The MV² is a "zero-drop" shoe engineered for athletes who practice natural running form. The MV² is unique in that it is built on a level profile: there is no drop from the heel to the forefoot, hence the term “zero-drop.” 

It is not unusual for runners who are transitioning to a zero-drop shoe like the MV² to experience tightness in the calves muscles and achilles tendons, as well as the feet. This can occur because the muscles and tendons are further elongated when running in a zero-drop shoe, compared to a conventional shoe with a lifted heel.

Adapting to a zero-drop shoe and a natural running style take time and the process is unique for each athlete. It is always better to make this transition gradually. With this in mind, we have enclosed a removable 3 millimeter heel lift with each pair of MV²s in the event that you wish to transition with incremental steps. This is particularly recommended if you are transitioning from a shoe with a high heel-toe drop.

How to attach heel lift:

1. Remove sock liner (insole)
2. Peel adhesive backing away from heel lift
3. Place heel lift, sticky side down, flush against the back of heel cup (tapered edge facing toward toes)
4. Re-insert sock liner over the heel lift
5. Remove the heel lift when you feel you have adapted

FAQ

1. How much does the MV² weigh? - Men’s size 9 = 5.8 oz; Women’s size 7 = 5.2 oz
2. How do they fit? - Note that the MV² is designed for a race fit. Most people go up a half size from their current Newton Running shoe size if they are looking for a “comfort fit.” For a tighter racing fit, stay in your current Newton Running shoe size.
3. What does “zero-pitch” mean? - Zero-pitch means the shoe is built on a level platform and there is no difference between the heel height and the forefoot height.
4. Why should I use the enclosed heel lift? - Almost every shoe—including typical racing flats – is built with a raised heel. Most racing and training shoes range from 3% to 15% heel-toe drop. Consequently, most people are not accustom to a zero-drop (level profile) shoe and our lower leg muscles and tendons need time to adapt. This adaptation time takes a minimum of 4 weeks, and for some people it can take up to a year. To facilitate this adaption we have enclosed a 3mm heel lift to help eliminate the stress to the lower leg and foot.
5. How do I adapt to the shoes? – GRADUALLY. Listen to your body. Use the removable heel lift and start with very short runs – less than a mile. Focus on form, not speed or distance. Add mileage in very small, incremental steps. If you experience any soreness, rest and dial back your mileage, adding mileage only when you can do a short run and not experience soreness. Remember: the transition is relative to your body, so don’t measure your adaptation against a friend’s or a hypothetical time frame. Listen to your body and go slow. It is worth the investment.
6. How long will the MV² last? - Unlike traditional shoes which are made out of foam, the MV^2’s provides much greater longevity if you are running efficiently. Impact studies on our patented second generation Action/Reaction Technology^TM show minimal change in the amount of protection (shock absorption /energy return) over 300 miles though a mere 5.8 ounces, its lifespan is between 150 and 250 miles, depending on form and efficiency. As with all of our shoes, the MV² wears like car tires - you will begin to see wear externally on the lugs almost immediately. With that said, we would caution against making the MV² your every day training shoe.
7. What is "second generation" Action/Reaction Technology^TM? - The membrane is light-weight and tuned to react faster, promoting higher cadence. The lower profile design includes five articulating lugs.
8. Who should wear the MV²? - Anyone. Although designed to be a fast paced running shoe, runners of all abilities who are committed to adjusting to a more natural running form can benefit from this low profile design. The MV² can also be used for walking, weight training and other gym activities.
9. What distances can I run in the MV²? - This shoe is engineered to run faster, shorter distances by people with natural running form. Experienced, efficient natural runners can run 5k to half marathon distances. For longer distances we would recommend our other Performance shoes.
10. Can I run a marathon in them? – Highly efficient, well adapted natural runners may chose to wear the MV² for longer distances. Most people will prefer models from our Performance line for distances greater than a half marathon.
11. Do they work like other Newton Running shoes? – Yes! Like all of our other shoes, the MV² is designed to encourage natural running form and utilizes our Action/Reaction Technology^TM.
12. Can I use the MV² on trails? - The shoes are nimble and offer great traction. They can be used on paths and dirt roads, but MV² was not designed for rugged terrain.
13. Is it just a racing shoe? – No. The MV² is ideal for shorter training runs, tempo runs and track workouts, as well as just walking or the gym.