The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is designed for marathon running and focuses on comfort for long-distance use. The shoe features a redesigned midsole using PEBA foam combined with a full-length carbon plate aimed at delivering a cushioned and efficient running experience. The upper and outsole have also been redesigned for this iteration. This is a versatile shoe, whether you're prepping for race day or need a stable option for the marathon.
Our Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a great marathon racer. It boasts impressive cushioning, keeping legs fresh and comfortable deep into races, complemented by strong energy return that helps maximize every stride. Overall, with a lateral stability that's good compared to most other super shoes, it's confidently suited to serious marathon performances for most runners, but its weight limits it from being truly "elite."
Well cushioned for a super shoe.
Carbon-plated.
Quite stable for a super shoe.
Its weight holds it back.
For 5K and 10K distances, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 provides good performance. It's supported by great energy return from the midsole foam. However, its weight and relatively soft forefoot slightly limit its agility and responsiveness, making it solid for most runners but not an elite option tailored to short, high-speed events.
Well cushioned for a super shoe.
Carbon-plated.
Forefoot could be firmer.
Its weight holds it back.
Changelog
- Updated Jun 22, 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.
- Updated Jun 22, 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.
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Updated Mar 20, 2026:
We updated the text in the Cushioning and Forefoot Energy Return box based on insights from the Forefoot Long Run Cushioning score.
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Updated Feb 16, 2026:
We updated the review to include text for the full set of new fit tests and the corresponding usage box, which were recently added to our test bench.
- Updated Feb 16, 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.
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Updated Oct 30, 2025:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section, following the review of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.
- 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 20, 2025:
We updated the 5K/10K Racing, Heel Cushioning, Forefoot Cushioning, and Forefoot Firmness boxes to align with the latest test bench and revised the side-by-side comparisons to keep the review accurate.
- 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 Cushioning and Marathon Racing boxes and in the side-by-side comparison with the Nike Alphafly 3 to better align with the latest test bench scores regarding lateral stability.
- Updated Jul 30, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
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Updated Jun 19, 2025:
We updated the Compared To Other Running Shoes box with the latest iteration in the Rebel series, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5.
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Updated May 28, 2025:
We added a mention of the Diadora Gara Carbon 2 in the Compared To Other Running Shoes box.
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Updated Apr 11, 2025:
We restored the weight value after it was temporarily removed due to a minor bug.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
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
Energy Return
Stability
The lateral stability of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is only average compared to all running shoes, but is actually quite good for a super shoe. Its very wide base and carbon plate provide solid initial stability, although the softer heel and higher stack height slightly reduce overall stability.
Carbon-plated.
Super wide platform.
Quite stable for a super shoe.
Foam could be firmer.
High stack height.
The shoe's forefoot is quite firm overall, offering a balanced feel. But it isn't quite as firm at higher intensities as some competitors like the Nike Vaporfly 3. This slightly softer feel provides comfort without sacrificing too much stability. However, runners who prefer maximum dynamism may find it less firm than other high-performance racing shoes, especially for shorter events.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4's heel firmness is low overall, indicating relatively soft foam in this area. While this softness contributes positively to comfort, it slightly compromises stability, especially as impact forces increase, potentially requiring runners to pay closer attention to form to maintain a stable foot strike.
Cushioning
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 provides excellent cushioning, offering superior comfort and reliable protection mile after mile. Its heel cushioning is impressive, and the forefoot cushioning is even better, making the shoe well-suited for prolonged efforts, whether racing or intensive training sessions.
Well cushioned for a super shoe.
The forefoot cushioning is better than the heel, consistently offering plush protection even under significant loads. The cushioning feels particularly comfortable, effectively absorbing impact at all intensities, ensuring sustained comfort for runners striking at the midfoot or forefoot.
Responsiveness
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 showcases great energy return overall, efficiently converting each foot strike into lively forward propulsion. Both forefoot and heel offer impressive bounciness, making every step feel purposeful and energized.
Bouncy and reactive.
Balanced energy return suits most foot strikes.
Some alternatives feel more energetic.
True To Size
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 fits remarkably true to size across length, width, and vertical volume. It provides enough room to stay comfortable over longer efforts without feeling sloppy. If you typically struggle with super shoes that run short or overly narrow, this model is a refreshing outlier that closely matches standard sizing and accommodates a wide range of foot shapes without requiring adjustments.
True to size.
Perfect amount of room for most runners in their usual size.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 feels reasonably lightweight but isn't among the lightest super shoes. It won't hold you back too much during races, but for shorter, high-speed efforts, its extra weight will be noticeable compared to the very top-tier, featherweight competitors like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a reliable super shoe. It offers a strong blend of cushioning, energy return, and stability, making it an appealing choice for most runners seeking to achieve a personal best in their next race. While it's versatile enough for a wide range of athletes, elite or sub-elite runners seeking the absolute pinnacle of race-day performance may prefer lighter and more energetic options, such as the Nike Alphafly 3 or the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3. If you are looking for a similarly approachable super shoe with decent stability but still want premium features and performance, check out the Diadora Gara Carbon 2.
The Elite v4 has now been technically replaced by the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, although they're two rather different shoes, with the v5 being much lighter, more streamlined, and somewhat less accommodating to wider feet. Within the rest of the New Balance lineup, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 primarily serves as a daily trainer, balancing weight and cushioning to deliver a reliable everyday ride. There's also the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3, which, despite the similar name, is actually a carbon-plated super trainer.
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 New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is the successor to the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, yet in many ways, it marks a significant departure. While still a relatively accommodating race shoe, the v5 has a considerably narrower platform, making it a less stable option. But by whittling down the platform, New Balance managed to trim off nearly 40g of weight, resulting in a much nimbler and livelier shoe than the v4.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are both high-performance super shoes, but they cater to slightly different needs. The adidas shoe is the better pure racing option: it's lighter, more energetic, and more efficient overall, making it ideal for runners chasing peak performance. The New Balance shoe, while still race-ready, offers more stability and a wider, more accommodating fit, making it a strong choice for runners who want solid race-day performance without compromising on comfort or support.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and Nike Alphafly 3 are both marathon racers, but the Nike is lighter and more race-focused. The New Balance has a roomier fit and more cushioning, making it the more accommodating option for a wider range of runners. Get the Nike if you prioritize race-day efficiency; get the New Balance if you want more room and a softer long-distance ride.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and Diadora Gara Carbon 2 both belong to the subcategory of super shoes designed with approachability and comfort in mind, targeting a broader range of runners rather than only elites. Both offer carbon plates and premium foams, but with more accommodating fits and natural transitions than their hyper-aggressive counterparts. That said, the Diadora outperforms the New Balance in terms of weight and bounciness, offering a livelier, more dynamic feel underfoot that still holds up over marathon distances. However, the SuperComp Elite v4 remains the more accessible option, and it comes in wider sizing, which the Diadora lacks.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 share similar names and designs—but don't let that fool you, as they're fundamentally different shoes. The Rebel v4 is a versatile low-stack daily trainer, offering stability ideal for everyday miles. The SuperComp Elite v4, however, is a specialized racing shoe featuring a carbon plate and higher energy return, providing a more aggressive ride for peak performance on race day.
The Nike Vaporfly 3 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are both super shoes but cater to different priorities. The Nike is notably lighter, offering superior energy return and a more aggressive feel underfoot, making it a better choice for runners aiming for maximum efficiency for shorter races. On the other hand, the New Balance provides a more cushioned experience and enhanced stability. While the Nike excels in pure speed, the New Balance's versatility makes it a comfortable, reliable option suitable for a wider range of runners and racing scenarios.
The On Cloudboom Strike and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 offer similar overall energy return but deliver different ride experiences. The New Balance is less cushioned but more stable, providing a soft yet propulsive feel with better support, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing a secure ride. In contrast, the On is lighter, which enhances efficiency in race conditions, helping runners maintain speed with less effort. While both are designed for racing, the New Balance leans toward stability, whereas the On prioritizes lightweight performance and a cushioned, leg-saving feel.
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 9 is a better shoe than the Mizuno Wave Inspire 22. Though both are stability shoes, the Horizon 9 is more stable, absorbs more impact, and is better suited to longer efforts. However, it's more expensive and significantly heavier than the Inspire 22, and its support features are much more assertive. Get the Inspire 22 if you want a cheaper stability shoe with a plated ride and don't need as much support; get the Horizon 9 if you want maximum security underfoot with the most protection of the two and don't mind paying a premium.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label. The color shown here is Cyber Jade with White and Black. Other color options for this shoe are limited, but depending on the region, you can also find it in colorways like White/Bleached Lime Glo/Hot Mango or White/Angora/Hot Mango. Wide versions are available for both men (2E) and women (D).
