Newton Distance Elite General Information

The Distance Elite is a brand-new addition to the Newton performance line and it combines the best features of MV3 and the popular Distance trainer. Of course, the shoes boast Newton’s unique Action/Reaction™ technology which is designed to provide optimal response off the ground and promote high energy return with every stride—exactly what a performance shoe should do.

Newton Distance Elite Impression

The model I received was a brilliant neon-green with bright pink detailing and laces paired with a yellow outsole unit. The colorway reminds me more of Summer than Fall/Winter. Nonetheless, I took an immediate liking to the style. Newton consistently offers vivid, eye-catching colors and these shoes are no exception.

The Distance Elite are designed for road racing where the Action/Reaction™ lugs and high-rebound EVA can provide optimum energy return for quick and efficient turnover. The seamless upper fits comfortably. However, the toe-box is quite wide and I had to pull the laces as tight as I could in order to accommodate my narrow foot.

Once I got the laces tight enough, I didn’t notice any problems with the wide toe-box while running. All of Newton’s shoes are all crafted to accommodate custom orthotics if needed, which is a nice consideration.

This is the second pair of Newtons I have run in; the first being the Energy NR.Even after logging many miles in the Energy (a shoe designed for transition to Newton shoes), the firm lugs located midfoot took some getting used to, especially when running downhill. After about 30 miles, the shoes relaxed and no longer felt so hard underfoot.

I’ve really enjoyed these shoes when running workouts on the road because the response and energy return is second to none. The Distance Elite promotes an efficient gait cycle which translates to the quick stride required for racing. These shoes are snappy off the road and they encouraged me to run fast.

They felt best when running at a moderate to quick pace around 6:15-7:45 per mile. With a 2mm heel-to-toe drop,the Distance Elite are an ideal racing shoe for any road distance over 5k. Newton shoes are designed to promote a midfoot strike which is optimal for efficient turnover, and the Distance Elite are no exception to this principle.

Newton Distance Elite Sole Unit

As mentioned,the outsole employs Newton’s signature Action/Reaction™ technology in 4actuator lugs located just under the metatarsal heads of the foot. This feature provides a high level of response and energy return. The shoes provided a very firm, but comfortable ride after a short breaking-in period.

The Distance Elite will take some getting used to for runners who are accustomed to a soft and highly cushioned ride. The midsole and outsole are seemingly simple and, like all Newton shoes, are made of recycled materials. The Distance Elite have something to offer for high or low mileage runners in the market for a racing flat, as well as, those who are just looking for a lightweight shoe for workouts and daily runs.

Newton Distance Elite Upper

The upper is a highly-breathable and fast-drying mesh. The seamless construction never irritated or blistered my feet. As mentioned, the exceptionally wide toe-box could pose slight issues for individuals with narrow feet, but there is certainly no restriction of natural toe-splay while running.

Newton Distance Elite Opinion

Newton has created a reliable road racing shoe with the Distance Elite that capitalizes on energy return. This shoe offers a lightweight, responsive, and efficient ride.

We thank the nice people at Newton for sending us a pair of Distance Elite to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.