Newton Aha Review

The Aha was my first experience running in a pair of Newton's since they added the additional lug, before that I ran in the Sir Isaac, Distance Gravity and most recently BOCO AT -(BOCO AT review here).  

My favorite up until this point was the BOCO, the lugs were barely noticeable and it was a light weight water resistant shoe great for slushing around in the snow or trail. 

New Favorite Newton Aha

In March I picked up a pair of Aha's while training in Albany and took em straight out of the box for a 13mile along the Hudson River.  Newton appropriately named the Aha, it was triumphant surprising run and I was throughly impressed.  The Drive down to the Hudson River was worth the sweat!  Perfect running weather... 13mi in 1:44:12 avg pace 8:01 avg cadence 90spm and 1737 cal burned.

EVA Midsole Offers Durable Underfoot Cushioning 

My plan initial plan was to leave my GU and water in the car and go out and back for 3.5miles returning to the car fuel and finish 7miles.  I felt so good I kept running for 6.5miles stopped in Mickey D's for some water and kept it moving. 

The 5 luged Newton's felt pretty freakin amazing, I had an Aha moment along the Hudson and decided to keep going screw the quick loop.  The addition of the 5th Lug offered a more stability for me as compared to the wobbly feeling I remember from the 4 luged Newton's. 

Action/Reaction Technology

Below are the details from Runningwarehouse:

Every one is familiar with the "Aha" moment when the confusion suddenly becomes clear. This sensation inspired the Newton Aha: the beginner Newton model for neutral runners. With Newton's POP 3 platform featuring the smallest lugs in the Newton line, this shoe is the first step to forefoot striking.

MIDSOLE

• Action/Reaction Technology is utilized in the heel and forefoot. These external lugs compress to absorb shock energy, and then release energy during toe-off.
• P.O.P 3 is an entry-level Newton platform, featuring tapered lugs that recess into polyurethane-filled chambers for a forgiving underfoot feel.
• EVA midsole offers durable underfoot cushioning.
• Biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate in the forefoot allows you to feel the ground, offering constant sensory feedback.

OUTSOLE

• SHARC Outsole consists of a high abrasion compound that provides increased traction in both dry and wet conditions.

UPPER

• Engineered mesh provides lightweight breathability and structure in key areas.
• Overlays are anatomically placed to provide a secure fit.
• ETC Sockliner is anti-bacterial for underfoot comfort and a healthy foot environment.
• Strobel Last with the upper stitched to full length fabric for a comfortable underfoot feel.

P.O.P. 3 is an entry-level Newton

The Aha is one of those shoes that's getting a lot of road time with me now... Recently Newton teamed up with Zappos to offer a limited edition Kitchen Community Aha.  Each purchase will go towards providing a child access to a learning garden in his/her school.  For more on this exciting collaboration go to Zappos.  It doesn't take much to give a Sneakerholic a reason to indulge in his/her addiction and since this was for a good cause I decided to pick up a pair of the limited addition Kitchen Community Aha.

The Kitchen Community Aha

The Aha rides like a traditional light weight trainer but, with a nice P.O.P. and cushion feel in the forefoot that encourages a quick turnover.  A few things attracted me to Newton, their technology informative videos and vibrant colors.  The Aha is the ideal shoe for anyone looking to make the transition to Newton.  

RunR4Lyfe 

NB 1400V3 Shoe Review

To quote Mike one of my RSG friends "The 1400V2 is a staple of any runner's rotation"  So when I saw them on clearance in Bob's Sports this winter I decided to give em a try and was hooked after my first run.  I immediately saw the allure after my indoor track workout.  

The 1400V2 was a simple racing flat with a cult like following, folks swear by this shoe.  Simple elegant design with a honeycomb mesh upper, the only complaint about the shoe was its abrasive internal upper and NB resolved that issue with the update-(it's nice when brands listen).

Simple Elegant Update

Most of the changes to 1400 were in the upper the sole seems to be unchanged.  NB smoothed out the  internal feel of the shoe, so if you're inclined to go sockless you should be fine.

NB1400V2 

Here's what Road Runner Sports says about the 1400V3:

• REVlite midsole: Offers a lightweight ride without minimizing construction or sacrificing underfoot cushioning or stability.
• New synthetic/mesh upper:  Tigheter mesh than the previous version for a secure, yet barely there fit.
• Blown-Rubber Outsole.
• No-Sew Material Application.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm.
• Weight: 6.5oz

New Synthetic/Mesh Upper

Although I consider myself a Sneakerholic, I wasn't really a fan of NB.  In High School I purchased a pair from Paragon Sports in NYC but, when I started running they weren't my first option for a running shoe.

I'm not a bandwagon runner so when there's a lot of hype about a shoe you won't find me sitting outside my LRS waiting for it to be released.  Yeah I'll admit it they're some kicks I drool over because something about it speaks to me. 

A few sales reps from my LRS suggested the 1400 a couple of years ago but, I wasn't ready physically to run in the 1400 and to be honest it didn't speak to me.  When I looked at the 1400 it didn't appear to have enough cush in the forefoot for me especially after running in traditional high mileage trainers.  I've grown and gotten a little stronger as a runner and this has allowed me to run in a variety of low profile kicks such as the Hitogami 2, Adios 2, Sacouny Fastwitch7 and Brook T7.  

The Sole on the 1400V3 Appears Identical to its Predecessor  

After logging over 50 miles on both kicks I'm glad I took Mike up on his recommendation and added the 1400's to my collection.  The 1400V3 may not be the best looking shoe on the market but it's not the worst either, the (_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _)is.  You decide :-).

A Peek inside reveals changes in the tongue upper/sockliner

New tighter mesh fabric on the Upper/Sockliner improved the comfort of the 1400V3

The bottom line is the shoe works and works well period.  At 6.5oz with a 10mm drop the 1400 rides well and offers additional cush in the heel for the latter half of a marathon when your form may breakdown and you start to heel strike. 

RunR4Lyfe