When people think about carbon-plated super shoes, they usually imagine razor-sharp speed, that snappy, almost-aggressive ride, and an ultra-lightweight feel. But the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4? It charts a different course—one that’s more about comfort, versatility, and user-friendliness, without totally letting go of high-level performance.
First impressions: A modern super shoe
Taking these out of the box, they immediately give off a premium, well-crafted vibe. New Balance ditched the engineered mesh from the previous version and went with a seamless knit upper this time. It wraps around your foot with a soft, breathable feel that’s flexible but still secure. The heel collar is generously padded and contoured just right, giving you a snug fit that helps cut down on rubbing—even during those endless marathon miles.
Underfoot, the cushioning feels luxurious without being squishy. It’s surprisingly plush for a shoe built for racing. The moment you step in, there’s a cozy, supportive feel. Your toes have space to stretch out, but you still feel locked in and balanced when you start moving.
Fit & sizing
Sizing-wise, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 runs a bit snug in the forefoot and midfoot. If you have wider feet or just prefer some extra wiggle room, going up half a size or grabbing the wide version might be smart. That said, once you get the sizing right, the shoe fits like a second skin—ready to race.
On the road: responsive, smooth, and forgiving
This iteration introduces a full-length FuelCell midsole made with PEBA, which is softer, more cushioned, yet firmer and more energetic than what was used before. You get a peppy, spring-loaded feel that doesn’t punish your legs on longer runs.
The carbon plate—New Balance’s Energy Arc—has been fine-tuned to be lighter and a bit more refined. The result? A smoother, more controlled kind of propulsion. It doesn’t feel brutally stiff like some carbon racers. Instead, it helps you keep pace comfortably, even at slower training tempos or marathon speeds. Through long runs, hard sessions, and even race efforts, this shoe strikes a sweet spot between comfort, bounce, and ease of use.
Energy return & rocker geometry
Each step gives you this gentle pop—not over-the-top explosive, but just right for steady endurance. It shines for marathoners running at moderate paces: responsive enough to keep you moving, forgiving enough not to trash your legs. The rocker setup helps with transitions, giving that easy forward roll that keeps your stride flowing.
Grip & traction: Race day ready
The updated outsole grips well, rain or shine. Whether you’re flying through hydration stations or navigating slick corners, the traction holds up. More rubber has been added underneath, which does bump up the weight a bit, but honestly, it’s a fair trade for the added durability.
Comfort, stability, and long-run confidence
What really makes this shoe stand out is how well it treats your body over the long haul. There’s ample cushion, but it still feels responsive. Your legs stay fresher, your joints take less of a beating, and the wider base adds a nice touch of stability. It’s a noticeable upgrade from flimsier, ultra-light racers.
For runners curious about carbon-plated shoes but unsure where to start, this one makes a great entry point. The ride feels stable and forgiving, not jarring or extreme. It’s not just for podium chasers—it’s for everyday runners who want to up their race-day game.
Durability & construction quality
The SC Elite v4 holds up impressively. That knit upper doesn’t stretch out or lose its shape, and the outsole barely shows signs of wear even after putting in serious mileage. Sure, it’s a bit heavier than some of the carbon rockets out there, but it pays you back in longevity and comfort.
Room for improvement
It’s not all perfect, though. The tongue could be longer—it sometimes sneaks under the laces mid-run. And the heel collar? It rides up a little high, which might cause rubbing if you’re going with low-cut socks. Also, if you’re chasing a super aggressive feel for a blistering 5K or an all-out sub-3:00 marathon, there are flashier, more performance-driven shoes that might suit you better.
Final thoughts
The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 stands out by being accessible. It brings the energy and bounce you want from a super shoe but makes it easier to handle for non-elites. You get comfort, a steady propulsion, and solid stability all in one neat package.
In a world of carbon shoes that can sometimes feel like they’re built only for the pros, the SC Elite v4 opens the door wider. You don’t need to run a six-minute mile to enjoy what this shoe offers—you just need to lace up and go.
| ✅ Pros | ✖️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Plush and stable ride ideal for long distances | Slightly heavier than top-tier carbon racers |
| PEBA FuelCell midsole offers soft yet responsive feel | Short tongue may slip under laces |
| Forgiving Energy Arc plate great for various paces | High collar may cause rubbing with low socks |
| Breathable knit upper with great lockdown | Not the most explosive option for short, fast races |
| Reliable traction in wet and dry conditions | Snug fit—may require sizing up or wide version |
| Durable build with improved outsole rubber | Less aggressive than some elite-level racing shoes |
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