A road “super shoe” built lighter, nimbler and faster for race-ready performance.
The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 (for women and men) is New Balance’s latest attempt to refine its carbon-plated road runner. The decreased weight is immediately noticeable—at just 214 g (7.6 oz), it feels ridiculously light.
The design introduces an 8mm drop, a narrower midfoot platform and a single-layer mesh upper built with FANTOMFIT (New Balance’s skeletally engineered, no-sew construction) for breathability and lockdown. The shoe’s fit tends toward snugness in the heel and midfoot but more relaxed in the forefoot, with enough stretch to accommodate swelling during sustained efforts.
Ride & Performance
The shoe uses a full PEBA FuelCell midsole paired with a carbon plate and New Balance’s well-regarded Energy Arc geometry. In theory, this should deliver efficient energy return and a propulsive ride. In practice, the ride feels firm and dense. The SC Elite v5 doesn’t provide quite as much forward surge as other “super shoes” (such as the HOKA Cielo X1). The rocker is slightly less pronounced, which makes the shoe feel more natural for heel strikers than for midfoot runners.
Fit and Comfort
The FANTOMFIT upper breathes well and keeps the foot secure. The toe box is comfortable and non-tapered, but the snug heel and thin tongue may cause issues for runners with sensitive Achilles or heel bones. Security overall is solid—our tester never needed a lace lock. The inner liner is smooth and forgiving, but the toe guard can rub if running with thin socks. (However, this minor issue may improve over time, due to natural wear.)
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On the Run
According to our tester Michael: “I tested the Elite v5 at paces ranging from marathon effort to short interval work. During easier efforts, the shoe felt comfortable and durable enough for drawn-out sessions. At faster paces, however, I noticed less responsiveness compared to my HOKA Cielos. However, the stiffer forefoot means snappier transitions. The Elite v5 feels built for speed, especially over shorter races. Lighter than most, yet stacked like the Elite v4, it strikes a balance—fast and efficient for quick efforts, but cushioned enough to handle a heavy grind.”
“It strikes a balance—fast and efficient for quick efforts, but cushioned enough to handle a heavy grind.”
Grip is another standout. “The traction was superb on both road and track surfaces, dry and wet,” Michael added. “The shallow lugs on the forefoot bite well at toe-off, giving reliable traction, and despite the seemingly thin layer of rubber, durability looks promising—no noticeable wear even after 60 kilometres.”
Stability
Michael also noted that the shoe is stable in the forefoot thanks to its stiff plate and medial flare. Neutral runners may find this geometry helpful, but those requiring rearfoot guidance will likely find it slightly lacking (due to the narrower midfoot and heel).
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: Final Thoughts
The SC Elite v5 represents a big shift from earlier versions—lighter, stiffer and more aggressive. It’s an improvement over v4, but our tester found it slightly less responsive than HOKA’s corresponding shoe. Runners who prefer a firmer, less rockered super shoe with a stable forefoot may find it a good fit for long runs or marathons. Others may want more “pop.”
But for heel strikers who value durability and subtle stability over raw propulsive speed, the Elite v5 is a solid choice.
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