New Balance FuelCell Elite v 5
Shoe review
This is New Balance's fifth rendition of their super shoe, their top-level racing shoe. The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 marks a significant leap forward in the brand’s elite racing lineup. Built with marathon day in mind, this fifth iteration tightens the focus on speed, responsiveness, and secure comfort with a few key changes that set it apart from its predecessor, the V4.
Fit
The SC Elite V5 offers a true-to-size experience for most runners, with standard widths available. The toe box is comfortably roomy without being sloppy, while the midfoot and heel have been refined for a closer, more performance-oriented lockdown. Runners with narrower heels will likely appreciate the updated heel collar and padding, which solve the common rubbing and blister issues seen in V4. The upper features a single-layer mesh with NB’s FantomFit construction, which is breathable and lightweight. The addition of a gusseted tongue improves midfoot security and eliminates lace pressure. Overall, the shoe strikes a fine balance between race-ready precision and long-distance comfort. This may be one of the model's most redeeming features, and it's an essential feature to have in a race-day shoe.
Feel
The SC Elite V5 is noticeably more aggressive than its predecessor. The ride is firmer, especially up front, with a snappier toe-off that becomes more pronounced the faster you go. It no longer feels as soft or plush as V4 at slower paces, but that’s a deliberate trade-off; this is a shoe built for performance, not recovery jogs. The PEBA foam and tuned carbon plate provide excellent energy return once you hit tempo or race pace, and while it may not have the exaggerated rocker of shoes like the Alphafly or Fast-R, the geometry still facilitates a smooth roll through stride. On foot, the shoe feels fast and locked in, with just enough cushioning to stay comfortable over the course of a full marathon. What it may lack in top-end weight and snappiness, it makes up for in comfort and smoothness.
Function
The midsole features full-length PEBA-based FuelCell foam, making it lighter, bouncier, and more responsive than ever. It’s paired with New Balance’s Energy Arc carbon plate system, which delivers improved propulsion through a stiffer, more dynamic forefoot. The stack height hits the World Athletics limit (40mm heel / ~32mm forefoot), but this version ups the drop to 8mm, a notable shift from the 4mm drop in V4. The outsole has been redesigned as well, with a thinner rubber compound that keeps the shoe light while still providing decent grip on dry roads. That said, the outsole may not offer the best traction in wet or slick conditions.
Ultimately, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 delivers where it matters most for serious runners: reduced weight, better energy return, improved upper comfort, and a refined geometry that rewards speed. It’s best suited for half and full marathon racers who want a super shoe that blends responsiveness with just enough cushion for the long haul but will still perform at the shorter 5-10km distances with ease, as Alex Yee has shown. For race day performance, this is New Balance’s best offering yet. If you’re chasing a PR and want a shoe that brings together the best of comfort and carbon-plated propulsion, the SC Elite V5 is absolutely worth a look.
