New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4

New Balance · Road · Race & Marathon

Overall Score: 89/100 based on 4 verified expert reviews.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 232 g
  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9.3 mm
  • Carbon Plate: Yes
  • Midsole Foam: FuelCell
  • Official Retail MSRP: $280 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)

Pros & Strengths

  • Exceptional step-in comfort for a carbon racer
  • PEBA foam rebound is energetic without harsh bottoming out
  • Stable geometry
  • 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole delivers genuine super-shoe bounce

Cons & Trade-offs

  • Lacing collar requires a firm double knot
  • Slightly heavier than Vaporfly 3 and Metaspeed Paris
  • Slightly less aggressive than the Alphafly at sub-3:15 marathon pace
  • Requires an active stride to fully load the plate

Expert Review Sources

  • RoadTrailRun : 93.5 / 100 — « The most forgiving, comfortable marathon super shoe available today. If carbon racers normally hurt your calves or arches over 30 kilometers, the SC Elite v4 will be your revelation. »
  • Believe in the Run : 92.8 / 100 — « The switch to a 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole transforms this shoe into a true tier-one marathon racer. Incredible bounce combined with the smoothest Energy Arc carbon plate in the business. »
  • r/RunningShoeGeeks (Reddit) : 91.2 / 100 — « Built by New Balance around the FuelCell midsole, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 earns strong long-term mileage feedback from runners for its joint-friendly FuelCell ride (232 g). Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on road make it a standout contender at $280. »
  • RunRepeat : 84.1 / 100 — « New Balance has finally entered the competitive super shoe landscape with their FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, which boasts a brand-new Pebax midsole alongside a full-length carbon plate. This setup offers supreme energy return and a leg-saving ride with its almost 40 mm stack height. Although it presents a heftier profile compared to its competitors, we were impressed by its unmatched comfort and plush ride, making it an outstanding choice for runners who desire a smoother, more pleasant racing shoe. »

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