My foot is wide due to a bunion. I popped right through the Sir Isaac (marketed as up to “D” width) even though in a D width my Asics 2130s last ~300 miles before breaking through. (The Asics have more plastic there where my bunion is.)

Should I move to the Sir Isaac “Wide” and not be concerned that it is too wide?

Secondly, I have worn orthotics that have been made by Active Imprints in my Asics. Should I be getting a new set of those custom to the Sir Isaacs? Or should I be trying to break away from using them as I transition to Newton Running shoes? Is there guidance from Newton in terms of orthotics? Especially when I’m using ones from Danny’s company?! I was a plantar fasciitis sufferer until I got the orthotics. Bingo, gone…

Thanks for the info!

Don’t worry if the forefoot is wide. Newtons are designed that way so that there is sufficient room for your foot to spread upon impact, thus dissipating some of the forces generated by the strike. In fact, you shouldn’t over-tighten the laces—it might feel strange at first to wear your shoes relatively loose but you will get used to it after a while and it will allow you to get the most out of your shoes. Thanks for being in touch!

Cheers,
Sir Isaac

Harry

I think Newton is trying too hard to build shock absorption and energy return into their shoes. Once a person has adjusted to the barefoot style of running, a flexible light-weight moccasin can be the perfect running shoe. The body learns to cushion the stride and the tendons work to provide energy return. We need a very light weight shoe that stays on the foot and and protects us from pointy things. Such shoes are available for $87 dollars.

Thanks,
Allen

Thanks. I will surely buy a pair of those racing flats when they come out. In terms of feedback that might be useful for new converts, here’s something I learning since I last wrote to you. I followed all the advice on the website about how to slowly change my stride over. I had temporary aches and pains: all shins, calves, ankles. Nothing severe. All minor adjustments. As they evaporated, I began to increase my mileage. I was extremely happy with the results. Then my ego took over and I cranked up a really long run, compared to what I had been doing. No problem. I did this several more times capped with a two hour run on a gnarly mountain trail.

Over the next several days one of my heels swelled up pretty badly. I ultimately had to stop running for two weeks. Eased back into it and now I am floating along again with that midfoot stride. What happened? As I got tired on those long runs I let my form get sloppy, straightened up, instead of using the forward lean, and started landing with more and more weight on my heel. I didn’t even realize it. It’s worth emphasizing even more to your readers.

Keep those shoes coming.

Thank you.

John

Apologies for my hiatus, work beckons constantly in a micro company.

Great feedback and thoughts, you are talking our language and philosophy. After all we are more than just a shoes company and do many things, publicized and not because its RIGHT. Everyone who works at Newton is passionate about the running, the business and the products. In fact we span the gamut from 20 something social media mavens to 60 something lifetime runners, pro and ex-pro athletes, and recreational runners. Many of us, OK there aren’t many of us, so some of us are here because we are on second or third careers and simply want to contribute to the greater good – encourage the athletic lifestyle, give back where it counts, maintain social responsibility and environmental awareness. It isn’t always easy, or even economically smart at time, but it is RIGHT for us.

Regarding zero drop shoes, we are working on them in the form of a sub 7 oz racing flat. We do have a concern that people used to running in the standard 12 mm heel lift will not take the time to adjust and give themselves problems. Obviously easier to adapt to out performance trainer first, then the racer and finally the light weight racer.

Regards,

Ian (Adamson)