New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review

Published: July 23, 2021

New Balance is Starting a Rebel-ution

The Rebel v2 features a host of updates that elevate these fan favourites

Likes

Soft, lightweight cushioning
Snappy, versatile ride
Breathable upper

Dislikes

A gusseted tongue could improve the lockdown
Slightly unstable

What's New

The Rebel quickly made a name for itself when it was first released thanks to its lightweight design and bouncy midsole. New Balance wanted to elevate this daily trainer even further with a host of new updates in the second version. The newest features include a higher stack height, a modified upper design, and a fresh outsole configuration. Already impressive in the first version, the FuelCell midsole is now softer without sacrificing any of its springiness. Combine this with a new lightweight, breathable engineered mesh upper and a sticky NDURANCE rubber outsole, and you get a versatile shoe that checks all the boxes.

The Bottom Line

Following the impressive success of the original version, the New Balance Rebel v2 was named the "Best Upcoming" shoe on the Running Warehouse Australia Best Running Shoes of 2021 list, and this lightweight trainer has more than lived up to the hype. The FuelCell midsole is a superstar, offering an impressive balance of bouncy energy return and soft, protective landings. The additional 2mm of FuelCell foam in the midsole makes the Rebel v2 an even better choice for long runs than v1, but with its balanced design, the Rebel v2 can meet the demands of just about any training run. Want to push the pace on a tempo run? Lock in and go for it. Just feel like cruising? Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Regardless of how you choose to run in them, you're in for an enjoyable ride when wearing the Rebel v2.

The upgrades to the upper and outsole designs are also notable highlights. The thin engineered mesh is incredibly lightweight and breathable while offering a secure performance fit that won't cause any irritation while on foot. As for the outsole, the strategically placed NDURANCE rubber provides sticky traction that will instill confidence in every stride. All said and done, the Rebel v2 is one of those rare training shoes that can do it all, and it's one that our team is confident just about any runner will love running in.

Shop Women's

Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe Box	Width: Medium \| Height: Medium
Midfoot Volume	Medium to low
Heel Width	Medium
Arch Height	Medium

Shoe Specs

Weight	Men's: 7.2 oz (size 9) \| Women's: 6.2 oz (size 8)
Stack Height	30 mm (Heel), 24 mm (Forefoot)
Terrain	Road
Stability	Neutral
Sizing	True to size

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Pair of Shoes

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Left Shoe

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Outsole View

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Medial Toe Cushioning

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Toe Box

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Medial Heel Cushion

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Review Heel Counter

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

The FuelCell midsole of the Rebel v2 is well-cushioned and provides a soft underfoot feel that makes any training run a real treat for your feet. This softness does not sacrifice any responsiveness, which allows the wearer to pick up the pace when desired.

David: "With more FuelCell cushioning in the midsole than the original model, the Rebel v2 feels plush and comfortable regardless of pace. With its soft landings, I was able to go through my daily runs with less muscle soreness."

Matt: "The FuelCell compound in the Rebel v2 is the whole package. The initial step-in feel took my breath away and continued to leave me speechless out on the run. The Rebel v2 has just the right level of softness and enough foam to keep me comfortable without feeling like I'm drowning in cushioning. Even though it is lightweight, this updated FuelCell is a treat for the legs, providing cottony-soft landings. I am a pretty efficient runner, and I was able to take the Rebel v2 up to double-digit miles multiple times without any issues. Overall, the Rebel v2 delivers a soft and smooth feel that I never want to stop running in."

Nathan: "The New Balance Rebel v2 is highly cushioned and soft underfoot. The FuelCell midsole, which is also in the carbon-plated RC Elite, is just as impressive in the Rebel v2, but without the plate to stiffen up the shoe, I found the ride to be a bit unstable at slower paces."

Ride/Energy Returni

New Balance has worked its magic, finding an almost perfect balance of softness and responsiveness in the FuelCell midsole. These highly versatile lightweight trainers can push the pace and offer an impressive energy return for a non-plated shoe.

David: "I absolutely love the Rebel's FuelCell midsole. It feels comfortably soft at slower speeds and super lively at faster paces. I thought the Rebel v2s were really fun to run in, and I always wanted to push the pace when they were on foot."

Matt: "The Rebel v2 shines when picking up the pace, further reinforcing the fact that these shoes are the total package. Whether it's for a training run or race, the FuelCell compound offers a bouncy ride that quickly propels me forward through my gait. There's no plate in the midsole, but these lightweight trainers are one of the best non-plated shoes on today's market. During my interval workouts, I was surprised how snappy these shoes felt when I was pushing my pace, but I also appreciated how soft they felt during my recovery times. The Rebel v2s, with their well-balanced midsole, make them a great option for tempo runs, speed workouts, and even races."

Nathan: "The faster I ran in the Rebel v2, the better it felt. Whether I wore them for a tempo session or a speed workout, the Rebel v2s had a cushioned and responsive ride."

Underfoot Protectioni

With 30mm of soft FuelCell foam underfoot, the Rebel v2 provides ample protection from the impact of the roads. As a lightweight trainer, this shoe is not necessarily the best options for long distances, but our testers are confident that runners will comfortably enjoy distances around the half-marathon mark. The new NDURANCE outsole also gives the Rebel v2 improved traction that should instill a lot of confidence while out on the roads.

David: "The midsole cushioning absorbs most of the ground feel, and the redesigned outsole takes care of the rest. I would feel comfortable taking these up to a half-marathon distance (or even farther) without any issues."

Matt: "The New Balance Rebel v2 has an updated rubber outsole that holds up for longer runs and easier days. This shoe has a lower stack height, but the FuelCell foam is so versatile that my legs felt great no matter the distance."

Nathan: "The Rebel v2 gets more foam in the midsole than its predecessor and has a plush underfoot feel, offering plenty of cushioning underfoot."

Flexibilityi

The Rebel v2's midsole is more elastic than rigid and offers a smooth ride that effortlessly transitions the wearer from heel to toe. Noticeably more flexible and snappier than the original, runners will have a lot of fun racking up kilometres in the Rebel v2.

David: "There are not any flex grooves on the midsole, but the Rebel does not need them. The midsole is pliable, which contributes to a smooth overall ride."

Matt: "The Rebel v2 has a decent amount of flex. The foam is soft enough to move with my foot when progressing through the gait cycle. This gives the Rebel a natural and nimble feel."

Nathan: "Although it has extra foam underfoot, the Rebel v2 is definitely more flexible than the first version. The FuelCell foam gives a responsive pop on toe-off."

Upper Supporti

Light and airy is how New Balance describes the all-new upper of the Rebel v2, and our testers would echo those sentiments. This upgraded upper offers a performance fit that even wider footed runners will enjoy. Although noted as not the most stable shoe, the snug upper wrap provides a secure lockdown that runners should have no problems with.

David: "The upper of the Rebel fits my slightly wider feet perfectly. It's been completely redesigned from heel to toe and feels much more performance-oriented. My heel and midfoot feel locked in while my forefoot has enough room for some splay. The material is thin and breathable but structured enough to last through plenty of mileage. I wouldn't mind a gusseted tongue to better lock it in place, but I didn't have any issues with the current setup."

Matt: "The upper on the Rebel v2 is great. It is a thin mesh that holds my foot snuggly and comfortably. Underfoot, this shoe is not as stable as other models, but the soft and structured upper gave me the confidence to use the Rebel v2 no matter which runs I was going on."

Nathan: "The upper was an upgrade from v1. I found the V2 upper to be lighter and more breathable, just melting away on foot. I was able to get a nice locked-in feeling with the v2's new upper and heel counter."

New Balance Women's FuelCell Rebel

Individual Thoughts

DavidOverall Score: 10/10

I've been eagerly waiting to test the Rebel v2, as I was really impressed by the first version, and it's safe to say this model exceeded all of my expectations. The additional FuelCell cushioning increased the softness of the shoe without losing any responsiveness. The lively ride worked just as well on slower runs as it did on tempo days. There's also plenty more grip on the outsole for turning corners, as well as better durability. Lastly, the redesigned upper was fantastic. It's unbelievably lightweight and breathable yet feels structured and comfortable no matter my pace. Overall, this is easily one of my favourite shoes of the year, and I would highly recommend it to all levels of runners.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

MattOverall Score: 10/10

Runners will love the newly updated Rebel v2 and will be reaching for it before every single run. From the initial step-in to the end of the run, the FuelCell midsole is a slam dunk. The Rebel v2 feels plush without being overwhelmingly soft. I took the Rebel v2 for longer runs and out on easy days without hesitation. The cushioning felt so smooth at slower paces, and when it was time to increase the tempo, the Rebel v2 really snapped from one stride to the next. I was blown away by the shoe's ability to quickly transition from soft to responsive whenever the pace changed. The upper on the Rebel v2 is thin and lightweight, which makes it even easier to go fast. Even though some runners might find the Rebel v2 too unstable, the upper has a great lockdown, giving me confidence when I want to open up and fly. Overall, I think the New Balance Rebel v2 checks all the boxes for me and can take on whatever run is on the schedule. I can confidently say that the New Balance Rebel v2 might be the best shoe this year.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

NathanOverall Score: 7/10

With more FuelCell foam underfoot, the Rebel v2 is more cushioned and softer than the original. That said, with the added stack, I found version 2 to be a little bit unstable at some slower paces. The upgraded upper was the highlight for me. I enjoyed the bootie construction of the v1, but the v2 upper feels lighter and more breathable. I can also get a better lockdown across the midfoot and around the ankle. For me, the Rebel really shines during faster-paced, uptempo runs where the FuelCell midsole can come alive. The Rebel v2 was a good option for days when I wanted to go fast but didn't necessarily want to put on a carbon-plated shoe.