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 good 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 the shoe 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 decent 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, meaning it's solid for most runners but not an elite option specifically tailored to short, high-speed events.
-
Well cushioned for a super shoe.
-
Carbon-plated.
-
Forefoot could be firmer.
-
Its weight holds it back.
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.
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 ideally suited for prolonged efforts, whether racing or intensive training sessions.
-
Well cushioned for a super shoe.
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.
- 7.8 Marathon Racing
- 7.5 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 8.0 Energy Return
- 8.2 Cushioning
- 7.1 Lateral Stability
Changelog
-
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.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 in men's US 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).
Compared To Other Running Shoes
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 aiming for 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 might prefer lighter and more energetic options like the Nike Alphafly 3 or the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3. Within the New Balance lineup, although visually similar at first glance, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 significantly differs as it serves primarily as a lower-stack daily trainer rather than a max-cushioned racer. Despite the similar name, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 is actually a carbon-plated super trainer.
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 Alphafly 3 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are both racing shoes, though each prioritizes different aspects of performance. The Nike is lighter and built specifically for elite-level marathon racing, offering maximum energy return, making it ideal for runners aiming for peak performance. The New Balance, while heavier, provides more stability and more cushioning, making it a versatile and comfortable choice suitable for a broader range of runners targeting personal bests.
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 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 Adios Pro 4 is the better pure racing option—it’s lighter, more energetic, and more efficient overall, making it ideal for runners chasing peak performance. The SuperComp Elite v4, 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 On Cloudboom Strike and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 offer similar overall cushioning but deliver different ride experiences. The New Balance is more bouncy and 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 energy return and stability, whereas the On prioritizes lightweight performance and a cushioned, leg-saving feel.
Test Results
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.
The heel energy return in this model is impressive, delivering a responsive, bouncy sensation with every heel strike. This supports a smooth and energetic ride, which is especially beneficial for runners who land further back on their feet.
The shoe provides great forefoot energy return, efficiently turning each toe-off into lively propulsion. Though marginally behind the heel's performance, the forefoot still returns a ton of energy, helping you move forward efficiently, particularly during prolonged efforts.
The shoe offers impressive heel cushioning that comfortably absorbs impact. It provides good protection across a whole range of forces, making it suitable for a variety of runners, particularly those needing more cushioning over long distances.
The forefoot cushioning is even 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.
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.
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 for longer runs 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.