New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 Review
- FORDY RUNS
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The New Balance SC Elite V4 has been one of my favourite marathon shoes of late. It struck the perfect balance of stability, cushioning, and forgiveness over the marathon distance. Naturally, I was eager to see how the new SC Elite V5 stacks up—and whether it might carry me through the Chicago Marathon later this year.
Why V4 Worked So Well
Version 4 won me over because it delivered something rare in a carbon-plated super shoe: stability. The wide base, forgiving PEBA-based FuelCell foam, roomy toe box, and well-designed outsole created a shoe that not only performed but also looked after you in the late stages of a marathon. Unlike many other aggressive racers, V4 didn’t punish you when form started to break down—it helped you hold it together. That’s why it became a go-to recommendation for mild pronators or anyone who wanted a stable but fast marathon shoe.
What’s New in V5
The SC Elite V5 brings some significant updates:
Price: £260
Stack/Drop: 40mm heel → 32mm forefoot (8mm drop, up from 4mm)
Weight: 223g (UK 10 / US 10.5)—lighter than V4’s 257g
Midsole: 100% PEBA FuelCell, now bouncier and trimmed down for weight savings
Plate: Energy Arc carbon plate, claimed to be 38% stiffer in the forefoot
Outsole: New thin rubber compound for traction
Upper: Similar texture but racier fit; gusseted tongue; comes in wide fit
Geometry: Narrower midfoot and heel profile, giving it a more aggressive racer feel
On paper, it’s clear New Balance set out to make V5 lighter, racier, and more in line with other modern super shoes.
Performance on the Run
I tested the V5 on marathon-paced efforts and a 20+ mile long run to really see if it could be my race shoe.
At steady paces, the foam came alive when pushed, delivering a lively, responsive ride. The reduced foam and 8mm drop made it feel racier and more like the ASICS Metaspeed Sky, Brooks Hyperion Elite, or Hoka Rocket X3—a departure from V4’s more forgiving nature.
Surprisingly, despite the narrower base, stability was better than expected. I thought it might wobble late in the run, but even at mile 20 with pace changes, it held up. Still, it has lost some of that “safety net” stability that made V4 so appealing for everyday marathoners.
Comfort held up well—no rubbing, no hot spots, and the gusseted tongue did its job (though the laces were fiddly, requiring a few re-ties to get lockdown right).
Likes
Lighter, more energetic feel than V4
Still reasonably stable, even with the slimmer profile
Wide fit option available—a rarity in super shoes
Upper is secure and comfortable
Outsole traction is solid
Carbon plate isn’t overly aggressive (good for non-elites)
Dislikes
Price—£260 is simply too high, especially when competitors like ASICS and Puma offer cutting-edge foams for less
Lacing system can be frustrating
Lost some of the forgiving, stable character that made V4 so unique
Doesn’t stand out in a crowded super shoe market