New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review:
Quick Facts:
Weight: 5.2 oz
Many brands are coming out with the full carbon length shoe. The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is the short distance answer from New Balance. It’s not meant for 10ks, half-marathons, and marathons. It’s intended for a short race. At the 5th Avenue Mile, was when people took note of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280. Most, if not all, New Balance sponsored athletes were wearing the New Balance Fuelcell 5820. Jenny Simpson won wearing the shoe.
So why 5280? There are 5280 feet in a road mile.
The New Balance Fuellcell 5280 Upper:
Many New Balance models are now using a brand new mesh upper, similar to the Nike Flyknit material. It’s a close knit, breathable material. It fits tight and the laces are short.
One thing I don’t love about the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is how difficult it is to put the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 on. Any racing flat is challenging to put on, but with one seem, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is challenging. While trying it on for the first time, I was worried I would rip the shoe. That being said, once they are on, they fit well. I typically wear between a size 10-11 wide. The men’s size 9 (women’s 10.5) of the New Balance 5280 fits well.
The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Ride:
The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is best for short races. I haven’t run any road miles, but I have raced a few 5ks and felt fast every time. With the carbon fiber plate, the 5280 propels forward. It feels like a true racing flat or even track spike with a carbon plate. Now if only it was durable enough for longer than a 5k.
There are a few things with the New Balance Fuelcell 5280:
With the design of the underfoot, you land more on your toes. It feels more like a spike, designed to put you on your toes. If this isn’t how you run, you will be sore. You will heavily stress your metatarsals so it’s important to work into the shoe. The traction and bottom of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is distinct. It has rubber, raised triangles like a spike.
With the carbon plate, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 also uses the fuelcell technology (like the Fuel Cell rebel).
Now on to the actual ride of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280. What makes it great? The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is pure minimalist. The Fuelcell propels With the Hoka Carbon Rocket is designed for ultras, the Nike Vaporfly designed for marathons, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is a fast, minimalist shoe.
New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review Conclusion:
The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 has become my favorite short-distance running shoes. I’m hoping more brands will make a fast carbon fiber plate shoe designed for shorter races like the 5k or even half marathon.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Brooks Ghost 12
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2
Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Reebok Run fast Pro,
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Questions for you:
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