The new FuelCell SC Elite v5 is New Balance’s latest premium performance race day shoe

The ultra-lightweight design is equipped with a carbon fibre plate and an ultra-responsive PEBA midsole designed to provide the highest level of energy return.

I spoke with Chris Morfesi, senior global product manager for performance running at New Balance, to get an insight into the new model. I was interested to learn how long the development process for a shoe such as the new SC Elite v5 is.

He said: “At New Balance, our teams are always looking ahead, pushing innovation to make every runner’s race day more exciting and rewarding. From a designer’s first sketch to the moment a runner laces up for the starting line, the process spans several years and includes countless rounds of prototyping, athlete testing and performance validation.”

With the SC Elite v5, 2024 Paris Olympic triathlon champion, Alex Yee, helped in the development and testing process.

Morfesi said: “We’re proud to have a world-class athlete like Alex as part of the New Balance family, contributing valuable insights directly to our product teams. The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 was no exception, with Alex's input accompanied by other elite New Balance athletes and everyday runners. Real-world feedback helped us ensure that this shoe performs at the highest level, whether you’re racing for a podium finish or taking on the challenge of your debut marathon.”

Morfesi then explained how the v5 has changed since the previous model. “With Version 5 of the SuperComp Elite, we’ve introduced a series of significant changes that push the boundaries of performance even further. Staying true to our mission of crafting a race-day shoe that fuels confidence and speed, this latest iteration is shaped by the voices of those who know it best. Feedback from elite athletes and everyday runners inspired us to further support forefoot stiffness and deliver a more responsive ride where it counts most.”

The FuelCell midsole of the new SC Elite is made from a 100% PEBA foam to give it the most responsive ride yet.

A new Energy Arc pairs the sport-specific carbon fibre plate geometry with strategic midsole voids, designed to increase stored energy to deliver a higher amount of total energy returned.

The newly tuned plate offers increased stiffness in the forefoot for an increased feeling of propulsion from one stride to the next.

A new outsole is just 1.7mm thick yet designed for superior race-day traction, and the new upper, tongue and ankle collar are engineered for a comfortable, natural feeling transition from training shoe to race shoe, giving the shoe a welcoming fit and feel.

Stats:

Weight: 214.9g

Heel Stack: 40mm

Drop: 8mm

Price: £260.00

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