New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 running shoes

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 Running Shoe is a lightweight, fast running shoe with a carbon plate that is also suitable for racing. Unlike the high midsole running shoes we’re used to today, the Pacer V2 has a lower-than-average midsole, so it’s primarily intended for shorter 5-10k races, but with advanced leg muscles, it’s also a great choice for half marathons. It’s changed a lot from the previous version, with a 7mm thicker midfoot, but it hasn’t increased in weight. Thanks to the thicker midsole, it is more versatile, has better shock absorption and more energy return, which allows you to run fast longer distances than 5-10 km. The SuperComp Pacer V2 is the little brother of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 running shoe, using similar technologies but with a lower midsole, different geometry and lighter weight.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 upper

The upper of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 Running Shoe is made of a thin, slightly stretchy mesh material with large ventilation holes so the upper is breathable and does not get hot. The upper fits true to size, with a narrower design that locks the foot well. The tongue of the shoe is thin, not padded, and has a mesh material. Although the tongue is not padded, it protects the foot from being pinched or bitten by laces. The tongue is not fixed and should be smoothed and adjusted before running as it tends to wrinkle. The tongue is short, it should be a little longer. The heel is neither stiff nor padded. The heel part is curved and bends slightly inwards at the top, which can irritate the Achilles tendon. The two things, the lack of padding and the curvature, are an unfortunate combination, as it can cause many runners to blister during their first runs until the heel collar breaks in. The gluing of the insole is not perfect, so it’s worth checking to make sure it doesn’t crease during a run. Like many other New Balance running shoes, the Pacer V2 has holes in the insole that can be felt while running.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 midsole

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 Running Shoe Midsole consists of two layers of FuelCell foam sandwiched between a curved carbon plate. FuelCell is a Peba foam that is lightweight, resilient and flexible. Because the Pacer v2 midsole foam is thinner than average, it’s not too soft, but just enough to be comfortable and dynamic. Because the midsole is low and gets some stiffness from the carbon plate, it has very good stability. Stability is further enhanced by the wide midfoot at the front of the foot. This kind of high stability is rare in similar lightweight running shoes designed for fast races. The Energy Arc carbon plate feels less stiff than other carbon plates, allows for some ground feel, and doesn’t feel tight at lower speeds. Despite not having a high midsole, New Balance has created a very balanced and versatile midsole. The midsole is 7mm thicker than the previous version, but still 7mm lower than the SuperComp Elite v4. It’s a middle way where you get the comfort and cushioning, but still have a lightweight, explosive running shoe.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 Running Shoe Outsole doesn’t cover the entire sole. The shoe has an unusually large rubber outsole on the front of the foot. Such a large outsole is not normally used in lightweight running shoes to reduce weight. The large outsole gives the shoe very good traction. On a wet surface there is some slip, but on a dry surface it grips well even in sharp corners. As I wrote in the midsole section, the shoe is not that stiff despite the carbon plate, which is also due to the fact that there is no rubber outsole in the midsole. There are only two small outsoles in the heel area, which is common in racing shoes. Runners who land on the forefoot can usually take advantage of these fast, explosive running shoes, and runners who land on the heel can also land more on the forefoot when accelerating or running faster. The outsole has good grip and appears durable.

Summary

Overall, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 running shoe is a great fast running shoe for up to half marathons. It has good breathability, the midsole is fast dynamic and not annoyingly stiff, and the outsole has good traction. It has changed a lot from the previous version. It is more versatile, more dynamic in the long run, with better shock absorption. For half marathon running, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 is one of the most fun and fastest running shoes available today.