drop: 10 mm

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5

Name: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Brand: New Balance
Price: 131.99 USD
Availability: InStock

131.99 USD

Support

Neutral

Plate

Carbon

Distances

HalfMarathon

pace

stability

rebound

cushioning

Who Are New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 For?

This is a dedicated marathon and half-marathon racer for experienced runners chasing personal bests, not a do-everything trainer. If you run comfortably at fast paces and want a shoe tuned for race day, it fits; if you need an easy-day cushion or extra support, look elsewhere. It rewards confident, efficient runners rather than beginners still building form.

Feelings and Experience

The 100% PEBA "FuelCell" foam feels lively and springy rather than pillowy — cushioned but racing-firm, with a propulsive snap as you roll forward onto the plate. Transitions are quick and the ride urges you to pick up the pace, but the tall, soft race geometry feels tippy and less planted when you slow to a jog. This is a shoe that comes alive at speed and can feel like too much shoe at conversational effort.

Performance Specs

Drop: ~8–10mm heel-to-toe offset (New Balance lists 8mm; lab measured closer to 10mm) — a moderate heel bias that suits varied footstrikes

Cushioning: High, tall PEBA stack — generous but racing-tuned, not max-plush

Responsiveness: Very high — driven by 100% PEBA plus a full-length carbon plate in the Energy Arc system

Stability: Low, neutral platform — a tall, soft race build with no pronation support

Pace: Optimal for 3:00–3:30 min/km (4:50–5:38 min/mile)

Best Distances and Maximum Speed

It excels at the half marathon and marathon, with the marathon as its true sweet spot for runners holding fast, sustained efforts. The technology works best around 2:50–3:20 min/km (4:34–5:22 min/mile), where the plate and foam return the most energy.

Technologies and Materials

The midsole pairs 100% PEBA "FuelCell" foam with a concave full-length carbon plate and midsole voids (Energy Arc) for extra rebound. A woven nylon/polyester mesh upper with a semi-gusseted tongue gives a roomier toebox than most racers. Lab weight is 198g (men's US 9), with a 39mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack.