New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 running shoes

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 running shoe is a high-end racing shoe with a carbon plate outsole. Compared to the previous version, the upper has changed a lot, making it more comfortable, and the midsole, which in the v4 is now entirely PEBA foam. It’s a bit heavier than the previous version, and heavier than most super race running shoes at 237 grams. It also differs from most race running shoes in other ways. The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is less aggressive than other race shoes. The geometry is not as curved, and the midsole is softer and more comfortable, but therefore less fast than most race running shoes designed for longer distances. It’s great for fast training and races if comfort is a factor, but if comfort and softness are sacrificed for performance, you might want to try other race running shoes

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 upper

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 upper

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 upper is made from a loosely woven mesh fabric that’s reinforced with multiple layers. There are no ventilation holes in the mesh material, but the loose weave nevertheless gives the shoe better than average ventilation. The multi-layered but lightweight bonded upper technology is called FantomFit by New Balance and is used in several of their running shoes. Thanks to the multiple layers, the upper is more durable, and the durability is particularly good compared to competitive running shoes. The tongue of the shoe is flat, wide and thin, with tiny vents, and a bit short. The tongue of the SuperComp Elite v4 is not fixed, but it doesn’t slip sideways. Care should be taken not to crumple it when tightening the laces, as thin tongues tend to do this. The heel collar is not too stiff on the back or sides and as with most racing shoes, the SuperComp Elite v4 has a low padded heel collar, giving an overall secure footing. The heel collar rim is thin and slightly sharp, it’s a good idea to wear socks that end above the heel collar to protect the achilles from any blisters that this sharper heel collar rim might cause. The upper is a narrower cut, as is usual for race running shoes, but a wide version of the shoe will be coming soon.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 midsole

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 midsole

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 midsole is made from PEBA FuellCell foam. The result is a soft, flexible midsole that returns a lot of energy. The midsole is softer than most long-distance race shoes, so it’s less aggressive, less able to return as much energy as most race running shoes. The height of the midsole, which is 40 mm at the heel and 36 mm under the forefoot, a drop of 4 mm, also contributes strongly to the soft feel. The drop feels more than 4 mm, but that could be because the midsole has a less rocker design compared to race shoes. The midsole has a curved thin carbon plate that contributes a lot to the dynamics of the shoe, but also makes the midsole less stiff due to its thinness. Many running shoes with carbon plates feel good to take off after a long run because they are so stiff, not so with the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4. The soft and high midsole would be less stable if it didn’t have a carbon plate. Stability is further enhanced by the fact that the midsole splits at the heel, becoming two outer parts to give support to either side, but overall the stability of the shoe is average. Overall, neither the upper nor the midsole are designed for running on trails with lots of sharp turns in the shoe, but that’s not what you’d expect from a super running shoe designed for racing.
Overall, the midfoot is inferior to race shoes in terms of dynamics, but it’s much more comfortable, it’s nice to have a race shoe like this, but if you want to be a top runner, it’s worth forgoing the comfort and looking for a more aggressive running shoe.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 outsole

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 outsole

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 outsole is bulkier than the outsole of an average racing shoe, which is a positive feature for traction and durability, but it also adds weight. The outsole is 2 mm thick, which is more than the average racing shoe but less than the average everyday running shoe. The outsole is on the softer side, which is good for traction, but generally softer outsoles wear more easily. This is not the case with the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 outsole. It’s softer than average, but doesn’t wear out quickly, and it’s very durable for a racing shoe. Due to the large volume, softness and good pattern of the outsole, the grip is good, but there is some slippage on wet or dusty surfaces.

Summary

Over all, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 running shoe is a comfortable but less performance-oriented long distance running shoe. It’s not as fast as other race shoes because of its weight and less aggressive, less hard midsole, but it’s softer on the midsole, more comfortable, and more durable. Better than its predecessor, it has improved a lot, which we are very happy about. If you want a fast, dynamic, bouncy running shoe that’s soft and comfortable at the same time the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 running shoe could be a good choice.