New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 vs On Cloudboom Max

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 and On Cloudboom Max are two marathon shoes designed for the masses, although they approach their appeal in different ways. The New Balance shoe has a footbed that is on the wider side for a super shoe, but still has a fairly streamlined outsole platform. Its midsole has a carbon fiber plate and a very lively PEBA-based foam that can bounce with the best in the business. If the New Balance shoe is on the wider side, the On Cloudboom Max is all the way overboard, with an exceptionally broad platform that is wider even than some dedicated stability shoes. The midsole has a plastic plate sandwiched between a layer of PEBA and a TPEE carrier foam, providing great cushioning but merely satisfactory energy return. Both of these shoes could be suitable for a 4-hour marathon; if you prioritise efficiency in chasing that goal, the New Balance shoe is the lighter, nimbler option. If comfort and stability are more important, the Cloudboom Max has the edge.