In the race for innovation in "super shoes," this new New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 has the heavy task of combining lightness and aggressiveness. Designed to perform from 5 kilometers to the marathon, it promises a resolutely "race" profile. To check this, we entrusted the pair to Nicolas. A specialist in the 800m, he is transitioning this year to the 10 km road race. He is looking here for the missing link: a shoe capable of giving him back the sharpness of middle distance while handling the kilometers of asphalt.
First impressions: the visual promise
From the moment you open the box, the first encounter with the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 sets the tone. The aesthetics and sensations at first contact are often revealing of the manufacturer's intent. When you grab it, a first observation is clear: the shoe is light with a supple mesh. This lightness is immediately tangible and confirms the product’s "performance" direction. The mesh, looking very airy, promises good breathability while offering flexibility that seems to respect the natural movement of the foot. The examination continues on the bottom part, a crucial element for a running shoe. You find a nice sole thickness with a non-slip coating underneath. The thickness of the foam, a hallmark of modern competition models, suggests significant cushioning, while the outsole coating seems designed for reliable grip, whatever the surface.
The promise of New Balance for this type of product is invariably focused on speed and competition. There is coherence between the speech and the product. The pair has a “race” look with an aggressive colorway; just what you expect from a carbon plate shoe made for competition. The design doesn’t fall behind and fully contributes to this first impression of speed. I really like the colorway as well as the overall shape of the pair.
With such a presentation, expectations in terms of performance are logically very high. You don’t expect such a model to be just a simple jogging partner. The brief is clear: it has to deliver. I expect a dynamic and comfortable pair that allows you to perform from 5 kilometers to the half marathon. It’s an ambitious positioning, because the balance between pure dynamism and comfort over increasing distances is often difficult to find.
I use the FuelCell MD-X v2 on the track, being already familiar with the brand I had no negative bias. This familiarity with FuelCell foam and the brand’s philosophy is an asset in evaluating the nuances of this new model.
Handling: The test of putting them on
After the observation comes action. Putting the shoe on is the first truth test. This is where the shoe meets the unique morphology of the foot. Often, "racing" shoes are very narrow, hard to put on, sacrificing comfort on the altar of absolute support. Here, the surprise is pleasant. As soon as I slide my foot inside, I feel a good welcoming comfort, you don’t feel compressed, the shoe isn’t ultra tight like other carbon shoes which is appreciated. Here, the space is just right, the foot naturally finds its place without being crushed. At least, mine does.
Once the foot is in place, comes the adjustment. The lacing is the connection interface between man and machine. Poor lacing can create pressure points on the instep or, conversely, let the heel slip. I give great importance to this detail. On this model, the system is simple and effective. The laces are not too long and hold well. This may seem trivial, but laces that come undone during interval training or that are so long they drag on the ground are a real nuisance. Here, the length is calibrated, the knot holds.
The static verdict comes once the laces are tightened. I stand up, take a few steps, bounce on the spot. The feeling of security is immediate. The heel is well locked in, the midfoot is secured. I note very good support after tightening the laces. I don’t feel any slippage, no uncertain areas. The shoe becomes one with the foot, ready to respond to the intense mechanical demands I am about to impose. This "grip" confirms the visual impressions: it’s serious, but with a comfort that pleasantly surprises for the category.
Test of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 in real conditions
A shoe is not judged by a few strides, but over time, on various terrains and at different paces. My test protocol was therefore designed to be as exhaustive as possible. The long duration of the trial allowed me to see beyond the initial feelings and to evaluate the consistency of the performance.
To leave nothing to chance, I confronted the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 with different environments. My runs took place on road, track, towing path. This variety is fundamental: the behavior of a carbon plate differs greatly between tartan, asphalt, and a rougher path.
Likewise, the intensity of my training covered the full spectrum of preparation. The range is impressive: VO2 max on track, long run, threshold, short fartlek, active endurance. Very short and intense sessions to prolonged efforts, each type of training stresses the shoe differently.
The weather conditions also played their part, with tests on dry and wet terrain. Moving to wet is the ultimate test of grip.
At the end of this test, I accumulated 150 kilometers. The shoes are intact, no signs of wear. 150 kilometers is a sufficient distance to detect any early abnormal wear signs. The integrity of the shoe after such mileage is a good indicator of its durability.
Performance evaluation
My real-world test allowed me to dissect the shoe's behavior. Beyond the stopwatch, it's my feeling during the run that matters most.
Protection and Support
The primary function of a shoe, even a fast one, is to protect. On long runs, the repetition of impacts can be destructive. Despite its lightness, I found that the shoe is reassuring for the foot. The structure does not collapse. In the tight turns of the athletics track or during sudden bursts in fartlek, the foot does not "slide" inside the shoe. The shoe holds well even in turns and/or at high intensity. This is essential to avoid wasting energy with unwanted movements.
Grip and Stability
Traction is an undeniable strong point. On wet pavement, where I often fear slipping on the push-off, I was never caught out. I confirm a very good grip even in rainy conditions. This allows you to run relaxed, without apprehension, which is a key factor in performance. Stability, on the other hand, has an interesting dual nature. At very low speed, as is often the case with "super shoes" with thick soles, you can feel a slight wobble. At low intensity, the foot might lack a bit of stability but when you accelerate the shoe is very stable. It's mechanical: the shoe is designed for a strong strike and a dynamic stride. As soon as you commit, the platform locks and guides the foot perfectly on track.
Dynamics and Feel
Some shoes with plates are very stiff, forcing a harsh rocking motion. For the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, the geometry is subtler. Yes, the roll-off is quite natural with a smooth foot roll. The heel-to-toe or midfoot-to-toe transition happens smoothly, making a high cadence easier. The cushioning is present, but it’s race-oriented. Don’t expect the excessive softness of a recovery shoe. Yes, for a high-performance carbon shoe there is rather comfortable cushioning although it’s a race-focused pair so less comfortable than a versatile shoe like the 1080 for example. It’s a necessary compromise: too much softness kills energy return.
The combination of the foam and the plate (or carbon rods) offers an exhilarating sensation. The shoe is dynamic with a cushioned rebound—you won’t feel the stiffness of the plate like on other carbon models. That might be its greatest quality: it’s performant without being punishing. You get that "pop" feeling, that spring, but with softness on impact that protects the legs.
Thermal Comfort and Fit
Even if I haven’t run in 30-degree heat, intense effort generates heat. I haven’t tested them in high heat but the mesh is ventilated and very breathable. No sensation of overheating or stagnant humidity to report. As for the fit, often a worry for wider feet, it seems very universal to me. I have a standard foot width, the sock fits perfectly. It hugs the shape of the foot without creating friction zones.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: Overall Impressions
When making my assessment, two practical questions arise. The first concerns sizing. I wear size 42 on all my running shoes except 42 ½ on models that run small, the size 42 on this model is perfect. I conclude that the shoe fits "normally" (True To Size).
My observation after the first 150 kilometers is very encouraging. No signs of wear after 150 kilometers, the shoe is durable. The outsole seems to hold up well and the mesh shows no signs of weakness. This robustness is a major asset.
In conclusion, this New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 seems to me a total success. It combines undeniable dynamism, thanks to its unique "cushioned rebound," with a level of comfort and high-speed stability that make it very reassuring. Its impeccable grip and apparent durability make it a top choice for my performance quest from 5k to half marathon. It confirms its “race” status while offering a less rigid running experience.
