I switched to Newtons from Asics G2140 during the summer, and it wasn't a particularly positive experience for me. I struggled to adapt my style and ended up picking up a few niggling injuries, and didn't feel very supported as I ran. On the plus side, they are super-light and I did genuinely feel an additional "spring" in my step. Overall I'd say that for shorter runs they might be ideal, and they will be brilliant for some people, but for longer distance "plodding" they weren't right for me.

Don't let me put you off altogether though Ian, because I do think my bad experience was as much down to a rushed choice by me rather than poor quality shoes. The trainer I went for was the "Gravity" - http://www.newtonrunning.com/newton-products/the-shoes/mens-shoes/men-trainers/men-neutral-trainer-09 - which is a neutral trainer.

It felt amazing on the treadmill in the store but knowing that I run longer distances, I really should have got a stabilty shoe such as the Motion http://www.newtonrunning.com/newton-products/the-shoes/mens-shoes/men-trainers/men-stability-trainer-09. Looking back, the sales assistant wasn't hugely experienced and I was a bit over-excited and over-eager, so made a hasty choice. I'd definitely consider getting a pair of more supportive Newtons in future. Once I've saved up the requisite £130, obviously. :-)

Partly as a result of this forum I picked up a pair of Vibram Five Fingers Flow on Wednesday. They were instantly comfortable, although they did take a bit of breaking in to get the toes feeling spot on.  I've barely taken them off since and today came the first run.

I would be lying if I said that my feet were warm for the first 1.5 miles of 4 but given that I was running on snow and ice I shouldn't have been surprised.  But you do notice instantly how much more forward on your feet you are.  It takes some getting used to so when coupled with thick snow your calves and thighs are working overtime!

They are extraordinary shoes.  I am wearing them constantly at the moment because they feel so right.  I will be interested to see how I get on with the longer runs, though.  Normally I do between 8 & 16 miles off road and I don't think they are the shoe for that (and I can't afford another pair with more aggressive tread) but I am going to stick with them for all road running and general living!  And no need to worry about stinking the joint out as I can bung them through the machine...

In case you're wondering, the running on snow and ice was pretty good.  They appear to have no discernible tread but they did me OK - certainly better than my road shoes, but anybody with an IQ in double digits and above would have taken the Inov-8s in the hallway rather then the Five Fingers!  But you have to live dangerously occasionally...  and it made what would have otherwise been a boring 4 mile road run much more exciting!

A big investment - but it will certainly move you towards a forefoot running style (and most people will then move you towards the asylum). They work in that respect.

Glad to hear it Ian. Are they still living up to your early experience? How are you finding your leg muscles responding?