New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is the Boston brand's serious bid to enter the super shoe war head-on. Where previous generations of the SC Elite line favoured comfort and a forgiving fit, almost halfway between a racer and a lightweight trainer, the v5 changes tack: a narrower platform, a lower profile and a stiffer plate. A bold move that leaves more room for other models from the brand such as the FuelCell Rebel v5.

The most striking change from the v4 is in the midsole: the platform gets narrower and slimmer, with forefoot stack height dropping from 36 to 32 mm to cut weight. The foam is still 100% PEBA FuelCell, but the Energy Arc carbon plate is now stiffer at the front and the outsole debuts a redesigned rubber with better grip. The one-piece mesh upper gains breathability, while the collar and tongue are now padded and the tongue is anchored to the sides. The fit is true to size and snugger than before; those who liked the wide fit and soft ride of the v4 will miss the previous version.

On the run, the switch to an 8 mm drop and a more pronounced rocker geometry, which helps you roll along without forcing it, are what stand out most. It is not the most responsive shoe in the pack, but it is stable for so much foam and comfortable to wear over many miles. As is usual with this kind of shoe, the outsole has only a bare minimum of rubber between the lugs, so it is better not to use it for daily training and to save it for racing or quality long runs. Ideal for neutral runners looking for a racer for the half marathon and marathon, especially if their running technique is not very polished and they land on the midfoot or even the heel.