The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is a versatile, lightweight super trainer for neutral runners who want a cushioned shoe for tempo runs and faster workouts. Its deep, soft cushioning returns plenty of energy, and while the low-sitting plate adds a bit of control, the shoe still isn't particularly stable and lacks the efficiency of a true super shoe. It works well for long progression runs and can also be a great option for long-distance racing if you want a more approachable performance shoe, and it's offered in a wide version, which is rare in this category.
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Our Verdict
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is great for marathon racing, particularly for runners who value comfort and an approachable ride alongside strong performance. Its soft cushioning and lively rebound hold up well over the distance, while the availability of a wide option makes it even more accessible. It's an impressive long-distance racing choice, provided maximizing race-day efficiency isn't the main priority.
Deep cushioning reduces impact at landing.
The midsole feels very protective over long distances.
Strong energy return makes running at faster paces more sustainable.
Low weight makes pace changes feel smooth.
Soft foam can feel unsteady.
The soft, flexible forefoot limits powerful toe-offs.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is decent for 5K/10K racing. Its low weight makes it easy to pick up the pace, and the foam provides plenty of rebound. However, the forefoot is very soft and bends fairly easily, making accelerations and toe-offs feel less direct than in a firmer, more race-focused shoe.
Strong energy return makes running at faster paces more sustainable.
Low weight makes pace changes feel smooth.
The soft, flexible forefoot limits powerful toe-offs.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is good for long runs and feels especially at home during progression runs or longer workouts with pace changes. Its plush foam retains most of its cushioning as the distance builds, while the rocker and strong rebound help it feel smooth at faster paces. It isn't the most stable shoe because of how soft it is, but that softness also makes it comfortable for long-distance training.
Deep cushioning reduces impact at landing.
The midsole feels very protective over long distances.
Strong energy return makes running at faster paces more sustainable.
Low weight makes pace changes feel smooth.
The stiff rocker holds its shape through transitions.
Soft foam can feel unsteady.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is okay for daily training. Its cushioning and low weight work well for regular miles, but the performance-focused setup is less suited to relaxed runs, and the soft foam limits stability. Still, because the plate sits so low in the midsole, it feels more natural and less intrusive than many plated shoes.
Deep cushioning reduces impact at landing.
Low weight makes pace changes feel smooth.
Soft foam can feel unsteady.
The plated setup is less suited to pure recovery miles.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel has excellent energy return, with strong rebound at both the heel and forefoot. The forefoot is the livelier end of the shoe, but the midsole feels responsive throughout the stride.
Strong energy return makes running at faster paces more sustainable.
Stability
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel isn’t the most stable shoe. Its soft platform can feel a bit wobbly, especially when cornering or running on tired legs. The low plastic plate adds some control, but not enough for runners who need a particularly secure ride.
The low-set plate adds some control to the soft foam.
The semi-gusseted tongue helps hold the foot in place.
Soft foam can feel unsteady.
The narrow platform limits side-to-side support.
The heel is soft, making landings feel comfortable and allowing plenty of compression. The tradeoff is reduced stability, particularly for runners who prefer a firm, controlled platform.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is even softer through the forefoot. The plate adds a little control but sits close to the ground, so it’s barely noticeable underfoot and doesn’t take away from the plush feel. Push-offs remain comfortable and bouncy, but it's not the most stable option.
Cushioning
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel has excellent cushioning. The foam compresses deeply under both the heel and forefoot to soften impacts, and it loses very little protection after repeated loading, so the ride stays comfortable as the mileage builds.
Deep cushioning reduces impact at landing.
The midsole feels very protective over long distances.
This shoe provides excellent heel cushioning, offering strong impact protection for heel strikers in pretty much any scenario. Protection remains good under heavier landings, though it is most impressive at lighter loads.
Forefoot cushioning is excellent overall, and feels protective across a broad range of runner weights and paces. This makes the shoe well suited for runners seeking plenty of protection who prefer a plush sensation underfoot.
In our simulated 50K run test, this shoe retains great forefoot cushioning, so it remains protective as the run progresses.That said, energy absorption drops sharply over the first 10 km, but the high overall cushioning keeps it at a more than sufficient level. It works well for long workouts or even races where comfort matters a lot to keep you going.
Bounciness
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel has very good bounciness. The foam compresses noticeably under load and then expands back, creating a soft, springy sensation throughout the stride.
Strong energy return makes running at faster paces more sustainable.
Deep compression creates a bouncy sensation at push-off.
Snappiness
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel has adequate snappiness. Its forefoot returns energy well after flexing, but the shoe bends relatively easily, limiting how forcefully it snaps through toe-off. Overall, you can feel a light sense of propulsion, but it doesn't feel as snappy as a true super shoe.
The forefoot springs back well after flexing.
The pronounced forefoot rocker guides toe-offs.
Forefoot bending energy return is very good, so little energy is lost as the shoe unbends. This helps the transitions feel efficient so you can run at fast paces while preserving more energy.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is only moderately stiff through the forefoot, so it bends more readily than a true racing shoe like the New Balance SuperComp Elite v6. This makes the ride more approachable but provides less mechanical assistance at faster paces.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel also has a very good forefoot rocker that helps the foot roll through toe-off. It provides useful forward assistance, though it doesn't make the shoe particularly propulsive on its own.
Roll
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel rolls very well. Its strongly curved rocker stays fairly stiff instead of flattening under load, helping guide the foot forward smoothly throughout the stride.
The stiff rocker holds its shape through transitions.
The heel rocker smooths transitions after landing.
The rocker is quite stiff and resists flattening under load, preserving a consistent rolling motion. The low-set plate contributes some of that stiffness and guidance without giving the shoe the rigid feel of a more aggressive racer.
True To Size
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel fits true to size for most runners. Its length is accurate, and the forefoot width is close to standard, but the arch is narrower, and the toe box has less vertical room than expected. Runners needing extra room can choose the wide version, but most will be perfectly happy by going for their usual size.
Length fits true to size.
Forefoot width is close to standard.
Toe box could have a bit more room.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel strikes a good balance between low weight and substantial cushioning. It feels light enough for faster workouts and long-distance racing, though the New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 is lighter and more stripped down for race day.
This model uses Infinion A-TPU as its only midsole foam. The low-density material helps keep the shoe relatively light while remaining soft and bouncy. Infinion also appears in the New Balance 1080v15 and New Balance SuperComp Elite v6, though it is tuned differently in each shoe.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel is a lightweight performance trainer for both daily mileage and faster sessions. It combines the brand's performance SuperComp line with the Rebel line's playful trainer identity. These concepts have little in common, and the fusion could easily have produced another heavily marketed but poorly executed shoe like the New Balance Ellipse. Instead, it feels cohesive, lively, and genuinely fun.
If maximizing race-day efficiency is the priority, however, the New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 is the superior option. The SuperComp Rebel is more approachable and versatile for daily training, long workouts, and runners who want one shoe that can also handle long-distance racing. It also feels like a lighter, more polished version of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3, with softer cushioning and a more energetic ride that makes the Rebel the better running shoe overall. If you want a similar concept with even more stack height and a larger buffer between your legs and the road, consider the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, though it isn't as light or efficient overall as the Rebel.
For more shoes from New Balance, see our picks for the best shoes from the brand. If you're looking for shoes primarily designed with racing in mind, check out our recommendations for the best marathon running shoes.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel and HOKA Clifton 10 are two popular shoes with very different purposes. Get the New Balance if you want a much lighter and more energetic option for faster workouts, long runs, and racing. Get the HOKA if you prioritize stability and a predictable ride for easy daily mileage. It's heavier and less lively, but much easier to manage at relaxed paces.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel and New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 are both high-stack plated shoes, but the Elite v6 is the more race-focused option. Get the Elite v6 if you want a lighter, snappier shoe for chasing faster times, particularly over 5K and 10K. Get the Rebel if you want deeper cushioning and a more relaxed ride for long runs, workouts, and long-distance racing.
The New Balance SuperComp Rebel and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 are both energetic plated shoes, but the Elite v5 is more specialized for racing. Get the Elite v5 if you want a lighter, carbon-plated option for 5K and 10K races. Both can cover a marathon well, but the Rebel’s deeper cushioning and greater stability make it more versatile for long runs and the training leading up to race day.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and New Balance SuperComp Rebel share a name, but they serve very different purposes. The Rebel v5 is a stable, unplated daily trainer with a more conventional ride, making it the better choice for easy runs and routine mileage. The SuperComp Rebel is lighter, higher-stacked, and far more energetic, with deeper cushioning and a plastic plate that make it better for long runs, faster workouts, and long-distance racing.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the New Balance SuperComp Rebel in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The color shown here is Angora with Slate Grey. This model is also available in other colorways depending on your region. Wide versions are available for both men (2E) and women (D). The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
