Newton Running Shoes

Lightweight Comfort

The human body is designed for running.  In so many ways we were born to run. Literally. Through evolution, the biomechanical and physiological make-up of the human body has positioned us humans as the most efficient running machine nature has ever produced. Newton have aimed to take advantage of some of these features and incorporate them into their running shoe designs. Like any shoe, they are not suited to every runner, however if you favour a forefoot/midfoot running technique Newtons are the shoe for you.

newton running distance u trainer

Newton Running Headquarters are in Boulder, Colarodo which is itself a hub of innovative athletic businesses, runners and outdoor enthusiasts.  No surprise then that Newton pioneers felt right at home here.  At Newton, great care and research was undertaken to design shoes that actively support you as you rediscover and strengthen your natural running motion. Newton running shoes give you highly responsive cushioning and protection plus enhanced ground feel – a rare combination. Newton Running shoes are designed to provide a more level-to-the-ground platform with minimal drop – like your feet – to help you find your optimal position as you run.

Newton Running Action/ReactionTM Technology

Action/ReactionTM Technology

Most running shoes utilize passive cushioning like EVA foam, gel or air that lose energy as they are engaged. Like a mattress, these materials flatten under your body weight over time. With Action/ReactionTM technology, you experience a highly responsive and engaging cushioning system that "protects the runner from shock and reduces energy loss". It is these features which make this an ideal choice for forefoot runners and will aid in their energy return propulsive phase of gait

  

Newton Running minimal heel to toe drop

Minimal Heel to Toe Drop

Newton Running shoes are designed with a minimal “drop” – or height difference – between the height of the heel and the ball of the foot. A more level-to-the-ground platform positions you to support a natural running motion.

 Biomechanical Sensor Plate

Newton Running Biomechanical Sensor Plate

Our feet are sensitive and brilliantly designed to ensure that we step efficiently and protectively. Unfortunately, highly cushioned shoes often obstruct this communication with the ground. Enter our biomechanical sensor plate, which allows you to sense the ground better so you can stride more efficiently and with more stability – some might even say intelligently, the way nature intended. Some call this “neuromuscular” enhancement. The foot senses the ground and sends a message to the brain to tell the muscles what to do.

Lightweight Comfort

Newton shoes are designed to deliver functional performance with minimal weight and a natural feel. With numerous models to choose from you can select the optimal weight for your needs. 

There’s More:

• We don’t like friction or bacteria any more than you do, which is why we like Newton's ETC® antifriction and antibacterial technology built into the sockliner
• The outersoles and laces are built with recycled materials
• Newtons are designed with flex panels in the upper to allow your foot to flex and spread naturally and efficiently
• For such a lightweight trainer, these shoes also accommodate orthotics and insoles comfortably for those of you whom need that extra bit of support.

Cautious integration:

Newton Energy NR

While we love Newton running shoes we do recommend caution when first using these shoes. Their are a couple of key features which make these shoes quite unique which we have identified in this article, namely the low heel-to-toe drop and the forefoot lugs. This lower platform may cause increased loading to certain muscle groups which had not previously been present, particularly to calf muscles. For those of you whom have not tried lower profile shoes in the past it is advised to very gradually integrate the shows into your training program while also maintaining the use of your usual shoes. This helps the aforementioned muscle groups to adjust to this added work without becoming overloaded in the early stages. It is for this very purpose which Newton have added the Energy Nr model to their range. Less heel-to-toe drop (6mm) and less forefoot lug height make this shoe an ideal model to help you to transition into the Newton range of shoes. Available for both males and females in two colour options at Footpro.

Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp and Kailua Comp

Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp & Kailua Comp 

THE RISE TO FAME OF HOKA ONE ONE RUNNING SHOES IS LIKE NOTHING WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE AND UNLIKELY TO SEE AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE. IN A RECENT JOURNAL ON A MAJOR US RUNNING FORUM, THE TERM ‘HOKA ONE ONE’ WAS THE CLEAR LEADER IN A LIST OF BRAND NAMES SEARCHED, THE GAP TO 2ND PLACE, ‘BROOKS’ WAS ALARMING AND CEMENTED THE NOTION THAT HOKA HAD SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED A LOT OF PEOPLE.

What makes the Hoka One One story even more impressive is that functionally they are great shoes to run in, BUT they look like a combo of an MBT and a corrective orthopaedic shoe designed for the vertically challenged. As keen runners the Footpro test team try to focus of function and feel, but even after miles of wear testing we still feel self conscious in our Hoka’s.

Like most running shoe brands Hoka One One will launch new shoes every year and in early 2013, we got wind of the new up and coming lower profile and more traditional looking Rapa Nui Comp trail shoe and Kailua Comp road running shoe.  The most notable design change of the Rapa Nui Comp and Kailua Comp was a thinner midsole that reduced weight and gave them a sleeker look.  The midsole dimensions of the Rapa Nui and Kailua are 26mm at the heel (a traditional shoe is 24mm), and 21mm under the forefoot (traditionally running shoe is 12mm).  Comparing the numbers highlights that the impressive cushioning features associated with Hoka are still there, only reduced slightly to provide a more responsive feeling shoe and help to complete the Hoka range.

The upper design on the Rapa Nui Comp and Kailua Comp looks and feels like a combination Bondi 2 and Stinson Evo technology.  The fit is no different to the rest of the Hoka range which is a relief as most lighter, faster and more responsive shoes also come with a narrower fit.   The overall weight of a Rapa Nui and Kailua is approx. 10% lighter than a Bondi 2 and we don’t think that comes as a great sacrifice to shoe lifespan.

Those of you who have already tried Hoka will be excited at the prospects of a race day shoe or another Hoka option better suited to shorter and faster sessions.  For everyone else that couldn’t quite swallow the Hoka One One cosmetics we are excited to say ‘It’s time to fly’.

Available now @ +Footpro Melbourne.

Hoka One One Running Shoes

Hoka One One Running Shoes

Hoka One One Bondi 2, Stinson Evo, Stinson Evo Tarmac & Mafate 2. $219.95 - Lighter and updated with some subtle but worthwhile modifications to the original Hoka Bondi.

Approx 12 months ago the Footpro footwear test team took a punt on a new and innovative brand called Hoka One One. A lot can happen in a year, most notably the way one new brand can be so adored, raved about and reinvigorate the running careers of so many. Hype is one thing but hype based on serious wear and tear testing is another thing altogether.  

Originally launched as an ultra distance road and trail running product the bulk of the Hoka fanatics do like a long run, and as most endurance athletes appreciate the right equipment the unusual appearance of a Hoka doesn't seem to phase them one bit.  2013 is a big year for Hoka with the release of their first two model updates.  Mafate 2 and Bondi 2 hit the shelves last month and thankfully demonstrated a great original idea that didn't need anything more than a tweak.  Hoka Stinson Evo hasn't been changed this season and most whom run in that shoe would be thankful of this. Its already a cracking trail shoe!

The Hoka One One Bondi 2 demonstrates true evolution.  By that we mean what needs to adapt has been changed and what was working well stays the same.  The Bondi 2 is lighter and fits the foot with a softer and more forgiving upper design.

The other critical feature of this iconic road running shoe is the unchanged midsole and outsole design.  The success of the Bondi stems from the stable but immensely cushioned midsole which Hoka seem to have got right from the start.  As they say "if it ain't broke......".  The new Hoka One One Bondi 2, with its increased breathability, lighter upper, and internally seamless mid and forefoot will be here in early February 2013. Before Brazil, France, Britain, Korea, Spain, all of South America and possibly even Canada and North America, you’ll be able to pick up these sweet new superlight runners from Footpro Melbourne.

The main advances in the latest build that will be of interest to runners, triathletes and all manners of sports people are: 

• lighter, more breathable mesh upper
• lighter exoskeleton and seamless interior mid and forefoot for barefoot running comfort
• properly sized heel loop for pulling on quickly in transitions
• subtly modified heel ergonomics and ankle cuff for better natural fit

Top Five Ski Boot Fitting Tips

Top Five Ski Boot Fitting Tips

Footpro Melbourne - Ski boot fitting Professionals

1) Be patient and allocate enough time. A ski boot fitting will take approx two hours. Trying on ski boots and the boot selection process will take up a third of that time, the rest of the time will be spent analysing the foot type and assessing your biomechanics, constructing a custom ski boot insole and then completing the fit with any required modifications.

2) Get in early. Get your boots fitted at the start of the season when stock levels are good. Even midway through the season the selection of boots is smaller in certain models and sizes. This means your boot fitting technician is potentially working on a smaller range and only able to show you what would have been third and forth choices one month earlier.

3) Don't bother researching ski boot models, research ski boot fitters. In my experience most people who spend hours researching the best boots end up more confused then informed. Ski boot write ups don't explain how each brand and model will have a different last (foot shape) which results in you getting excited about a ski boot that was never going to fit. On the other hand, researching who can provide the best boot fitting service is something worth spending time on. Google and ski forums are good places to start looking and don't be afraid to call past the ski boot shop prior to your purchase and suss out what they offer.


4) Communication is the key. Great ski boot fits are made easier when customer and ski boot technician are communicating well. To start off it helps to talk with your technician about previous experiences, medical conditions, skiing goals and where you like to ski. No point trying on a high end freeride boots when you spend most of your time skiing terrain park. A skilled boot fitter can make all the right moves but the customer has to do their part and communicate with the boot technician about whats going on inside the boots. If only feet could talk.

5) Comfort and performance does exist. Get your boots fitted professionally and they become an extension of your body. No more blaming your boots for a lack of ability. To achieve this level of fit the boots will feel very tight to start and gradually get more comfortable over the next two days of skiing. The comfort of the boots will evolve because the internal liner of the ski boot is designed to stretch and pack out. After this stage of wearing in you can better judge the need for further boot modifications. If you do need something tweaked it's always best to return to Footpro where we offer a comfort guarantee that includes free boot adjustment.
In the name of happy feet!

The Biomechanics of Running

An Overview of Running Biomechanics

Links to Injury Prevention

Overview of Running Biomechanics

An understanding of running biomechanics can be very beneficial to athletes and coaches alike. Knowledge of the movement and forces present in our bodies during running can hold the key in identifying the source of injury and increasing performance. As technology evolves this information is becoming more and more accessible to athletes of all classifications. In the following article we will look at the main biomechanical measurements which aid in identifying such injury risks, as well as the methods of deriving such information.

Impact forces have long been identified as possible causes of a number of injuries during running. The impact force refers to the force at which the body hits the ground during foot strike. These forces occur at varied intensity dependant on a number of factors such as position and angle of the foot at first point of contact. There are a number of different styles of running, the main variation being the point of contact with the ground, i.e. heel, midfoot and forefoot running. Ongoing research aimed at concluding on “the best” running style is both varied and conflicting. Each style has advantages and disadvantages but none can be judged as optimal as every athlete is different. Arguably the best advice seems to be to run the way which feels natural to you and ensure your body is adequately conditioned to deal with the forces and movements involved. 

When assessing running biomechanics another key area is the understanding of the movement of the foot when it is in contact with the ground. This typically involves the foot naturally rolling from a lateral to a neutral position and pushing off centrally at the forefoot. This “rolling” action or pronation, is a much hyped phenomena by running shoe companies whom make shoes with denser midsoles to help to slow down the rate of pronation with the aim of reducing risk of injury. It is important to note that pronation is a natural shock absorbing mechanism of the foot. However, problems may occur when this rolling motion occurs too quickly and excessively for the associated leg and foot muscles to deal with. This excessive foot motion would cause increased Q-angle (hip to knee cap angle) which would in turn create ITB tightness. This issue is more prevalent in women than men owing to wider hip-knee angle in women. Excessive pronation alone is unlikely to directly cause an injury and it is more likely a combination of the factors which we have discussed in this paragraph along with poor postural alignment and excessive training loads.

Variations of Running Styles

As mentioned above there are a number of different styles of running, the most common being rearfoot (heelstrike), midfoot and forefoot. Much has been written of these different types of running styles but understanding of the variations is often vague. The following is a brief overview of each type and the advantages and disadvantages of each respectively.

A rearfoot strike or heelstrike is the most prevalent style of running which approximately 85% of people utilise. Initial centre of pressure (COP) occurs in the first third of the foot. The foot naturally rolls from the outside to the inside and pushes off the ball of the foot. An initial impact is present as the heel strikes the ground which is evident in figure 1. The graph shows a typical force (kg/f) vs time curve present during a heel strike. As the foot is in front of the body at initial contact there is increased tibial acceleration and ankle joint stiffness. Typically common running injuries associated with rearfoot striking are anterior tibial syndrome (shin splints), patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) and stress fractures of the tibia, fibula and metatarsal bones.

A forefoot strike is classified as having the initial COP in the front third of the foot. The hips and knees are aligned with the foot on landing with increased joint flexion. This will result in increased cadence and decreased stride frequency. As shown in the figure to the right there will be a decrease in initial impact forces and loading rate. The shock will be attenuated more so by muscles and less through bones and joints. While this means less stress on the bones there will be an increase in muscular strain of the triceps surae (calf muscles). 

A midfoot strike is present when the initial COP occurs in the middle third of the foot with the heel and ball of the foot landing simultaneously. There is normally an impact peak, albeit to a lesser extent to a heel strike. Increasing numbers of running shoes are available to accommodate such running style. Look for a lower ramp angle shoe with an 8mm heel to toe differential.

Running Shoe Technology

Running shoe companies in conjunction with scientists and engineers are constantly researching running biomechanics and developing their technologies accordingly. At present there are substantial differences of opinion on the best type of running shoes, an issue creating vociferous debates within the running community. “Barefoot” and minimal footwear has reinvigorated in recent years and is now a significant part of the market. As there are such variations in running shoes at present, it is important to have a clear understanding of what a running shoe offers before deciding to utilise it. Luckily there are is multitude of running specialist retailers available to offer you such advice in selecting the best shoe for your foot. Whether you run with a heel or forefoot strike, are in need of lightweight or support, there is certain to be a shoe to suit your needs with the vast amount of variety available today. These such specialist retailers now utilise advanced technology which enables high definition video analysis of treadmill running, pressure scanning of your feet as well as lower limb and foot physical assessments. This equipment enables the assessor to investigate your lower limb biomechanics such as mentioned earlier in this article and help you choose the best fit for your needs. 

Important variations to consider within running shoes include the amount of support, stability, heel-to-toe ramp angle, flexibility and weight. These factors can influence your running style and it is important to understand the function of the shoe prior to purchase. It is important not to get drawn into marketing hype by major companies on particular shoes, rather seek advice from impartial experts who will help you select the correct shoe regardless of price or brand. Many shoes now offer lower ramp angle (flatter) shoes which promote more of a midfoot/forefoot landing. This type of shoe can greatly benefit some people but as mentioned earlier it can also cause increased strain on the triceps surae (calf muscles) and higher pressure under the forefoot. Pressure scanning of the foot can greatly aid in determining if this is the best type of shoe for you. 

Barefoot running has been advocated as a means of strengthening of the foot muscles and encouraging a better style of running. However, it has also been associated with increased incidence of stress fractures and abrasions of the foot. It has been hypothesized that when implemented carefully within a running program, this type of training can offer benefits which would not be seen within running in cushioned shoes alone. Think of it as a conditioning session for your foot. Of course this is not a new principle and has been used by runners for generations, just without the current marketing hype! Research is ongoing and it would be unfair to jump to conclusions on the barefoot matter without conclusive evidence. Remember every individual is different and what works for one may not work for you.

The aim of this article was to explain the fundamental elements of running biomechanics with the hope that it may aid you in your training and in your future shoe choices. This has been an unbiased account of running styles and running shoes and hopefully it well help you to draw your own conclusion on what best suits your needs.

Thomas Twomey

Sports Biomechanist at Footpro

BSc. Sport and Exercise Science

MSc. Sport and Exercise Biomechanics