New Balance FuelCell Propel v5  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Nov 18, 2025 at 09:09am
Test bench update Jul 03, 2026 at 03:31pm
Tested using Methodology v0.13 
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5

Track

6.2
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
6.7
5K/10K Racing 
6.8
Long Run 
6.4
Daily Training 

Track

 0
  1. Recommended in:
  2. New Balance

We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know!

Our Verdict

6.2
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
6.7
5K/10K Racing 
6.8
Long Run 
6.4
Daily Training 
  • 6.2
    Half/Full Marathon Racing
  • 6.7
    5K/10K Racing
  • 6.8
    Long Run
  • 6.4
    Daily Training
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jul 03, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
    2.  Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
    3.  Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
    4.  Updated Apr 29, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    6.6

    Energy Return

    6.7
    Forefoot Compression Energy Return
    Forefoot Energy Return
    75.3%
    6.3
    Heel Compression Energy Return
    Heel Energy Return
    74.1%
    6.6

    Responsiveness

    6.2
    Forefoot Bending Energy Return
    Forefoot Bending Energy Return
    61.0%
    6.2
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    9.1 N/mm
    Forefoot Bending Force
    237 N
    7.5
    Forefoot Rocker Geometry
    Toe Spring
    51 mm (2.0")
    Toe Apex Position
    63.2%
    Forefoot Rocker Angle
    25.9°
    7.0
    Rocker Stiffness
    Force To Flatten The Rocker
    84 N
    6.5

    Cushioning

    6.5
    Heel Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    3.56 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    8.10 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    12.64 J
    6.5
    Forefoot Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    4.18 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    6.99 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    10.11 J
    9.6

    True To Size

    10
    Length Fit
    9.7
    Forefoot Fit: Width
    Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
    -0.8 mm (-0.031")
    Toe TTS Deviation
    3.7 mm (0.146")
    9.2
    Arch Fit: Width
    Arch Width TTS Deviation
    -1.6 mm (-0.061")
    6.7
    Forefoot Fit: Height
    Toe TTS Deviation
    -4.0 mm (-0.157")
    8.0

    Stability

    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    91 mm (3.6")
    Outsole Arch Width
    77 mm (3.0")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    112 mm (4.4")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.58
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    3.93
    8.3
    Heel Firmness
    Firmness At 550N
    42.4 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    58.4 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    86.5 N/mm
    9.0
    Forefoot Firmness
    Firmness At 800N
    65.0 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    86.4 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    121 N/mm
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Non-gusseted
    Plate
    Plastic
    Additional Tests
    5.5
    Design
    Weight
    Weight
    273.2 g (9.64 oz)
    Design
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    35.3 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    28.5 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    6.8 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    6.0 mm
    Design
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    280 mm (11.0")
    Internal Heel Width
    65 mm (2.6")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    89 mm (3.5")
    Wide Sizing Available
    Yes
    6.5
    Design
    Heel Rocker Geometry
    Heel Spring
    16 mm (0.6")
    Heel Apex Position
    15.8%
    Heel Rocker Angle
    19.6°
    Design
    Foam
    Primary Foam Name
    FuelCell
    Primary Foam Type
    EVA
    Secondary Foam Name
    N/A
    Secondary Foam Type
    N/A
    5.8
    Performance
    Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 10km
    6.43 J
    Energy Absorbed At 20km
    6.25 J
    Energy Absorbed At 30km
    6.13 J
    Energy Absorbed At 40km
    6.03 J