The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a brand new shoe from New Balance. In fact, it was released on July 1st. There will be several different shoes released with the FuelCell line, including another carbon plated shoe. The shoe isn’t called the “FuelCell,” it’s called the “FuelCell Rebel.” 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 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. You should still wear socks, but even though it’s coming up to the ankle, you aren’t going to find irritation.
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 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.
For the actual ride it’s fast, and light. I have run several distances, including easy runs, long runs, and workouts. For me, it fits best for a long run or workout shoe. The FuelCell foam itself is the most responsive from New Balance yet.
I will note, to remove weight there isn’t a lot of traction. Like many “fast” shoes this year, I would advise against running in it in the rain.
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.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Hoka Mach 2,
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Runfast Pro, Nike Streak Lt,
Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: Reebok Run fast Pro
You can see all current shoe reviews here.
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Questions for you:
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