New Balance
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Product Judgment
Strong
8.5
Category: Race
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Reasonable
Common retail price: ~$250
Availability: Widely Available
Description
New Balance’s flagship carbon-plated road racer aimed at marathon performance. Combines soft FuelCell cushioning with a stable platform and secure upper. Expert reviews praise its comfort, balance, and accessibility.
Ride feels smooth, propulsive, and surprisingly stable for a carbon racer. FuelCell foam and plate deliver strong rebound without becoming overly harsh or unstable. Upper is airy and secure, while the geometry feels accessible to a wider range of runners than many elite super shoes.
Best suited for runners seeking a stable, comfortable super shoe for marathon and long road racing. Excels for a wide range of runners thanks to forgiving geometry and secure fit. Less appropriate for those prioritizing the absolute lightest or most aggressive racer, but remains a strong all-rounder for long-distance racing and fast training.
Performance Scores
Comfort
8Cushioned, airy upper and balanced foam create strong comfort even over longer races.
Energy Return
9FuelCell foam and carbon plate provide strong rebound and efficient propulsion.
Stability
8Broad platform and geometry make it more stable than most carbon racers.
Durability
7Race-oriented outsole and upper are solid but not built for high daily mileage.
Fun to Ride
8Lively and smooth, though less wild than the most aggressive super shoes.
Run Fitness
Daily
6Comfortable enough for occasional training but not ideal as a daily shoe.
Long
9Stable cushioning and plate support long marathon-pace efforts well.
Tempo
8Responsive enough for tempo sessions and long race-specific workouts.
Race
9Designed for racing with strong propulsion, comfort, and stability.
Recovery
4Propulsive geometry and plate limit suitability for easy recovery runs.
Pros & Cons
- Stable for a super shoe
- Comfortable over marathon distance
- Strong propulsion
- Airy race upper
- Not the lightest racer
- Less explosive than top rivals
- Limited daily durability
Broader platform and accessible geometry offer more stability than many rivals.
Balanced cushioning and secure upper support long race efforts comfortably.
Carbon plate and FuelCell foam create efficient forward drive and rebound.
Light upper provides breathability and secure lockdown in hot conditions.
Slightly heavier than some flagship super shoes, reducing top-end aggressiveness.
Ride is balanced and smooth but not as explosive as the most aggressive racers.
Race-focused build and outsole are better reserved for key workouts and races.
Specifications
Best for paces
3:15-4:45 min/km
Drop
4 mm
Stack height
40 mm heel / 36 mm forefoot
Weight
212 g
Drop
4 mm
Stack height
40 mm heel / 36 mm forefoot
Weight
212 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Road
Technologies
FuelCell midsole, Energy Arc carbon plate, Breathable race upper
Plate
Carbon
Best for paces
3:15-4:45 min/km
Comparable Models
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is unplated and training-friendly, while SC Elite v5 is plated and race-focused.
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Nike Vaporfly 4 is lighter and sharper, while SC Elite v5 feels softer and more stable.
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Nike Alphafly 3 is more cushioned for marathon racing, while SC Elite v5 is less extreme and more flexible.
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Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is firmer and more aggressive, while SC Elite v5 is softer and more forgiving.
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is smoother and more stable, while SC Elite v5 feels softer and less structured.
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Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is more aggressive and bouncy, while SC Elite v5 is more forgiving.
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ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is lighter and more minimal, while SC Elite v5 is softer and more cushioned.
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Hoka Rocket X 3 is firmer and more stable, while SC Elite v5 is softer and more flexible.
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Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is firmer and more direct, while SC Elite v5 is softer and more forgiving.
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