New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a brand new shoe from New Balance. In fact, the Fuelcell Rebel was release date was July 1st.

There will be several different Fuelcell Shoes released with the FuelCell line, including a carbon plated shoe. The shoe isn’t called the “FuelCell,” or “Fuel Cell”, it’s called the “FuelCell Rebel.” The Fuel Cell is just one word: “Fuelcell”.

Like any brand, there will be many shoes called the “FuelCell [name]. (Like the Asics Gel Cumulus or Nike Air Pegasus).

When I first saw the shoe, I thought, “what a beautiful white shoe.” I’m in a white-shoe phase right now and can’t seem to have enough.

Right out of the box, the Rebel looked sleek and fast. The FuelCell Rebel is designed for running fast, workouts, or races. There is minimal protection if you strike at the heal and more for the forefront of the shoe. If you are a forefront striker and maybe even underpronate, this shoe is built for you (which is extremely rare in the running world.). The Fuelcell foam is designed for energy return during your run.

The FuelCell line was designed in collaboration with American distance-runner Jenny Simpson.

Quick Stats:
Weight: 6.1 Ounces
Drop: 6mm

Fit:

The FuelCell has Trace Fiber Stitching and reinforced the engineered mesh. This means there is minimal stitching with less weight. If you have a wide foot or have bunions, there isn’t additional stitching to rub.

There have been several brands try and create a high cut socklike upper, and they miss their (like the Brooks Levitate 2). This is the first sock-like upper I’ve attempted to, that doesn’t irritate. It has a bootie construction but doesn’t irritate the ankles.

The shoe fits true to size. I typically wear a women’s size 10-11 wide and the 10.5 is fine.

Ride:

The outsole of the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel is something I’ve never seen in a running shoe before (which says a lot because I’ve reviewed dozens of shoes). It has support on the outer corners of the shoe and with a wider platform (for say, someone who supinates). It doesn’t correct anything, but there is a wider platform if you strike on the outer edges of your foot. It is still considered a neutral shoe. It feels smooth from heel to toe.

The New Balance Fuelcell running experience is meant to be fast. It’s designed for race day, tempo workouts, or just a speed shoe. I have run several distances, including easy runs, long runs, and workouts. For me, it fits best for a long run or workout shoe. I like the responsive ride and I’ve been doing most of my long runs in the shoe. As New Balance states: “The FuelCell technology delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward”.

I will note, to remove weight there isn’t a lot of traction. There is blown rubber to keep you from sliding but I wouldn’t use the shoe in a torrential downpour or ice.

Conclusion:

I like this shoe a lot. I’ve already run about a hundred miles in them. They are a great fast run shoe, and I feel supported from mile 1 to 17. Tied with the Hoka Cavu 2, this is my favorite shoe of 2019. If this is the debut of their FuelCell line, I think we will see a lot of good things to come. I’m looking forward to taking these out on race day on my quest for a marathon shoe.

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