New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 Review
The RC Elite Maintains Its Place on the Podium
Likes
- Super soft and bouncy foam
- Well-fitting upper
- Improved traction
Dislikes
- Not as propulsive as some other super shoes
What's New
It's evident that New Balance was on a mission to elevate the RC Elite in its second iteration, introducing a host of updates that fine-tune these marathon racers. Increased FuelCell foam and an updated "swooping" carbon fibre plate have made the new RC Elite's midsole softer and more propulsive, making for an impressively well-balanced shoe that doesn't lack in comfort or performance. The upper has also been refined to offer a roomier and more accommodating fit overall. Finally, improvements to the rubber outsole have elevated the traction and durability of the RC Elite to all-new levels.
The Bottom Line
The FuelCell RC Elite v2 is an entirely new animal compared to the original version, offering a significant boost to both performance and comfort. The updated FuelCell midsole is extremely soft underfoot, providing levels of protection that would put even some recovery-specific running shoes to shame. The new "swooping" carbon plate works harmoniously with the updated 39mm FuelCell foam midsole to offer runners a bouncy ride that has no issues performing at a race pace. That said, the RC Elite v2 does not have the most aggressive energy return and still may not propel runners as explosively as other super shoes. What sets the RC Elite apart is its new-and-improved upper design, which is a major upgrade from version 1 and might be one of the most comfortable in the marathon racing super shoe category. All in all, the RC Elite v2 sits among some exclusive company, and this upgrade is worth some serious praise.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium to narrow |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 7.8 oz (size 9) | Women's: 6.6 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
FuelCell foam has proven itself to be an impressively soft compound, and the RC Elite 2 might be its best implementation yet. With 36mm of foam underfoot, runners can look forward to impressively soft landings and an incredible level of comfort from these super shoes.
Matt: "The foam in the RC Elite v2 is a soft and bouncy compound that feels explosive at faster paces and comfortable at slower ones. New Balance has really created something special with the new FuelCell midsole in this application. At the initial step in, this shoe is unbelievably soft and comfortable. Once the pace starts cranking up, it also provides a great bounce. I had some longer races on the schedule, and the RC Elite v2 was the shoe I grabbed. In a world full of super foams, the FuelCell-guided RC Elite v2 might have my favourite level of softness."
Nathan: "From v1 to v2, the RC Elite's midsole cushioning and softness has been taken up about three notches. I am all for it. The RC Elite v2 is very comfortable underfoot, which puts it firmly in the marathon racing shoe category."
Ride/Energy Returni
Not only is the FuelCell midsole soft, but it is responsive as well, offering a notable energy return that is perfect for race-day paces. According to our testers, the ride of the RC Elite v2 is not as aggressive or efficient as some other super shoes on today's market. However, it does offer a smoother, more comfortable running experience overall. So if you are looking for a pair of marathon racers with an accommodating feel and a top-notch ride, then the New Balance RC Elite v2 should top your list.
Matt: "The RC Elite v2's midsole has a bouncy return as a result of its carbon fibre plate and responsive FuelCell foam. That said, I don't think it provided as aggressive of an energy return as some of the other marathon racing shoes available today. The RC Elite v2 has great energy return, but it lacks some of the efficient propulsion found in other super shoes. This smoother energy return was great for my longer tempo runs and long-distance races. The RC Elite would make a great option for anyone looking to try a carbon-plated racer for the first time because of that smoother rebound."
Nathan: "With its generous FuelCell midsole and redesigned carbon plate, the RC Elite v2 offered an ample energy return in each stride."
Underfoot Protectioni
The RC Elite v2 is designed with more FuelCell foam underfoot and continues to be highly protective. Built to go the distance, these super shoes will have no trouble keeping runners comfortable for the entirety of the 42.2km marathon.
Matt: "Between the high stack of soft foam, durable outsole, and carbon plate, the New Balance RC Elite v2 offers ample amounts of protection. Whether I was running on the road, track, or cinder, I always wanted to run a little extra while wearing the RC Elite v2 because my legs remained feeling fresh."
Nathan: "This is a major improvement from the RC Elite v1 to the RC Elite v2. You get more underfoot protection with the addition of more of the FuelCell foam, which really cements this as a great half-marathon and full-marathon shoe for anyone."
Flexibilityi
As you'd expect from a carbon-plated super shoe, the RC Elite v2 is not flexible. The soft midsole foam and rocker design work together to create an impeccably smooth heel-to-toe transition that has a nice pop at toe-off with the help of the shoe's carbon plate. With the speedy return, protective landings, and smooth transitions, what more could you ask for?
Matt: "There isn't too much flex in the RC Elite v2. The plate and high stack height limit the flexibility of this shoe, but the smooth ride allows for nice transitions."
Nathan: "It's a carbon-plated racing shoe, so it isn't very flexible, but it's not made to be. The foam and forefoot rocker combination, along with the carbon plate, offer great propulsion, minimising the need for flexibility."
Upper Supporti
The upper of the RC Elite received some criticism in the original version, but New Balance has updated it in version 2 to maximise performance and comfort. With a roomier toe box and a more secure heel counter, the RC Elite's new upper feels both accommodating and dialed-in. The knit mesh fabric remains lightweight and airy, while the more generous fit will keep runners irritation-free throughout all of their runs. Lockdown and security will also be a non-issue for runners when they lace up in the RC Elite v2 on their next marathon race day.
Matt: "The RC Elite v2's new upper is one of my favourite features on these shoes. The knit upper is lightweight, breathable, and should accommodate a host of different foot shapes."
Nathan: "The upper on v2 is more breathable than v1 and improves upon the overall fit. The forefoot is noticeably roomier, and the new heel counter was a great update as well."
Individual Thoughts
The RC Elite v2 had me hooked the second I first stepped into them. The knit upper hugged my foot nicely, and the plush foam bounced me comfortably from one stride to the next. I enjoyed every run while wearing these shoes, and they quickly climbed close to the top of my list after some great workouts and fast race performances. The New Balance RC Elite v2 is solid at all paces, and I would recommend this carbon racer to anyone regardless of experience level.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The new updates to the RC Elite have truly elevated this shoe from version 1 to version 2. With the additional foam in the midsole, a new carbon plate design, and an improved upper, the RC Elite is an entirely new beast in my opinion. I liked v1 and ran a half marathon in them without difficulty, but I did not love them as a full-marathon option. Now, with all the wonderful updates, I could comfortably wear the RC Elite v2 for marathon races.