Company – Newton Running
Product Review – Newton Running Men’s Aha Running Shoe ($100)
Website – http://www.newtonrunning.com
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Newton Running Aha Shoes Review

As a runner I’m always looking for the “next-big-thing” that will help me get my next PR, run more efficiently, promote good form, etc…Many times I find that I have to sacrifice one for the other. You know a shoe can have it all – or can it? Last year I was fortune enough to review the Newton Gravity III I ran my last marathon in them as cut my time in almost an hour. So to say that I don’t love them would be an understatement. As a matter of fact I kinda grew up in Newton’s. When I started running over 5yrs ago I started my journey in the original Gravity’s, and in-fact ran my first full marathon in them. So, I’ve always been somewhat biased of the Newton brand. I reached out to Newton and asked them if they would be willing to send me a pair of the Aha’s to review. They were in the process of releasing a new color palate, and since I hadn’t had a chance to review this shoe yet I thought I’d give a shot, and I’m glad I did!

Who is Newton Running?

I found that many people either don’t like the Newton Running Shoe or love them. I found those that don’t like them really never took the time to transition in the brand. NewtonRunning is based out of what some would call the Sports Endurance capital of the world Boulder, Colorado. By being based in Boulder they keep the pulse on the wonderful sport that is so near and dear to them (and me). The company started with a technology (Action/Reaction) that they hoped to license to the big shoe companies after being turned down they decided to start their own brand. Today they have an offering of about 25 shoes that range from beginners to the most advance runners and they could be found in box stores to small boutique shops. Despite their tremendous growth over the years and their notoriety they have stayed true to their core system and beliefs – to make the best running shoe in the market!

The Newton Running Aha!

: NewtonRunning Aha’s Fresh out of the box

: NewtonRunning Aha’s top view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s top view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s top view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s side view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s weight

: NewtonRunning Aha’s bottom view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s reflective back view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s reflective front view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s reflective inside view

: NewtonRunning Aha’s reflective outside view

The Aha shoe is meant to be the entry into the #FeelNewton Action/reaction “POP” (Point of Power) technology. The shoe is what they call a POP 3 which means that there is a less of a POP then you would get with a POP 1. From what I experienced they do this by giving the shoe a greater heel-to-toe stack (6mm) so that their lug system is not so pronounced. Now I should mention that I’m a zero drop runner; I like being as low to the ground as possible so that I can feel my ground contact. Despite the Aha’s being a 6mm drop I did get some really great responsiveness out of them. The shoe allowed me to feel the ground thereby allowing me to adjust my cadence and stride and adjust me form. The upper is made up of seamless moisture wicking material that is very breathable. As you can see my size 11 is right about 9 ounces which is very lite, and more of a racing flat. I found however that the forefoot of the upper is much more narrow then let’s say the Gravity III. I thought the shoe was tight through the mid-foot even with the 5 lug system. Not sure if this was due to the upper’s dual fabric or they just made it more narrow. Other than the narrow mid-foot I really had no dislikes when it came to the Aha’s. I think for those that want to transition to the NewtonRuning brand this shoe is an excellent introduction.