For many, like the cat, curiosity has not been a joyous adventure. For others curiosity has led to life changing discoveries about themselves and the world around. For runners who have stayed with their tried and true running shoes, perhaps it’s time to let curiosity get the better of you. Perhaps now is the time to try on a pair of the EnergyNR Guidance Trainer from Newton Running and let the new running adventures begin.
Newton Running is best known for manufacturing innovative running shoes designed to reduce impact, return energy, and propel you forward for a faster, smoother run. Worn by professional and age-group triathletes as well as daily grinders, the heart of Newton Running is based upon the philosophy and science of a more natural and efficient run.
On Design and Performance …
Built with the same attention to detail, and use of innovative technologies as every Newton shoe, the EnergyNR Guidance Trainer is the latest addition to the Newton family. Designed to meet the needs of runners who want to experience the unique technology platform and ride found only in Newton Running shoes, the Energy NR promises (and delivers) a shoe that helps transition the runner to the Newton running style on their way to better performance and improved efficiency.
The Newton running experience is unique unto itself, and can also be a dramatic transition for those who have yet to experience it. As such, the Newton engineers designed the EnergyNR to facilitate a more “seamless transition from more conventional running shoe brands into the Newton line.”
As with all Newton Running shoes the EnergyNR features with a minimal “drop” (6mm heel-to-toe ratio). By placing the foot in a more level-to-the-ground platform, your body is better positioned to support a natural running motion.
Of course the EnergyNR wouldn’t be a Newton without featuring the heart of the Newton running experience; Action/ReactionTM technology. To introduce runners to the Newton running experience, the EnergyNR utilizes a slightly modified version of the technology.
The shoe features five actuator lugs – instead of four – located just under the metatarsal heads of the foot. The lugs are slightly thinner than mainline Newtons and extend to the margins of the sole. This gives the EnergyNR a more stable feel while also providing the benefit of the Action/ReactionTM technology.
In other words, the technology all boils down to energy in and energy out. The 5 forefoot lugs absorb the energy on impact, store it, and release it. The result is an energetic and highly responsive shoe that propels you forward and helps you to better utilize the impact energy you create. For a more technical breakdown of how the technology works, Newton gives the lowdown here and here.
Aesthetically, the EnergyNR is as bold as the Newton running experience. These shoes stand out from the crowd with bright, eye-catching colors. The upper is simply designed, breathable, soft and lightweight. When it comes to comfort, the collar and tongue are soft and padded to ensure happy feet over heavy miles.
Designed with natural biomechanical running in mind and wider than some traditional designed running shoes, the midfoot and forefoot provide plenty of room for your toes to comfortably splay. The heel fits comfortably snug, keeping your heel in alignment without being unnecessarily tight.
Notes from the field …
Our field testers appreciated the roomy toe box which provided room for the feet to splay naturally, but one of our team members noted that he’d like a little more vertical volume in the front end of the shoe. The lower volume toe box limited the upward mobility of his toes keeping this shoe out of his long distance training routine.
Underfoot, the EnergyNR felt comfortable from the point of impact to toe-off and felt supportive through the midfoot to the heel, the slightly softer than normal Newton ride may not appeal to some runners. Finally, while we are nitpicking, the shoe laces may prove to be too short for those who live their running lives in the confines of the double knot.
Bottom Line …
While the Newton EnergyNR has retained some traits from its lineage, it has a distinctive feel all of its own. Let curiosity get the best of you. Give them a try. The EnergyNR from Newton Running will not disappoint.
*Gumption Gear Review received the items featured in this review from Newton Running at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.