New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

7.5
SCORE

From £129.99



Characteristics

Gender
Men
Women
Drop
10 mm
Cushion
Neutral
Runner weight
Light
Medium
Running gait
Neutral
Surface
Trail
Use
training
Racing
Pace
Medium
Foot
Normal feet
Strike
heel
Distance
Short
10K
Half-marathon
Marathon
Eco-friendly
CO2 sustainable
Colour
Black
Green
Year
2022
  • Lightness
    8.0
  • Cushioning
    8.0
  • Flexibility
    8.0
  • Responsive
    8.0
  • Stability
    7.0
  • Grip
    8.0

Photos New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

1 / 3

The New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is renewed with an important leap in quality compared to previous versions. Now, the idea is to wear the most technical trail runningshoe from New Balance, and being a perfect all-rounder for the most technical trails in the mountains. The combination of features, performance and design are a trademark of the company, and also appear as the hallmark of trail runningshoes for training and competition for runners with neutral footsteps.

Within the catalog of trail runningshoes from New Balance it is true that these New Balance FuelCell Summint Unknown v3 are not the best known and most media silhouettes of the Boston company. Such a circumstance does not exempt you from not having to take this model into account. Especially, if your preference is to get a model that adapts to all types of terrain, offering soft, efficient cushioning and excellent propulsion in each stride.

Features of the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 - photo 1

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 Features

In trail territory, the loyal followers of New Balance bet on the best-selling options such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2, and even the New Balance Nitrel v5. However, the presentation of these renewed New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is the confirmation that the staff of the American brand also aims to meet the main demands of the most demanding trail runners, and who seek the highest performance to improve their results in the mountains.

We speak of the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 as the most technical and fastest New Balance Balance shoe for trail running. Just by looking at its name we realize that the FuelCell midsole incorporates features as important as comfort, lightness, safety and response. Something that we have already seen in the successful runningshoes "on road" New Balance Balance, and that have given such good results to the satisfaction of a good bunch of runners. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2, for example.

However, the key features that certify the leap in quality of these FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 can be summarized as follows:

Better response and more sustainable.

As we say, this FuelCell compound gives this third version of the Summit Unknown a feeling of greater propulsion and lightness, but also with the clear idea that you will go further.

The plus point of these New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is that it is a more sustainable trailshoe. As New Balance points out, the midsole is made of 3 bio-based material from renewable sources. A detail that contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.

More personalized fit

On the other hand, more details that jump out of the new look of these New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is its upper. The bootie-like design is able to wrap better around the foot, ensuring better support and fit of the shoe. A fit that comes more personalized with the adjustable lace closure.

In addition, both the integrated tongue and the outstanding Toe Protect technology increase the degree of protection against roots, rocks and other external elements.

Exceptional grip in wet conditions

Another major new feature of these New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is located in the outsole. Here, the product designers of the American brand bet on the inclusion of the Hydrohesion compound. Its effectiveness is proven as already shown by the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail. Thanks to this exclusive material, the shoe makes a difference with exceptional grip, even on wet terrain.

Not to mention that these New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 include the Rock Stop plate in the forefoot area to increase foot protection on uneven terrain.

Ideal trail runner type of the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 - photo 2

Ideal trail runner type for the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

Given the performance and features of the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3, the ideal trail runner is a neutral-footed athlete with intermediate and light weights, looking for an all-terrain shoe to run efficiently and safely.

Versatility is another feature of this renewed model from New Balance, because you will have the option of using these FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 for long-distance training, running at slower paces. But, also, they are defended in short and medium distance races up to 50k trail, including.

As far as the use of these New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is concerned, they are suitable for technical trails with rocks and muddy areas. However, they are capable of adapting to dirt trails, and even campo. It is also a success as a more technical hiking shoe, and for the most demanding adventurers.

Technical specifications of the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

Looking at the technical specifications we also find that the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is New Balance Balance's most technical trailshoes to date. Its weights place it below the 300 grams barrier. More specifically, in the men's version they are around 294 grams, while in trail running shoes for women they are 236 grams.

Regarding their geometry, there are small variations between the men's and women's trail runningshoes. Once again, New Balance has taken into account the needs of the female trail runner, and the drop of these New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 is 6 millimeters for women, while in the men's version, the drop is somewhat higher at 10 millimeters.

Review of New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

11 May 2023

8.3

Pros

  • Shoe for technical terrain with mud.
  • For running at high and fast paces.
  • Well-cushioned, reactive and stable midsole.

Cons

  • Displacement of the reed forwards
  • Upper protection

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3, a well-cushioned trail shoe with good grip, very reactive and multipurpose

This time I had the opportunity to test these fast New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3, efficient racing shoes for high speeds. I have to say that for some time now I have changed my mind about leaving the confidence that for me could only give me a brand like La Sportiva, and I have discovered that we have a wide variety of trail running shoes that are pleasantly surprising me.

In my last review I gave you my impressions of the NNormal, giving it almost a 10 (and I still maintain it), and, this time, I have the pleasure of talking to you about New Balance Balance's fast trail running shoe.

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown 3 review, first impressions

First of all, these trail running shoes have surprised me a lot with their great reactivity, their remarkable cushioning being versatile for different distances and, in my opinion, valid even for 30kms runs.

Its behavior in unstable terrain has seemed to me very correct, feeling protected and safe. The sole has accentuated and separated lugs, which prevent the sole from getting muddy, since the separation between lugs and the vibration of these prevents the mud from caking on the sole.

The overall fit is very comfortable from the first moment you put them on. And the first few strides already make you see what you're going to enjoy with this new update of New BalanceFuelCell Summit Unknown v3 on your feet.

What kind of runners are the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 for?

What type of runners are the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 for?

Regarding the profile of these FuelCell Summit Unknown 3 from New Balance we could say that it is a trail shoe for all types of runners. Neutral footed, light and intermediate weights (up to 70 kg for men and 60 kg for women) and capable of adapting to a wide variety of paces, including the most agile ones as well.

Up to medium distance, the performance of this model of the Summit Unknown 3 FuelCell from the Boston brand is outstanding.

What we liked best about the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

Its greatest virtue I consider to be the great reactivity and the feeling of energy return in the stride. A section that is directly related to the configuration of its midsole FuelCell, a spongy compound that offers a great balance between cushioning capacity and energy return, very noticeable, in each stride. Undoubtedly, a section that has improved compared to previous versions. Read the New Balance Summit Unknown 2.

What we liked most about the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

It is also worth mentioning its plate. This is present in the forefoot area, which allows the foot to flex perfectly. Although it also has another mission, such as preventing stones or other external objects that you can find on the ground from getting stuck.

As for the design, it is aggressive and its range of colors is very striking. The upper gives the impression of being made of a type of waterproof fabric, but this version that I tested does not have a Gore-Tex membrane. The shoe is fully reinforced, giving it a higher weight, almost 300gms, for the men's version.

The best thing about this versatile option from New Balance for trail running is that the type of runner that can benefit from this shoe is also more broadened.

Strengths of this New Balance trail shoe: FuelCell Summit Unknown 3

Strengths of this trail shoe from New Balance

In short, the strengths of this New Balance Balance trail running shoe are summarized in the following points:

  • Shoe for technical terrain with mud.
  • For running at high and fast paces.
  • Stable.
  • Well-cushioned and responsive midsole.

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 upgrade opportunities

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 upgrade opportunities

The tongue, when lacing, bends forward. It's not a big deal, far from it, truth be told. Although it does not become uncomfortable, it can facilitate the access of small stones.

In turn, the front protection of the upper, has come off a minimum, so I will be watching how it behaves in the next kilometers.

What models can we compare the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown 3 to

With which models can we compare the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown 3?

Final conclusions on the New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3 Final Conclusions

Well cushioned trail Shoe with good grip, very responsive. It is true that it is a little heavier than I expected, but in a runner like me, it is not important. I also want to point out that the upper is very comfortable and fits well. Of course, I also like the outsole, which is designed to adapt to technical and muddy terrains, but with the outstanding feature of being a versatile model for other types of terrain.

New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown v3, RUNNEA tester's evaluation

RUNNEA tester's rating

  • Lightweight: 75.
  • Responsiveness: 8.
  • Cushioning: 9.
  • Stability: 8.
  • Flexibility: 85.
  • Grip :9

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