The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is so much shoe name. New Balance, please if you are reading, shorten this up, it’s unnecessary. Anyway, I digress. For race day shoes, the SuperComp Elite v5 is the newest contender in the super shoe bracket.
It pivots the Elite line (formerly more comfort oriented) toward a lighter, sharper ride designed for faster efforts. When I ran the New York City Marathon in 2019 with New Balance, they didn’t have a carbon plated option made for marathoning. Thankfully, they have the Elite V5 now.
The question: does it strike the balance between raw speed and usable comfort, or does the change in direction leave some runners behind? I put it through tempo runs, long efforts, and a couple of fast intervals to get a feel for whether it belongs in your rotation.
Before trying the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5, I had a few questions:
Does the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 run narrow?
Yes. The V5 has a noticeably narrower platform than the V4, which is the biggest change people feel right away. The upper itself fits true to size, but the base is slimmer and more race focused. If you relied on the wider last in previous versions, you will want to try the wide option or see how your foot sits on the new platform.
Is the SuperComp Elite V5 good for marathon racing?
It can be. The V5 feels smooth and efficient at marathon pace as long as you stay in that faster zone. The firmer FuelCell foam and higher drop work well when you are locked into rhythm. If you slow down or plan to use it for easy long runs, the ride feels too firm.
How does the SuperComp Elite V5 compare to the Elite V4?
The V5 is lighter, firmer and more aggressive. The V4 leaned more toward comfort, while the V5 shifts into true super shoe feel. The platform is also more narrow, which changes how stable it feels, especially for runners who liked the broader base on earlier models.
What distances does the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 work best for?
The shoe feels best from 5K through marathon. It handles fast turnover confidently and feels lively during tempo efforts. It can handle the marathon as long as you stay efficient, but it is not designed for warm up miles, cooldowns or any kind of easy jogging. Use it when you want to run fast and put it away when you do not.
How long does the SuperComp Elite V5 last?
Like most super shoes, expect around 50 to 100 miles of peak performance. The FuelCell foam and carbon plate combination starts to lose its pop past that point. You can keep running in it, but the benefit you buy it for will fade.
Now, let’s get into an honest New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 review.
Quick Facts
Weight: 7.3 oz
Drop: 8 mm (40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot)
Price:
Best for: Races and workouts
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 Upper and Fit
Out of the box, the SuperComp Elite v5 feels noticeably lighter than its predecessor, but it is still not light compared to other racing shoes. It still feels more geared toward a training shoe versus racing. When I put it on, I truly felt like I was wearing a trainer.
Thank goodness it is lighter though, because I have always felt the weight of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite held it back and while I still feel that way, it is getting on the right track. The upper’s single layer engineered mesh gives a secure wrap, especially around the midfoot and heel. I appreciate the gusseted tongue and padded heel collar because they prevent heel slip even when your cadence is climbing. The heel lock in is solid and the fit feels true to size length wise.
There is a huge issue though. The platform is a lot narrower than version 4 and narrower than some competitors. Many people gravitate toward the wider last of New Balance and with the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5, that is no longer an option. For years, I would tell people if you need a wider carbon plated racing shoe (read not wide) but wider, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite was a good option. Now that is not the case. The good news is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is available in wide.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a womens size 10 to 11 wide and have found the size 11 to fit well. The best running shoes disappear off your feet and I have not had any issues with the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5, although it is noticeably more narrow.
In short, if you like your race shoes to feel locked in and you run neutral, the upper delivers. If you want plush toe box freedom or a wider base, you should check how your foot responds.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens. The PEBA based FuelCell foam and high stiffness carbon plate give you a ride that is firmer and more aggressive than the Elite v4 and it is much firmer than previous versions. The narrower base and higher drop make it a much smoother effort than previous versions, which is likely what you want in a marathon racing shoe.
Where does the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 fit into my rotation? It is a fast running shoe whether you are running races or workouts. When I ran shorter efforts (5K to half marathon), the shoe felt lively, snappy, and efficient. The midfoot and rear are stable; I never felt unstable even when fatigue set in during tempo efforts.
If you drop back to easy jog pace, the ride can feel a little firm and less plush than some other high end racers and trainers. It does not feel good for easy runs, but that is not its use. I cannot emphasize how much firmer it is than the previous version. Honestly, for workouts that have hard efforts and slow jogging, I do not really enjoy it for the slow jogging. For tempo runs or races with no breaks, it has felt good.
My take: this shoe molds best to runners who can push pace and stay in the efficient zone. For slower long runs or folks who crave plush and forgiving, it may feel more race mode than daily comfort mode.
Outsole and Traction
The outsole of the SuperComp Elite v5 uses a streamlined rubber layout designed to reduce weight without sacrificing grip. I have used it on tame desert trails and in inclement weather with no major issues.
As far as durability, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 lasts that of a racing shoe. You will get somewhere between 50 to 100 miles in it before the foam deteriorates. Can you still run in it after? Sure, but will you get the same benefit? Probably not.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 Conclusion
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is a strong evolution in NB’s racing lineage. It delivers a lighter, leaner package than before with sharper transitions and a more aggressive edge. If your running style aligns with that (race day, tempo work, fast turnover), this shoe will serve you well.
That said, the changes do mean that some of the forgiving comfort and broader fit of the earlier version have been traded away. If your goals are long, steady miles at moderate pace or you prefer extra width and plush underfoot feel, you might want to consider pairing this shoe with something more stable for those sessions rather than making it your all day option. If I’m being honest, I still think New Balance has a bit to go before it catches other brands in the super shoe category. This feels like a 2020 carbon plated racing shoe versus the technology and feel of current day.
Who Should Buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5
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Neutral runners needing a racing shoe
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Those who want a race day super shoe from New Balance that competes with the best.
Who Should Not Buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5
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Runners who need extra stability or have wide feet and prefer roomy platforms.
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Runners who favor plush, forgiving long run volume shoes over aggressive race shoes.
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Those looking for a daily trainer
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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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 super shoe?
Have you tried New Balance?