The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 brings some serious updates to an already well-loved running shoe. A wide base underfoot and a relatively low stack provide amazing stability, while the lightweight design keeps things nimble—though not quite race-day fast. Now featuring a PEBA-EVA blend midsole, the shoe offers some responsiveness, but it's really ideal for daily training, from easy miles to moderately paced runs. The upper strikes a balance between breathability and structure, making the Rebel v4 a comfortable and reliable option for daily training.
Our Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 isn't made for marathon racing. The shoe's lower energy return and insufficient underfoot protection significantly lower its efficiency and suitability for long-distance performances. It's far from a dedicated racing machine, but given its low weight and great stability, there are certainly even less capable options out there.
Excellent stability.
Lightweight.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 performs decently for shorter distances thanks to its relatively lightweight build. While the shoe's firm forefoot helps, the responsiveness is still too low to help you push off efficiently during faster, shorter races.
Lightweight.
Energy return is too low for racing.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4's midsole offers middling energy return. While you'll still get some bounce, it lacks the dynamic propulsion offered by top-tier racing shoes.
Energy return is too low for racing.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 delivers sub-par cushioning. While there is some protection in the heel, the forefoot cushioning is disappointing, making it less suitable for runners who prefer plush landings during extended training sessions. Because it's lower stacked, it will bottom out faster than more protective alternatives.
Heel cushioning is okay.
Not enough underfoot protection, especially in the forefoot.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 offers amazing lateral stability, making it an excellent choice for runners needing confidence and security. Its very wide outsole platform and lower stack height provide great ground contact, helping the shoe maintain a steady balance for runners who prioritize stability.
Super wide base makes for a stable platform.
Lower stack makes for a grounded ride.
Midsole is firm.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 21, 2025:
We've adjusted this review's writing to align with the new test bench, including updates to all usage scores and test boxes for Cushioning, Firmness, and Energy Return.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Jul 30, 2025:
We revised the phrasing in the Marathon Racing, Lateral Stability and Cushioning boxes to better align with the latest test bench scores., We also updated the side-by-side comparisons with the Brooks Hyperion 2 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 to ensure they are as accurate as possible with regards to cushioning.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label. The color shown here is Cyber Jade with White and Black, but the shoe is available in other colorways, including White with Bleached Lime Glo and Hot Mango, White with Linen and Sea Salt, and Black with Graphite and White. Wide versions are offered separately for both men (2E) and women (D).
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is a lightweight daily trainer designed for runners who appreciate a wide platform that's close to the ground. It caters well to those who need extra stability on their shorter daily mileage. However, runners seeking maximum cushioning and comfort for their daily training might find alternatives like the Mizuno Neo Zen more enjoyable for long-distance comfort. If your priority is shaving grams, the Brooks Hyperion 2 is a lighter daily trainer, but this comes at a cost: less cushioning and less stability than the Rebel v4. If you require structural lateral stability and are after more support to correct overpronation, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 is where to look.
Within New Balance's performance-oriented FuelCell lineup, the Rebel v4 is positioned above the New Balance FuelCell Pvlse v1, which serves as their minimalist trainer, but below the more cushioned and plated New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, which is their racing super shoe. Also, note that New Balance has updated the Rebel line with the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, which shifts the model toward a softer, higher-stacked, and more comfort-focused design. While it broadens the shoe's appeal for daily training, it also moves away from the lightweight feel that defined the Rebel v4.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The HOKA Mach 6 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 are both lightweight daily trainers, ideal for runners who prefer a more nimble feel. The Rebel v4 is the lighter of the two, offering a more grounded and stable ride that feels secure underfoot. The Mach 6, while slightly heavier, delivers a more dynamic experience with more bounce, making it feel livelier during runs.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both daily trainers, but they cater to different running preferences. The New Balance offers a classic daily trainer feel with a firmer midsole and a more grounded, stable ride. On the other hand, the ASICS is significantly more cushioned, providing better underfoot protection, which is especially beneficial during longer runs or for those who prioritize softness and comfort. While both shoes are reliable choices for daily training, choose the Rebel v4 if you prefer a stable, firm feel and the NOVABLAST 5 if you want maximum cushioning and comfort over extended distances.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 share the same lineage, but the v5 marks a clear shift toward a more cushioned, mainstream daily trainer feel. The Rebel v4 is lower to the ground, firmer, and more responsive, making it a go-to option for runners who want a stripped-down, exciting ride when training. The Rebel v5, on the other hand, adds more stack, a softer midsole feel, and greater upper padding, making it plusher and more forgiving, especially on easy or recovery days. On the other side, it's about 20 grams heavier. For runners who love the v4's raw, fun feel, the update might feel like a step away from its original intent. For those looking for a more comfortable, cushioned version of a (relatively) lightweight trainer, the v5 broadens its appeal.
For most runners, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 has some advantages over the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31. It's a significantly lighter shoe that has some ground feel due to its much lower stack height than the GEL-KAYANO. Thanks to its more responsive foam, the New Balance is a bit more efficient and better at picking up the pace. The GEL-KAYANO is still a better fit for runners who prefer higher stacks or need a stability shoe.
We've recently started buying and testing 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 for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with 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
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is lightweight, helping keep your stride feeling agile. Its less imposing stack height makes it quite light, especially for a daily trainer.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4's heel energy return is middling, offering only a modest sense of bounce and responsiveness. Runners won't experience a particularly energetic ride at heel strike, meaning the shoe doesn't significantly aid propulsion from the heel. This makes it better suited for runners who rely less on pronounced heel-to-toe transitions.
Similarly, the forefoot energy return in this shoe remains mediocre, providing only moderate responsiveness upon toe-off. While there's some bounce for a daily trainer, the model lacks the dynamic pop sought by competitive runners in faster, more aggressive workouts or races.
The shoe initially feels acceptably cushioned at the heel, dampening the road effects, especially during shorter to moderate runs. However, hands-on testing revealed issues over extended distances. Due to its softer midsole compound, the cushioning noticeably compresses after roughly nine miles (15 km), partially bottoming out and significantly reducing its effectiveness. Consequently, runners looking to tackle longer distances or sustained mileage may find it disappointingly insufficient over time.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4's forefoot cushioning is inadequate. Practical testing uncovered significant drawbacks over longer distances, where the midsole foam noticeably collapses in the forefoot region, bottoming out and compromising comfort and protection.
The midsole is on the firmer side, but it's not overly stiff, either. This balance helps maintain steady and efficient landings, which is especially useful on longer or uneven routes where consistent stability matters.
The forefoot foam of this shoe is very firm, delivering a highly stable and consistent feel across various intensities and paces. This contributes notably to excellent ground feedback and enhanced stability. However, this model might feel overly firm for runners who prefer a softer feel in the forefoot.