We are back at it with another Newton review and while many of you out there just love these shoes, others are still taken aback by their patented lug design. What we can say is that if you attend any race you will always see those die-hards who swear up and down that Newton’s design has made them a better runner and that they could never use another shoe as long as they live. Today we look at the Fate 6, one of their neutral targeted and solidly cushioned road runners, that continue to be a perennial favorite for many. It looks a lot like the 5, but it’s definitely been tweaked a bit under the hood.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- New 5 lug design, updated outsole and increased heel cushioning.
- Weighs in at 9.2oz or 261g for a US Men’s 9, 7.4oz or 210g for a US Women’s 7.
- Features a 4.5mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at $140.00 USD and comes in 2 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
To kick this off, we don’t need to belabor the point about the lugs. Yes, it is a weird design for many runners and your first experience in it is definitely a dramatic one. The pressure on the forefoot is a very new sensation and whether you love it or hate it is definitely a personal preference. There is science and logic behind the design and the reason no one else can do it is that Newton has a very strong patent against a variety of implementations of this system. The bottom line is no one can really recreate it without hitting on that patent, so don’t expect too many others to replicate. Does it work? We love the idea and the technology and for certain runners, it works really well and can help you make or achieve a more efficient stride.
So what does it feel like? It truly does feel on your foot like there is an extra piece of rubber added just in front of mid-foot nothing tapers off to the toes. The Fate 6 has added an additional lug and this has allowed them to make it feel less impactful against the foot and give it more of a natural feeling than ever before. The upper on here is nice and breathable like always and it gives you ample room in the toe box. They make well thought out use of overlays in order to achieve a bit more support across the foot and this really helps with side to side rotation. It does have a fairly sizable heel counter which locks you into place and overall the shoe holds you really well. The one area we have always struggled with on the Newton’s is the length of the laces and that continues even here. Note the shoe does handle varying widths of feet really well so the excess lace does make some sense.
In the run, the lugs take probably half a mile or so to get used to, and then depending on your stride it becomes very natural. Note the first half mile can really mess with your head so definitely need to give it some time and just like breaking in a zero-drop shoe you have to kind of work it into your lineup… you need to get used to it. The updates on the Fate 6 are fantastic especially the addition of a fifth lug and the increased amount of cushioning in the heel. The upper stays nice and snug in route and the minor gusset system they have in place prevents any sort of tongue movement. Overall if you prefer a bit firmer ride then the Fate 6 will suit you pretty well. This is a very specialized shoe and if you are someone who is looking to improve your foot strike and really experiment with modifications to your running style, then this could be a great option. It fits in really nicely in that under 10 oz everyday road shoe category.
Construction: Upper
The upper is a seamless mesh system and then features thin overlay supports that create a web across the upper for better overall support. The tongue has been updated with more padding and a smoother finish against the foot, it also features a minor gusset connection to keep the tongue in place. There is a sizable internal heel counter which locks you in place as well.
Close-up on the upper and thin overlays 
Lacing column 
Collar padding size
Construction: Midsole
The midsole on the Fate 6 features more of their “Newtonium” cushioning added to the heel to provide a bit of a softer landing for all the heel strikers out there. The primary midsole is an EVA that lands on the firmer side with a mid-level of flexibility. they have also added an XPS Diffusion Plate which is essentially a firmer piece of foam that should help provide it a bit more pop.
Midsole – Lateral front 
Midsole – Lateral rear 
Midsole – Medial rear 
Midsole – Medial front
Construction: Outsole
The outsole has evolved in that they moved to a 5 lugged system instead of the prior 4 and this is where the lines get blurred a bit because the outsole is really conjoined to the midsole in many ways given how much effect it has on feel, propulsion, cushion, etc. Those lugs are rubber so inevitably it causes the weight to increase a bit. You will also see some rubber at the front of the toe and then looping the heel from the mid-foot back for traction and durability.
Outsole 
Closeup on the lugs
Style & Aesthetics
At launch, the Fate 6 launched in only one color, but Newton has added another given you two solid options. Every Newton shoes feels so “Newton” they are unmistakable in their profile and for the most part, they all look fast regardless of the model.
Overall Conclusion
We will say it repeatedly that Newton is not for everyone, but it truly can help a lot of people improve their stride and get you thinking more about the way your foot contacts the ground. The updates they have made to the Fate 6 make it a very compelling option because a lot of those areas that have kept Newton off limits have been improved. That lug system just doesn’t feel as prevalent as it used to which makes it a much more accessible shoe. If you are in the market for and under 10oz every day shoe and considering making some adjustments to the way your foot strikes and your stride, then Newton is definitely worth a look.
Learn more on the Newton website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
