New Balance FuelCell Propel v5   Review

Reviewed Nov 18, 2025 at 09:09 am
Latest change: Test bench update Oct 26, 2026 at 03:36 pm
Tested using  Methodology v0.15 
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
6.2
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
6.7
5K/10K Racing 
6.8
Long Run 
6.4
Daily Training 

Track

0

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 Oct 26, 2026:  We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
    2.  Updated Oct 26, 2026:  We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
    3.  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.
    4.  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.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We've bought and tested more than 300 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

    perceptual testing image

    Design

    4 tests
    5.5
    Weight
    Internal Shape
    6.6

    Energy Return

    2 tests
    6.7
    Forefoot Compression Energy Return
    6.3
    Heel Compression Energy Return
    8.0

    Stability

    4 tests
    9.0
    Forefoot Firmness
    8.3
    Heel Firmness
    6.5

    Cushioning

    3 tests
    6.5
    Heel Cushioning
    6.5
    Forefoot Cushioning
    5.8

    Bounciness

    2 tests
    5.6
    Heel Compression Depth
    5.2
    Forefoot Compression Depth
    6.8

    Snappiness

    3 tests
    6.2
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    7.5
    Forefoot Rocker Geometry
    7.0

    Roll

    3 tests
    7.0
    Rocker Stiffness
    Stack Heights
    9.6

    True To Size

    4 tests
    10
    Length Fit
    9.7
    Forefoot Fit: Width