We recently reviewed the Newton EnergyNR, a bridging and transitioning shoe for runners who want to experience the unique technology platform and ride found only in Newton running shoes. Now with the MV3, Newton Running has launched the lightest running shoe in its Race line. Ultra-lightweight and designed for speed, the MV3 is a racing shoe with a zero drop profile and designed for short or mid-distance racing and weekly speed workouts.
The uppers consist of an updated ultra-light highly-breathable and fast-drying mesh with a seamless anatomical support strapping. The lacing system is slightly asymmetric. The MV3 has an enlarged toebox and has a TPU toe cap.
The midsole is made of second generation Action/Reaction technology in midfoot with a biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate and high-rebound EVA. The met-flex provides enhanced forefoot flexibility. The package also comes with a 3mm lift for those who are not ready for a zero drop shoe. The midfoot area is widened for greater stability.
The outsole is made of a high-traction 5-lug forefoot pattern with high-density rubber in heel and toe. They are slightly lower profile than the MV2.
So how did the Newton Running MV3 perform?
My pair of Newton MV3 (US Men’s 11.0) weighs in at 6.0 ounces and has a stack height of 16mm. The heel-to-toe differential or drop is 0mm. The second you put on the MV3 racer, you can feel a major improvement from the previous version, the MV2 – wider toe box, soft and ultra-breathable uppers, lower forefoot lugs. I did size up by a half size based on previous experiences with the MV2.
The uppers feel thinner than a pair of socks to me – I haven’t worn running socks for over 3 years! Running sockless in the MV3 is such a joy with the soft, thin, and slightly stretchable uppers. The sockliner (anti-friction and anti-bacterial) is not removable and the tongue does not slide around (very important for me) because it is connected to the strapping support.
With the MV2, I cannot walk comfortably with it. The MV3 has lower profile forefoot lugs and walking in them is natural and comfortable.
There is only one speed when you put on a pair of Newton MV3 – FAST! Even after testing over 200 minimalist running shoes, the MV3 got me excited when wearing them on the tartan track. I can’t explain it but you just mentally and physically want to run fast even though I started slow – after less than a half lap. It messes up my aerobic heart rate training and I ended up doing more speed work instead.
I’m so impressed with the Newton MV3 that I wore it at the National Senior Games in Cleveland, OH, in the Baldwin Wallace University stadium. I ran the 400m heats in the MV3 and also did 3 triple jumps in them (I jumped only 6 inches more with spikes). Because of the MV3 comfort, great traction, lightweight, and a racing shoe, I went out too fast in the first 300m of my race and paid for it dearly in the last 100m. But that will only get better now that I can train in them. Track & field tested! Maybe Newton can design a track shoe…
The new Newton Running MV3 is available in a single colorway for both men and women.
The Newton Running MV3 is available for purchase (MSRP $125) at: Newton and Zappos
*Product provided by Newton Running. CMP.LY/1 Review
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