Last Updated on March 15, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
Will the excuse “I’ve been too busy running in these shoes to review them” suffice for a pair of sneakers I received over 4 months ago? I think it should because frankly, I’ve been too busy running in these shoes to review them. But the snow has finally fallen here in Vermont, and thus my trusty road shoes are taking their place in the closet while their waterproof, aggressive “don’t fall on the ice” tread counterparts make their appearance. Poor blogging excuses aside, and on to the review:
Meet the Newton Fate.
They aren’t dirty, they are well loved.
The best way for me to describe the Fate is “Newton Lite” , which is exactly what I’ve always wanted from Newton. For those of you unfamiliar with Newton technology, the idea, in short, is this: there is a lug on the forefoot of the shoe that helps encourage better running form, and avoid the dreaded heel striking. In fact, the entire sole Newton shoes is designed to help make your stride more efficient.
What Newton says about the FATE:
“Coming off the highly successful launch of its new 5-lug forefoot design and the P.O.P 1 platform, Newton Running continues its product expansion with the launch of two new styles – “Fate” and “Kismet” – that will appeal to runners new to Newton. The shoes incorporate the new P.O.P 2 platform, giving wearers a more relaxed package while still offering the integrity of the Newton ride. With beveled lugs and a broader platform, the latest shoes will act as an entry point into Newton’s patented Action/Reaction technology, which absorbs impact and offers runners greater responsiveness.”
SPECS:
Designed for: every day training and racing, an all around go-to shoe.
Heel-to-toe drop • 4.5 mm
• Seamless engineered mesh upper
• 360 degree reflectivity
• Heel lace lockOutersole
• 5-lug P.O.P 2 platform
• Action/Reaction technology in the forefoot and heel
• Biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate
• Open ground surface EVA in mid-stance
• Durable s.h.a.r.c (super high abrasion rubber compound) outsole composite in forefoot
MSRP: $129
Review:
Though I am not new to Newton technology, the one thing that has prevented me from running longer distances (over 5 miles) in them has been the lug. I appreciate the technology for shorter runs. I love that the lug acts as a training tool to “remind” my foot where to land, and encourage better, more efficient form. But during longer runs, the lug has been a bit of an uncomfortable distraction, in my opinion.
The forefoot lug on the Newton Fate, however, appears and feels to me to have a smaller profile. It is large enough to have all of the same benefits mentioned above (encouraging proper form and foot strike), but isn’t so large that it becomes an uncomfortable distraction. I can absolutely see why Newton Running chose to market this as an “introduction to Newton” shoe, but is also ideal for those who don’t want the aggressive lug technology.
Although these shoes are marketed as a “training and all purpose shoe”, I can’t imagine doing anything other than running in them. Perhaps my “training” encompasses a larger variety than what Newton expects from the average runner, but the lug does make them feel slightly awkward and unbalanced when NOT running.
The fit of the Newton Fate is comfortable. A sufficient, but not overly wide, toe-box allows for some natural splaying of the toes and forefoot. The upper is cushioned just enough to provide a snug fit and prevent against any chafing, but isn’t overly built up. The sole flexible and far from stiff, as often experienced in a neutral shoe.
Newton Fate helped me earn 2nd Female overall title in a recent 5K
As with the majority of the Newton Running line, the aesthetics of the Fate are, in my opinion, awesome. My philosophy is “the brighter the better”, and the Fate does not disappoint. The women’s model is available in a neon green and fuchsia color scheme, the men’s model yellow and orange. Both the large Newton logo and the heel design are made of a highly reflective material, which provides added safety in the dawn/dusk/dark hours.
Imagine how bright these were before I got them so dirty.
As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve sufficiently beat these shoes up. Yet other than dirt, there are no tears, no wear marks, nothing fraying.
At an MSRP of $129, the cost of this particular model is more in line with the running shoe industry average cost than many of the other Newton models, which range from $150-$175.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Newton Fate as a road running shoe for:
- Anyone who has wanted to try the Newton Running line, but has been hesitant to do so. The low profile of the lug and sole offers a great opportunity to ease into the Newton technology.
- Those who HAVE tried the Newton Running line, enjoyed it, but felt the forefoot lugs were a bit TOO much for their running preference.
Have any questions regarding this shoe? Comment below, I’ll be happy to try and answer!
Disclosure: Newton provided me with a pair of Fate’s for review at no cost to me; as always, all opinions stated are my own.
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
jillconyers
Interesting. I tried Newtons and initially loved them but in the long run (pun intended) I just couldn’t adjust my gait to the lugs. I’m back in Brooks now.
tabethawells
Thanks, I enjoyed this review. I have a pair of Lady Isaacs that I like, but I’ve laid off them while I’m recovering from an injury…
I like them, but I tend to use them for shorter, speedier work, so it’s good to know about this shift.
Karen Schlueter-Morland
I really like the Newton Fate myself. Just one question. Are you a fan of the New Newton Distance Shoe or the Gravity one? Training for marathon and reading about these as well and trying to decide to stay with fate or try one of these.
Also love the Brook Pure Flow 6 after the disastrous #5