New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoes

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoe is a very lightweight running shoe for fast training or racing. It has changed a lot from its predecessor, it is more cushioned and faster. Although versatile, it’s not the best choice for slower runs, but if you want a fast running shoe without a carbon plate, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 could be one of the best choices.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 upper

The upper of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoe, is optimized for performance, but it’s also comfortable. The FantomFit upper is made from a mesh material that is lightweight and has good breathability. The tongue of the shoe is thin, perforated, fits snugly on the foot, and is anchored so it won’t slip sideways during faster runs. The upper is also recommended for those with a wide, wide foot, with a thin foot the laces need to be tied better. The heel collar of the shoe is not high and has less cushioning. The edge of the heel collar is a bit “sharp”, which can irritate the ankle bone.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 midsole

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Running Shoe Midsole is a midsole made from a blend of EVA and PEBA PEBA is a lighter, softer, more flexible foam that also has a lower density. New Balance doesn’t tell you what percentage of the softer PEBA foam is in the midsole, but it feels like around 70-80%. The midsole isn’t tall, 32mm at the heel and 26mm at the toe, but it feels like a lot more, despite the lower midsole it has good cushioning and you can run longer distances in it compared to its predecessor. Although softer and slightly taller than its predecessor, the stability is good as the midsole is wider than average (as is the upper). Although softer than the previous version, it’s not overly soft. The foam in the midsole is harder than average and has less ground feel, but it has good energy dissipation, which makes it better for running fast. The drop of the midsole is slightly less than average, putting a little more strain on the calf and ankle, which is compounded by the slightly harder than average foam, which is why it is not recommended for beginners. Overall, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 midfoot is a well made, light and fast midfoot.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoe is articulated, covering the midsole only where it is most used, saving significant weight. This articulation allows the midsole to remain flexible. Because the midsole is wide, the outsole also has a wide contact area with the ground, which improves traction. The pattern of the outsole also contributes to better traction. The FuelCell Rebel v4 outsole contributes to fast runs with its grip. The midsole also has good wear resistance, with minimal wear even after 150 km of running.

Summary

With its price/value ratio, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoe is a very good choice if you’re looking for a fast running shoe without a carbon plate. It’s lightweight, has good breathability, good traction and an enjoyably flexible, bouncy midsole. It has less ground feel than the previous version, but better shock absorption, so you can run longer distances in them. It may not be a good choice for beginner runners or those with thin feet, and it’s better to buy a different running shoe for longer slower runs.