The New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 is a long name. New Balance, why not make the name of this shoe shorter? Anyway, that has nothing to do with the review, but the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 has gone through a big transformation this go around.
New Balance actually claims that years of research went into creating this shoe. It now features a new angular design that makes the shoe look more modern. Plus, the PEBA midsole gives it a more responsive ride. Truthfully, the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 has never done it for me. It’s always felt bulky and clunky, and I’m really not a fan. Then again, I’m one of the few who didn’t care for the SuperComp trainer either. This year, the thinner profile has given it a more flexible ride. The new upper is just much better.
Before trying the NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4, I had a few questions:
- Is the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 good? Yes.
- Is the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 fast? It can be.
- Have they improved the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 from previous versions? Yes, thank goodness.
- Why is the name so long? Seriously, can we remove the FuelCell and Super Comp? It’s too much.
New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.4 oz
Heel to toe drop: 4 mm
Price: $250
New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 Intro:
The NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite might be the most updated and reworked carbon-plated shoe out there. Every model was different and yet, every model missed the mark. Were they terrible? No, but were they on par with other carbon-plated shoes? Not really. This year is the best year yet (and good heavens, I’m not just saying that).
New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 Fit:
The new upper of the FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 is eye-catching. When I first saw a photo, I didn’t even realize it was the same shoe. The geometric shapes are fun, and the colors stand out.
The NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 features an engineered mesh upper that is flexible and conforms to the foot’s contours. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 does just that. I don’t have any hot spots or anywhere that I’m worried about. I will say, compared to other New Balance shoes, the FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 does run more narrow. There are a few hidden overlays that extend from the shoe’s eyelet to the heel. These give the shoe more midfoot stability, but they are also likely what’s causing some feeling of narrowness.
Has the tongue been improved? Yes! This wouldn’t seem like a huge deal, but it was a complaint in the first version. The tongue is not as stretchy as the previous version and just a “regular” shoe tongue with no weird movement. Yay for having a normal tongue. Not going to lie, before working in the running industry, I had no idea how much the tongue really affected the fit and feel of shoes.
As far as breathability, the NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 breathes well. I haven’t had any issues there, and I’ve taken it out in both the rain and warmer weather.
As for fit, I usually wear between size 10-11 in running shoes. I found the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 to fit best at a size 10.5 with no issues. If you wear a wide or double wide shoe, you’ll want to go up half a size.
New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 Ride:
The NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 is much more bouncy than previous versions. It now uses FuelCell foam, which makes for a cushioned heel feel. The “Energy Arc” cavity creates less volume at the back of the shoe. Since the Energy Arc is only in the back, the forefoot has a much firmer feel to it.
The rocker shape in the midsole keeps the transition from heel to toe fluid, and you do feel it more than previous versions.
Using the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 is interesting. Unlike other carbon-plated shoes, the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 has a lower heel-to-toe drop. Most carbon plated shoes have an 8+ mm drop, yet New Balance went with just 4 mm. It’s designed as a fast and race shoe, and that’s what it should be. It’s not a shoe you should run easy in because it only adds mileage. I’ve found this year, the NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 is the best version it’s been. It’s moved in the right direction, but I have found it’s still not as bouncy as other shoes. It is has some characteristics that stand out from other carbon plated models and makes it a unique choice (not in a bad way, just a different way).
Now if you are someone with hamstring problems because of the high stack height of other carbon-plated models, this might be the best option for you. The lower heel-to-toe gives it a completely different feel than other carbon-plated models and better for those who may not want a hugely jarring feeling. While it does feel rockered, it isn’t that insane rockered feeling we get in other carbon plated models. Right now, I’m enjoying using it as a faster long run shoe. My feet and body feel more protected and I like there isn’t a huge jarring feeling.
I do strongly believe this is the best version of the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite yet. It does feel faster than previous versions.
Outsole:
The outsole also received some updates, including more rubber compared to other versions. I’ve used the FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 in rainy weather (seriously, why does it keep raining in California) as well as flatter sandy trails with no issues. I don’t worry that I’m going to slide around. If I were running a super rainy race, I would not have worries using this. Plus since it’s lower to the ground, I feel some inherent stability compared to shoes with higher drops.
New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 Conclusion:
The NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4 is a good shoe and has received some great updates. I don’t know if I believe it’s on par with some of the other carbon-plated models out right now, but I do believe there are some distinct advantages to this shoe over other offerings.
Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4? If you are having issues with the higher drop of other carbon-plated shoes. If you prefer the feeling of a more protected carbon-plated shoe, this is a good model for you.
Who should not buy the New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4? If you are looking for an aggressive, rockered, carbon-plated shoe, this is not the right one for you.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast ,
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast, NB FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, 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.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite carbon plated running shoe?
Have you tried the FuelCell Super Comp Elite?