New Balance Supercomp Elite v4

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are a clear example of how a brand can improve a product that were already very good, but had areas that could be clearly improved. The Boston brand wanted to stand out from its competition. They are indeed very fast shoes (the fastest ever made for marathons), but they are also the most comfortable; and possibly the most beautiful. New Balance lhave designed these trainers to stand out in terms of comfort and design without losing the perspective of speed. At RUNNEA, we're going to tell you if they live up to expectations, and how they compare to their competition.

First impressions

Upon opening the box of the New Balance SC Elite v4, the first thing you notice is a sense of luxury and sophistication. The 'proto' white design with neon accents in yellow, orange and blue is modern and stylish. When you pick them up, you notice that they are light, although it is true that this is not their main virtue (263 grams in size 105 US). There are lighter plate shoes in the market. The combination of the FantomFit upper and the thinner carbon plate belays an improved running experience. The cutting-edge aesthetic and applied technology suggest a serious focus on performance and comfort. The ankle cuff area has been completely changed. It has a polar feel, very soft. So they have corrected the rubbing problem that affected some runners in that area.

Ideal runner type

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is an ideal choice for runners looking not only for a very fast shoe, but also for running comfort and responsive cushioning. They are great for medium to long distance runs. However, personally, I found the feel so good that I couldn't resist using them in different types of training sessions, even for long runs. The PEBA infused midsole gives a soft but highly reactive feel: it's a delight. This is a significant evolution in midsole technology in running shoes, which will be seen from now on in many shoes from the American brand. The result provides runners with both dynamic response and comfortable, stable support during long runs.

If in addition to prioritising speed, you care about comfort and sensation, don't think about it: This is your marathon shoe.

Recommended distance

These shoes shine especially well over long distances. Their construction and features make them ideal for marathons and half marathons, where the combination of cushioning, responsiveness, comfort and stability are key. The PEBA midsole, together with the carbon plate, provide a dynamic and comfortable running experience, suitable for maintaining optimal performance over long distances.

Running sensation

Running with the New Balance SC Elite v4 is probably the best experience I've had with carbon plate shoes. I'm not an especially fast runner, but when I'm looking for a racing shoe I prioritize speed and comfort. And this model delivers both in equal measure. And if I had to add a few extra grams to the shoe for greater comfort, I have no doubts. A marathon can be very long with uncomfortable trainers. And in this aspect the New Balance does more than the minimum.

The transition from heel to toe is smooth, and the feeling of extra momentum is evident. The PEBA midsole and reconfigured carbon plate offer a perfect balance between rebound and propulsion.

What we liked most

The most impressive thing about the SC Elite v4 is how they've balanced comfort with performance. The PEBA FuelCell midsole is the key, as it offers superior cushioning and efficient energy return. The FantomFit upper also provides a secure and comfortable fit, crucial for those longer runs. This level of comfort, combined with running efficiency, makes these shoes stand out.

Secondly, the design: they are the best looking plate shoe on the market (as of February 2024!).

Possible points for improvement

The weight, may be competitive, but it could be reduced a few grams to compete on equal footing with a Nike Vaporfly or Adizero Adios Pro.

Main rivals

The New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite v4 are competing in the toughest category of the market. Brands invest more resources, technology and marketing into plate shoes. And they are going to face great competition. In the end, it depends on what you prefer as a runner: if you are looking for comfort as well as speed, maybe the Hoka Cielo X1 and the Nike Alphafly 3 can get you a little bit closer to your goals than the New Balance.

Verdict

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is an excellent choice for runners who are not only looking to run very fast, but also to run as comfortably as possible. The sensation with this running shoe is incredible. Smoothness with momentum. Lightness with support, design and performance. Although there is room for improvement in terms of weight, their innovative design and the overall quality of the finishes make them a very solid choice. A unique combination of comfort, responsiveness and stability to achieve your personal best.

Until now in my mind, the race to create the fastest shoe on the market has always been dominated by Nike and Adidas, with their carbon plate models revolutionizing the world of running and in my sport, triathlon. However, New Balance has decided to enter the scene in a forceful way with its FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, a proposal that competes in speed, but also offers superior comfort and a design that I loved.

I had the opportunity to thoroughly test these shoes both in training and in Olympic triathlons, and I must say that New Balance has achieved an exceptional balance between performance and comfort, something that is not easy to find in the segment of carbon plate shoes. In addition, the fame of these shoes I see that in triathlon has grown since the Olympic gold achieved by Alex Yee wins in triathlon after coming back in the last meters running with this model.

First impressions: design and feeling when wearing them

Upon opening the box of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, the first thing that stands out is its spectacular and modern design. It uses a combination of vibrant colors and aerodynamic lines that gives them a futuristic look that immediately catches the eye. But beyond the aesthetics, what really matters is how they feel when you put them on.

The upper, made with FantomFit technology, wraps the foot smoothly and firmly, and gives you a precise fit with no pressure points. The new construction in the ankle area, with a soft polar material, eliminates any risk of chafing, a detail that is especially appreciated in long-distance races.

The key is in the midsole

The heart of this shoe is its FuelCell midsole with infused PEBA material, which provides exceptionally responsive cushioning. The running feel is one of driving softness, as if each stride is assisted by an extra boost of energy. The carbon plate adds that extra propulsion without compromising the flexibility needed for natural foot movement.

In addition, New Balance has implemented its Energy Arc technology, which consists of a cut in the sole that allows for greater midsole deformation and, therefore, greater energy return. This technical innovation translates into improved efficiency with every step, which is essential for those of us looking to optimize our performance.

In action: running and training performance

The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 especially shines on all types of distances from the marathon to a 10k During my tests, I noticed a smooth and fluid transition from heel to toe, with immediate responsiveness that invites you to run at high paces. The cushioning is generous but not excessive, avoiding that spongy feeling that can detract from stability. In fact, because of the problem I have running without my hamstrings, I need the shoe to be stable. And this one, as far as I can tell, is.

What really surprised me was their versatility. Although they are designed for competition, their comfort and dynamics also make them suitable for quality training, including series and runs at sustained paces. It is a shoe that adapts to different situations without losing its main qualities.

The battle for supremacy in carbon plate shoes

The arrival of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 I think it's a new chapter in the war between brands to offer the best carbon plate shoe. I've done a lot of running with Nike, both Vaporfly and Alphafly, and Adidas, with Adizero Adios Pro. And we are not going to deny that they are shoes that make a difference both in lightness and reactivity. However, it is true that these models often sacrifice comfort for pure speed.

New Balance has opted for a different approach, seeking a balance between performance and comfort. The result is a shoe that not only competes in terms of speed, but also offers a more pleasant running experience. For me this is something that can be decisive in endurance events where the physical and mental wear and tear is enormous.

I see them even more in triathlons

It's no coincidence that more and more triathletes are opting for the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4. The demands of this discipline require material that offers performance without compromising comfort, and these shoes more than deliver. Top athletes have begun to use them in international competitions, highlighting their efficiency in the running stage after the accumulated wear and tear of swimming and cycling.

Although it is true that we can not say that Alex Yee has won the Olympic gold in Paris 2024 with these shoes, it is true that elite runners like him have collaborated with New Balance to create this model to get a shoe that I think brings it all together: speed, comfort and some support.

What I liked the most

• Balance between speed and comfort: Ideal for long distances where both factors are crucial.
• Attractive and functional design: Combines modern aesthetics with performance-enhancing features.
• Versatility: Suitable for both racing and high-intensity training.

Potential areas for improvement

• Slightly heavier weight: At approximately 263 grams (size 44 EU), they are not the lightest on the market, but the comfort they offer makes up for it.
• High price: Located in a premium range, they may not be affordable for all budgets.

Comparison with other models on the market

If we compare the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 with the Nike Vaporfly 3 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, we see that New Balance has opted to offer greater cushioning and comfort, at the cost of a small increase in weight. While Nike and Adidas are looking for maximum lightness and reactivity, New Balance proposes an alternative that may be more suitable for runners who prioritize comfort without sacrificing speed.

Who are these shoes designed for?

These shoes are ideal for runners and triathletes who are looking for a racing shoe for any distance, but don't want to sacrifice comfort. If you're an athlete who values both performance and good feel during the race, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 may be a great shoe for you. For me they are.