The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is New Balance’s flagship marathon racer, and it feels like the brand went all-in on delivering a shoe that blends comfort with race-day performance. Compared to previous versions, this update comes across as more streamlined, more cushioned, and more dialed-in for long-distance efficiency. Slipping it on, I immediately noticed how light it felt despite its high stack, and once I started running, the combination of soft FuelCell foam and an aggressive carbon plate made it clear this is a shoe built to go the distance at speed. It’s one of those shoes that makes me feel fast even when I’m just jogging to warm up.
Technical Specs
- Weight: ~218 g (men’s US 9) / ~7.7 oz
- Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 36 mm forefoot
- Drop: 4 mm
- Midsole Foam: FuelCell supercritical foam with Energy Arc carbon plate technology
- Upper: Engineered knit with integrated tongue design
- Outsole: Strategically placed rubber with exposed midsole in non-impact areas
- Category: Marathon racing shoe (plated super shoe)
- Fit: True to size, race-oriented snugness with a comfortable forefoot
Upper
The upper on the Elite v5 is thin and breathable, with an engineered knit that feels almost sock-like once you lace it up. It molds to the foot without adding weight, and the integrated tongue design eliminates any shifting or rubbing. I liked how secure the heel felt—there’s enough structure to hold you in place but not so much that it feels stiff or bulky. The midfoot lockdown was solid too, giving me confidence when cornering at faster paces. For long races, comfort is crucial, and I never felt any hotspots or pressure points during runs, which is a big win for such a performance-focused shoe.
Midsole
This is the heart of the shoe, and it’s what makes the Elite v5 special. The FuelCell foam is soft yet bouncy, and it pairs beautifully with the Energy Arc carbon plate system. At 40 mm in the heel and 36 mm in the forefoot, there’s plenty of cushion for marathon distances, but the plate adds structure and propulsion so it never feels mushy. I noticed the rocker geometry really encourages a forward roll, which made maintaining marathon pace feel more efficient. Compared to some firmer super shoes, the Elite v5 leans toward the softer side, but the plate keeps it snappy. It’s a combination that felt protective without sacrificing speed.
Outsole
The outsole uses rubber in high-impact areas—mostly at the forefoot and heel—while leaving parts of the midsole exposed to keep weight down. Traction on dry pavement was excellent, and I even found it held up decently well on slightly damp roads. The exposed foam does make me wonder about long-term durability, but after several runs the wear seemed minimal. The outsole isn’t designed for trails or rough surfaces, but on roads—the place this shoe was born for—it grips well and helps the ride feel smooth and efficient.
Run Performance
On the run, the Elite v5 feels like a true marathon racer. The cushioning absorbs impact so well that I didn’t feel beat up even after long efforts, and the plate made transitions feel snappy and efficient. It’s light enough to disappear underfoot, and I loved how it gave me the sensation of being “helped forward” with every stride. It’s not the most stable shoe out there, so if you prefer a very grounded feel you might find it a little wobbly on sharp turns, but for long, straight efforts at race pace, it absolutely shines. Whether cruising at tempo or going all-in on marathon pace, it gave me that extra bit of confidence that I was saving energy with each stride.
Conclusion
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is a top-tier racing shoe that combines plush cushioning with aggressive propulsion. The lightweight upper, bouncy FuelCell midsole, and Energy Arc carbon plate all come together to create a ride that’s smooth, efficient, and genuinely fun to run in. It’s not the most stable or the most durable option, but that’s not what it’s designed for—this is a marathon weapon meant for runners chasing personal bests. If you’re looking for a super shoe that balances comfort and speed, the Elite v5 is one I’d happily recommend for race day.
Learn more on the New Balance website
Buy them now and read more on Running Warehouse
These shoes were provided by the manufacturer or its partners for the sole use of review. No implied or explicit guarantees were provided as it relates to the provision of these products and all editorial commentary is strictly the property of Running Northwest. In short, the fact they allowed us to test these shoes does not mean we are required to give it a favorable review… every product must earn it. We appreciate our manufacturer partnerships and if you have any questions, you can read our Disclosure Policy in further detail.
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
