Hey Dave,

Disclaimer- I am a rep for Newton in the South Central US. Hope I am not stepping on any toes here but I figured I’d chime in and see if I could offer some insight.

With the introduction of the 5lug platform, we’ve gone back to the drawing boards on how to structure our supportive shoes. We traditionally used a mild post in shoes like the Motion, Distance S, and Isaac S. With the new Motion and Distance S, there is no posting involved but it is still a great support shoe for people who need a little extra. The features that separate these two shoes from their neutral siblings are a slightly wider platform throughout the midfoot, slightly shallower flex grooves (still great flexibility, just not as much as the Gravity/Distance), additional rubber on the medial heel, and additional strapping throughout the upper. It’s awesome because neutral runners have no reason why they couldn’t run in our support shoes but people that need a little assistance can also benefit. The motion is, in my opinion, one of our most versatile shoes we have ever made.

The Distance III is going to be quite a bit more flexible and also lighter. New for 2014- the membrane technology is tuned for the Distance so it is firmer than the Gravity/Motion which will provide a more “peppy” and responsive ride for people that like a faster or firmer shoe. I have found that people who loved our previous shoes are really enjoying the Distance(or Distance S) and people that didn’t quite like the feeling of the lugs have been pleasantly blown away by the Gravity/Motion.

Anyway, I hope that helps and enjoy the run!

Hi, sorry this is off topic, I tried posting on the forum, but could not figure it out. I have been told that I over pronate, which is why i switched out of kinvaras after a stress fracture. I now have run in the pure cadence 1( which give me arch pain) and the asics gt2000(which just don’t work for me fit wise). I am thinking about the brooks launch, but am worried that it will increase my pronation because of one article recently stating that some neutral shoes increase pronation because they are meant to combat supination? I am asking you for help because all of your articles have made so much sense and are reasoned out. I will be running at the collegiate level next year and need a good shoe to consistently train. I am 5’11″ 140 lbs with a midfoot strike. Thank you so much for your help!

I always do, unless I feel I need the extra drop to rest my calves.

The Distance is lighter. It’s kind of the distance racing shoe in the Newton lineup I guess.

I agree on fit – the Energy is a bit weird in that regard unless you remove/replace the included sockliner.

I’ve honestly never paid attention to whether a shoe is support or neutral. I find the terms to be pretty meaningless as there is no standardization of what constitutes one category vs. the other.

Yes on the GB2, hopefully soon!

As for durability, my Energy lugs are worn down to the point where I’m losing traction after only 80 miles. My Distance III lugs look about like yours after 60. I think it’s worth paying the $155 for the Distance over $119 for the Energy in the long run (plus, the Distance is a better fit for me – wider in the forefoot).