New Balance SC Pacer v2 Review: The Low-Slung Speed Machine You Didn’t Know You Needed

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If you're someone who’s always chasing the latest super shoe or mega-stack carbon racer, you might be tempted to scroll past the New Balance SC Pacer v2. But stop right there—because this shoe, while probably not for everyone, might just be the sleeper hit of your rotation.

A Personal Favourite for Speed and Simplicity

What makes this shoe stand out isn’t just the carbon plate or flashy specs—it’s the feeling it gives on the run. There’s something special about slipping into a shoe that doesn’t try too hard, but still delivers a confident, propulsive ride. For runners who enjoy that stripped-back, aggressive, uptempo feel, the SC Pacer v2 absolutely delivers.

Key Specs and Features

• Price: Retail is around £175, but it can be picked up for less with discounts.

• Weight: 220g / 7.75 oz

• Stack Height: 32.8mm heel with an 8mm drop

• Midsole: 100% Peba FuelCell foam

• Plate: Energy Arc carbon plate

• Upper: Engineered mesh—minimal, breathable, and race-ready

It’s designed for speed. This shoe slots perfectly into that space between a daily trainer and a full-on racing flat. It’s ideal for 10Ks, half marathons, tempo runs, strides, or just when you want to feel fast.

What Makes It Special?

The SC Pacer v2 is a “low slung killer”—a shoe that ditches gimmicks in favour of performance. It’s not overly cushioned or max stack, and that’s exactly why it shines. It delivers a fast turnover, a close-to-the-ground feel, and just the right amount of responsiveness thanks to its carbon plate and snappy midsole foam.

This isn’t a shoe that’s going to pamper you on long recovery days. It’s designed for runners who want a direct connection with the road and the ability to really push pace.

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Not for Everyone—But That’s Okay

Let’s be clear: this won’t suit every runner. The upper lacks structure, and there’s not much in the way of stability or support. It’s a shoe built for confident, efficient runners who like minimal distractions and maximum energy return.

If you're someone who favours the Vaporfly or other highly cushioned race-day options, the SC Pacer might feel too stripped back. But if you’re looking to inject some fun into your training and get a bit more feel for the road, this shoe is a breath of fresh air.

Final Thoughts

There’s real joy to be found in a shoe like this. It’s lightweight, nimble, and built for speed—but without the hefty price tag or hype machine behind it. Whether you're smashing parkrun's, going hard in a 10K, or just want a shoe that makes you feel fast, the SC Pacer v2 is well worth a look. It might not be the most talked-about model on the market, but for the right runner, it could be the most fun.

You can get discounts on your next running shoe purchase at Sportsshoes.com by either becoming an affiliated club member with FORDY RUNS Running Club where you will get 15% off or you can join the club for free and get 10% off your next purchase by getting our latest discount code from our website

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