Newton Sir Isaac Guidance Trainer

I received my first pair of Newton Isaac “guidance” trainers a few days ago and posting a quick review of my initial comments from a couple of runs.

I have just started my winter base miles after a month of easy training and have been looking for a pair of training shoes to allow me to most importantly complete the long base miles runs (up to 3 hours) without injury! I am really not fussed about going quickly this time of year but I have two requirements

To stay injury free while being able to get in consistent runs to improve my efficiency for marathon pace runs (aiming for 3 hour marathon at the end of an Ironman event). Most running will be pretty slow (7 minute mile or that area) rather than 6 minute mile sort of pace in the summer. I have been thinking the last month or so that really the Newton Gravity shoes I have been wearing all summer are great but they are really not so suitable for long, slow runs especially on uneven ground and bad weather.

Enter the Newton Isaac “Guidance” Trainer. There has been a lot of hype over these shoes so obviously everyone is intrigued how they feel. Being a Newton convert I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a pair and they haven’t disappointed so far. Having been pondering over the desing for the last couple of months on websites and pictures in theory they seem to fit very well for the long slow runs over winter for those who are already using Newtons and also (the main aim for them I believe for Newton) to get people running in the “barefoot” style to covert to Newton Gravity trainers. Personally I don’t think they be converting heavy heel strikers to use the traditional Newtons (there’s just not enough support in the heel and midfoot) however they have certainly opened up the market for the majority of runners and fitness enthusiasts (not just the quicker runners).

So, onto my comments. I have just jotted down a few bullet points which were on my mind on the few runs I have done so far (a variety of terrain, mainly around 4:30/km pace) and mainly in the dusk/dark.

• Heel – much more of a “trainer” feel but responsive and great for going downhill
• Weight – obviously heavier with the more substantial heel and generally more padding and support but I’d still be happy to race in these, and in fact I think I will do early season races in these, especially hilly ones or if it is wet.
• Reflective areas for night running a really nice touch
• Softer feel to them around ankle area, nice support feels good around corners
• Midfoot support greater, much better off road (or semi off road at least I have tried)
• The actuator lugs in the forefoot are rounded at the front but still position the body in a forward stance which is great for those learning to run in the more mid/fore foot/barefoot style but the original Newtons are “a step too far”! Generally a much more positive feel on corners than the traditional Newtons.

Summary

I have generally been reluctant to recommend the original Newtons to heavier/slower runners afraid that the benefits would not be so great and much more chance of injury with the heel and forefoot design not good for heavier heel strikers. I have no qualms  at all about recommending these to pretty much any half-serious runner and most fitness enthusiasts.

It’s generally a much more all-round shoe and Newton Running have obviously put a lot of thought into the design and marketing to position these shoes as more of an all round trainer but still with the advantages of the traditional Newton trainers. Overall, very, very impressed and I actually think Newton may have opened up a larger market if they had brought this model in as their original shoe then brought out the gravity and race shoe aimed at the triathlon and high-end running markets.

I will post back when I have done some more mileage in them but now can’t wait to get on with the winter training miles!

Thanks to Athlete Service who have provided the shoes for review and their great support over the year with kit and advice! You can see more information about the Isaac Guidance Trainers here and buy Newton Running Shoes including the Sir and Lady Isaac trainers here and get a 5% discount (and free delivery) by using the code “NewtonRobG” in the checkout. Should be the best price around.

Rob