New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 vs FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Which Running Shoe Is Better?
Products
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Nov 20, 2025 07:01 PM
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New Balance
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 30, 2025 06:18 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Weight
266.0 g (9.38 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.3 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Weight
200.5 g (7.07 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.9 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Our Verdict
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 are marketed as companion shoes, with the Elite v5 being for races, and the Trainer v3 being, as the name suggests, a shoe for training runs leading up to race day. As befits a racing shoe, the Elite v5 has a more aggressive rocker, much better energy return, and is over 60 g lighter than the Trainer v3. The main advantage of the Trainer v3 is its superior lateral stability, anchored by a wider outsole platform that provides a more solid base than the streamlined Elite v5.
Variants
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (Angora/Hot Mango/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (Angora/Hot Mango/Black - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (Black/Phantom/Bleached Lime Glo - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (Black/Phantom/Bleached Lime Glo - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (Melon Water/Clay Ash/White - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (Melon Water/Clay Ash/White - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (White/Cyber Jade - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (White/Cyber Jade/Silver Metallic - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 (Urgent Red/White/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 (Urgent Red/White/Black - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.1
8.4
Forefoot Energy Return
5.2
8.6
Weight
5.8
8.1
Heel Energy Return
4.4
8.6
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
5.8
8.1
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
266.0 g (9.38 oz)
200.5 g (7.07 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
38.4 mm
39.4 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
30.1 mm
30.5 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.3 mm
8.9 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.0 mm
8.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
89 mm (3.5")
75 mm (3.0")
Outsole Arch Width
83 mm (3.3")
55 mm (2.2")
Outsole Forefoot Width
118 mm (4.7")
106 mm (4.2")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.32
1.90
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.92
3.48
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
277 mm (10.9")
276 mm (10.9")
Internal Heel Width
63 mm (2.5")
64 mm (2.5")
Internal Forefoot Width
90 mm (3.5")
90 mm (3.5")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber
Performance
Heel Energy Return
4.4
8.6
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
71.1%
84.8%
Forefoot Energy Return
5.2
8.6
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
72.2%
84.6%
Heel Cushioning
7.3
7.2
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.20 J
3.89 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
8.98 J
8.66 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
15.63 J
13.82 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.3
7.9
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.31 J
5.08 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
7.82 J
8.46 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
11.81 J
12.15 J
Heel Firmness
5.8
6.9
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
56.6 N/mm
58.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
108.4 N/mm
143.4 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
254.8 N/mm
328.3 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.9
8.1
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
103.8 N/mm
103.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
209.4 N/mm
223.0 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
388.0 N/mm
445.3 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
6.5
7.2
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.08 J
7.78 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
6.92 J
7.65 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
6.80 J
7.56 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.70 J
7.49 J
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New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
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New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 vs New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: Main Discussion
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