The New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 has not been a shoe that I’ve been “dying to try.” I was excited to try it eventually, but I had so many shoes that felt more exciting and interesting, even from New Balance. The SuperComp Elite is a soft, carbon-plated option with a less aggressive plate than many other brands. The less aggressive scale makes it “feel less like a carbon-plated shoe” and doesn’t feel “as fast.” Is the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 as good as other options? Yes, but it does feel different and it’s better for different people.
New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.7 oz
Heel Toe Drop: 4 mm
Price: $230
New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 Intro:
The updated NB FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 weighs about 3 oz more than last year, and the heel-to-toe drop is now 4 mm versus 8. Plus, the price jumped to $230 (although still cheaper than most other carbon-plated offerings).
New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 Fit:
The NB FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 has been updated to a bootie construction. I’m not sure I appreciate this because it makes the shoe fit sloppy. It feels like you are sliding your foot into a box. Carbon-plated shoes are generally pretty stiff, and the bootie construction makes it hard to lock your foot down in the shoe.
I’ve also found the material in the bootie constriction to get hot and isn’t as breathable as previous versions. As we enter the Mojave Desert summer, I’m not sure I’m as excited to run in this shoe. Who wants their feet overheating during the summer? I’ve also found the collar of the shoe to rub against my ankle. With higher socks, it’s okay, but I don’t have a lot of higher socks, so this is more annoying.
The fit of the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is more accommodating than almost any other carbon-plated shoe. If you have a wider foot, it will most likely fit into the SuperComp elite due to the stretchy upper. Generally, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I’ve found the size 10.5 to fit the best. So yes, the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is the best-fitting carbon-plated shoe for wide feet.
New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 Ride:
I’ve mentioned a dozen or more times that I’ve never run particularly well in carbon-plated shoes. I believe this is because of their aggressive and heavily rockered build and I usually end up with hamstring problems.
On a tangent, my speculation is that we’ve seen more hamstring problems from people in the last few years. Is it from carbon-plated shoes? Is it from massively downhill races? Both aggressively angle your body in an unnatural position. I digress; the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is much less angled and aggressive than other carbon-plated shoes.
It feels more gentle on your legs for two reasons. The midsole is much softer, and the carbon plate is more flexible and not as stiff. The New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 carbon plate is arc-shaped and not flat. When you slide the shoe on, you can feel the carbon plate underneath, which isn’t exactly flat.
The NB FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 also has a giant hole on the bottom which is supposed to allow the midsole to splay and have energy return upwards. I do give credit that when running, you can feel that energy but it also collects a lot of rocks. Why do running brands do this, because you aren’t going to ever fully avoid rocks.
Another significant change in the NB FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is the 8 to 4 mm drop. I didn’t feel the difference, but I think it’s because the shoe is already so soft with a ton of stack height. If you have achilles or calve problems, you’ll want to be weary of this before jumping right into the current version.
Durability and Traction: The New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 only has rubber on the high-wear areas. Two rubber pieces are on both the lateral and medial sides and the forefoot. If you only strike in those areas, the SC Elite V3 will have excellent durability, and you’ll likely get over 100 miles. If you hit in other areas, it will wear down faster.
The rubber placement also affects the traction as more rubber would make it better in inclement weather. But it would also make the shoe heavier, and I can’t imagine the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 being heavier. I’ve run in inclement weather and sandy trails; it’s been fine. Not great, but just okay.
I assumed the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 would be a racing and workout shoe, and that’s precisely what it is. It feels more like a fast trainer than a racing shoe in which I want to run a PR. Although the longer I run, the more comfortable it is. I don’t think I would race anything less than a half marathon in it, but I think it would be pleased as a half marathon or marathon racing shoe. If you are looking for a carbon-plated shoe that doesn’t feel like a carbon-plated shoe, the NB FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is likely your best option. I do hope they can cut down some of the weight in the future because I think it would be a vast improvement.
New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 Conclusion:
I like the NB FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3, although the bootie construction upper could be updated to fit better. Ideally, I would like to see the upper revamped and some weight is taken off the shoe before it feels like a formidable carbon-plated shoe. But there are pros tof the shoe in its current state, filling a hole in the carbon-plated world for those with wide feet and want a plated shoe or those who wish a plated shoe that doesn’t feel too aggressive. I’ll be curious to see what updates the future holds for the SC Elite.
Who should buy the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3?
The New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is an excellent option for a more stable, soft racing shoe. If you are someone who has a wider foot, it might be the best carbon-plated shoe out currently out there. The other big “pro” is that the carbon plate is less aggressive so if you have hamstring problems, it might work better for you.
Who should not buy the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3?
If you want an aggressive, heavily rockered ride, the New Balance FuellCell SuperComp Elite v3 is much “flatter” than other carbon-plated options.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro, Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the New Balance SuperComp Elite V3?
What is your favorite racing shoe?