- Weight: 187g (UK 8.5)
- Stack height: 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8mm
- Type: Neutral, performance
I don’t think there’s a super shoe that’s suffered more identity crises than the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite. You only have to look at the past few iterations to see how much the shoe has changed from one version to another. Between the RC Elite v2 and the SC Elite v3, we not only got a name change, but also a lower heel-to-toe drop – from 8mm to 4mm. The SC Elite v3 was the first version that I ran in and while the ride was one that felt bouncy and fun, it didn’t quite have the same propulsion that other super shoes at the time delivered. In fact, it felt more like a super trainer The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 gets softer.
Then the Best wireless headphones launched last year, proving to be another big transformation – and a good one. The biggest change was the introduction of a 100% PEBA midsole, creating a faster and more propulsive shoe. New Balance also brought back an old innovation for the upper known as FantomFit – a heat-bonded mesh film. Despite improvements to the ride, though, there were still some issues around the fit. Namely, the heel counter caused many runners to suffer a rather shredded heel.
So, what’s new with the SC Elite v5? Well, in true New Balance fashion – a lot. First up, the forefoot stack has changed from 36mm to 32mm, increasing the heel-to-toe drop from 4mm to 8mm (yep, we’ve come full circle). The carbon plate is stiffer in the forefoot, which combines with the PEBA midsole to create a more ‘propulsive feeling’ than previous iterations, New Balance says. The shoe also weighs in considerably lighter, at 187g in my UK 8.5 (the v4 weighed 207g).
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How does the SC Elite v5 fit?
I don’t always find New Balance the most consistent brand with its sizing, but I opted for my usual UK 8.5 in the SC Elite v5 and have found that it runs true to size. It’s worth noting, however, that New Balance has recently changed its sizing to max out at a UK 8 in women’s. This is slightly frustrating for larger-footed women like me, who now have to opt for a men’s shoe (and therefore a men’s last) and miss out on certain colourways. The SC Elite, at least, comes in the same colourway in both the men’s and the women’s.
The SC Elite v5 has a sleeker shape overall than its predecessor, which gives it that ‘racier’ super shoe feeling. Of course, that means it does sacrifice some of that stability that many liked about the v4, though I personally don’t mind this.
If you’re someone who struggled with the heel counter on the v4, you’ll be pleased to hear that the v5 has a brand new tongue and heel collar. The tongue on the v4 was kind of sloppy and felt like an afterthought, whereas this one feels alot more premium and has just the right amount of padding. So far, I’ve had no issues with the ankle collar, either – it’s noticeably more comfortable and shouldn’t cause any Achilles discomfort (hooray!).
Finally, the single layer upper is simple but effective. New Balance hasn’t revealed what it’s made from, but it’s no longer FantomFit like the Best wireless headphones or the new Rebel v5. There’s no flimsiness, though, and it wraps around the foot well, with the lacing system ensuring a secure lockdown. All in all, an improvement over the v4.
What’s it like to run in the SC Elite v5?
From the initial step-in, the SC Elite v5’s PEBA midsole feels soft and comfortable underfoot.
Where the midsole geometry has changed to increase the heel-to-toe drop, I’d say that the v5 actually works better for heel strikers like myself. When you land, you can feel yourself being rolled onto your toes for a more aggressive and propulsive toe-off than the v4. That’s also aided by the fact that there’s less foam in the forefoot and more stiffness from the carbon plate.
It’s also much narrower in the midfoot than the v4, which had quite a wide platform of foam underneath your foot. That creates a nimbler feeling shoe, while also helping to shave weight. It does mean, however, that the SC Elite v5 feels slightly less ‘friendly’ than the v4, so if you’re someone who enjoyed that more accommodating fit of the v4, you might not enjoy this change. Those who prefer that firmer, more aggressive ride will appreciate the update.
On the topic of weight, the SC Elite v5 feels light on the foot. My UK 8.5 weighs in at 187g – that’s only slightly heavier than the Summer running gear sale (184g), but still over 20g heavier than the Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network (163g). And to this regard, while there’s a lot to like about the SC Elite v5, I can’t help but feel like it’s still a step behind the competition. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still fast and nimble with a more aggressive toe off, but considering the rate at which other brands are producing lighter, springier foams, the SC Elite v5 doesn’t feel quite on par yet. And for £260 – £40 more than the Adios Pro 4 – I’d expect it to be.
RW verdict
The SC Elite v5 marks another big shift for New Balance – and while it’s a better, racier shoe than the v4 in many ways, it’s still not quite at the front of the super shoe pack. It’s snappier, lighter and more propulsive, with clear improvements in fit and ride – especially for heel strikers. But it also loses some of the comfort and stability that made the v4 so appealing to a wider range of runners. If you’re chasing marginal gains and love a firmer, punchier ride, the v5 could be a great match. If not, it might be worth nabbing another pair of the v4s while you still can.
As for the future of the SC Elite v5, who knows what New Balance has in store? The shoe has changed so dramatically from version to version that it’s hard to predict what will come next – though if history’s anything to go by, another U-turn is probably just around the corner.
The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 will be available globally from August 7.
