviews from female buyers online, and there was no concern about fitting.
The upper has a secure fit and feels lightweight. The mesh takes the shape of the foot, wrapping nicely around it, and not in a restrictive manner. The toe box is roomy and flexible, and doest have a trace of sewing in the toe box. Still, I find the toe box well protected.
I love the minimalism approach to the upper's construction. The only available overlays make up the seven eyelets on each side. The flat laces sit on top of the thinly cushioned tongue. I did not feel the laces exerting pressure on top of the foot.
With a secure fitting, I din't need to tighten up. I am sure I will never need the last eyelet, so now I pretty much understand what 'Men's specific fit' mean.
The loop on the tongue is well-positioned and holds the laces nicely, preventing the tongue from slipping downwards or sideways.
The entire upper, including the tongue, has a smooth inner lining to keep the foot comfortable. The thin tongue is complemented with substantial padding in the heel collar and around the ankles to enhance a snug fit. I like the heel counter, which is pre-molded, semi-rigid and locks down the heel very well. The heel flare is well padded to pamper the Achilles while enhancing a secure feel from the back.
Overall, Newton Distance S 10 has one of the best uppers I know. The upper is very comfortable, even in bare feet. It is highly porous that I felt the air entering the shoe and ensuring that my foot was dry and cool, particularly in the hot afternoons. Newton distance S 10 fits true to size, and there is so much to like about how it fits. The toe box is roomy and stretchy, capable of accommodating even a wide footed runner.
The lacing system is well-executed to lock down the foot from all areas. Everything about the upper is well thought out, and it is one of the reasons the Distance S 10 feels like an actual racing shoe.
Newton Distance S 10 Sole Component
A must-have feature for a racing shoe is a highly responsive and lightweight midsole. Newton considered all the key factors and also souped-up things to surpass runners' expectations.
We are in an era where shoe manufacturers are infusing carbon plates into the midsole to develop fast racer shoes. However, Newton has always tried to be unique by adopting different techniques to achieve the same result.
The midsole features the Action/Reaction technology. The energy return equals the landing force and the amount of energy you put in when running. The midfoot has five prominent lugs. They compress when landing and create a trampoline-like effect during rebound, more so, with a lot of pop up. I applaud Newton for placing the lugs in the midfoot because they increase propulsion for a midfoot striker and create a very smooth toe-off transition.
At 2mm, the midsole is pretty leveled. It is also not thick, but I am amazed by the amount of cushioning. Newton went for the full-length Newtonium cushioning system, and it does more than keep the foot comfortable. The cushioning system works hand in hand with the dynamic ART outsole to enhance the rebound effect.
The sole system coordinates seamlessly and effectively. The heel has a fading heel bevel that works together with the springy foam under the heel to create a seamless transition to the bouncy midfoot lugs and through to the flexible forefoot to complete a very seamless toe-off. The hard rubber in the critical abrasive areas like the heel, midfoot, and forefoot guarantees enough traction and more midsole lifespan.
I expect to clock 500 miles with Newton S 10.
I am at 150 miles with Newton Distance S 10, and I have consistent experience. The cushioning is mild, so it rides pretty firm and with a pop sensation. Soft cushioning would have compromised the responsiveness of the midfoot lugs.
The cushioning is very protective. Whenever I stretch the miles, I don't feel tired in the foot, especially around the ankles. When running, I feel like the midfoot lugs are promoting forefoot strike. There is a constant forward push from the lugs, which makes running very exciting.
Newton S 10 feels like a speed shoe. With the combination of lightweight, responsiveness and smooth transition, it is fun running the tempo runs and faster workouts with Newton S 10. The presence of stability underfoot allows you to rack up miles like a 5k or even a half marathon.
Since it is flexible primarily in the forefoot, Newton Distance 10 has a good shank for protecting the arch and directs sufficient energy towards propulsion. The subtle posting is excellently executed for a neutral racing shoe. This shoe is also quite flexible in the midfoot. The broad base enhances stability underfoot, ensuring that you run confidently.
Final Thoughts
The Newton Distance S 10 is a versatile racer shoe that can handle speed work, marathon racing, and tempo runs. It is a lightweight, stable, responsive, and fast shoe.
The center of running action is the prominent lugs in the forefoot. They ensure that you have a trampoline and seamless ride. The agile and fast effect is reinforced by the thin engineered mesh, creating a near nonexistent feeling.
The midfoot design creates a subtle zero drop, a feature that easily excites runners who are into zero or minimum heel drop. It has a firm ride but is less rigid than what you will experience if you were to run in Asics Metaracer. If you have good experience with low heel drop shoes, handling a 5k to a half marathon will not be difficult.
It is stable enough to make it a regular training shoe. However, it suits someone who is into fast running, particularly a forefoot striker. I believe the price tag is fair for a shoe that rides fast and natural and is lightweight, stable, durable, and versatile.
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By Dick Harrison
Harrison is an Australian who lives in Sidney. He trains for fitness and the fun of it but does it like a pro. Harrison has the experience of running in various running shoes and understands the technology behind each shoe model he has worn.
