New Balance FuelCell TC Review
Plated Performance from Training to Race Day
Likes
- Soft cushioning
- Responsive ride
- Versatile
- Durable
Dislikes
- Slightly heavy for race day
What's New
With the growing popularity of carbon-plated racing shoes, New Balance has added a unique offering to the selection with a shoe that's designed for both training and racing. The FuelCell TC boasts high energy return with the comfort and durability needed for everyday runs. It follows the design features found in the 5280, a revolutionary mile racing shoe, with its flared midsole and multi-directional carbon plate, but the generous layer of FuelCell foam offers a very plush feel with a bouncy ride. The FuelCell TC is finished off with a mesh upper and a suede heel collar that helps to lock down the foot with plush comfort.
The Bottom Line
Instead of saving your carbon-plated shoes for race day, the New Balance Fuelcell TC is built to provide the same high level of performance while offering the durability to handle everyday training. The generous FuelCell midsole offers plenty of protection for long runs while the bouncy ride, combined with a full-length carbon fiber plate, gives the shoe an energetic feel at almost any pace. The upper delivers a secure fit while foregoing the tight feel of a racing shoe. Our tester appreciated that the roomier toe box allowed for natural toe splay and that the mesh fabric provided breathability without sacrificing durability. Although the FuelCell TC may not be for everyone due to its relatively high weight compared to other carbon-plated shoes, those who want one shoe for training and racing or those who desire a training companion to their carbon-plated racer will appreciate the comfort and durability of the New Balance Fuelcell TC.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to wide | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.3 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 36mm (Heel), 26mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Connor: "Not all FuelCell foam is created equal, and that is easily seen with the cushioning in the FuelCell TC. The material is so soft and has a wonderful sinking-in feeling without being mushy. Although I have experience with other FuelCell shoes, I wasn’t expecting this one to be as soft as it was. I was pleasantly surprised."
Ride/Energy Return i
Connor: "When you think about FuelCell cushioning, you think responsiveness, but the FuelCell TC offers the most energetic cushioning that I have experienced from the brand. I was very happy with the bounce in this shoe, and the springy nature makes it hard not to pick up the pace. From daily training to tempos, I found myself consistently going a little faster than I had originally intended."
Underfoot Protection i
Connor: "The FuelCell TC is built as a performance training and marathon racing shoe so there is plenty of underfoot cushioning. The high stack height provides a lot of protection that simply feels plush without compromising high-performance. I’d have no problem taking this shoe far and think it would be a great pick for the marathon."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Connor: "As with most carbon-fiber plated shoes, the FuelCell TC lies more on the stiff side. The plate adds extra torsional rigidity which helps create an efficient ride while also stabilizing the low gravity FuelCell midsole."
Upper Feel i
Connor: "While the upper is thin and light, it’s by no means an elite racing upper. There is a little extra support and bulk which helps give it more of a training feel and the lockdown was secure which kept my foot snugly in place."
Individual Thoughts
New Balance has really brought the runner something special with the FuelCell TC. Built as a high-performance carbon plated trainer/racer, the shoe performed surprisingly well for everything from tempo runs to speed workouts and even some daily training mixed in. The FuelCell TC fits like a glove and its efficient ride makes picking up the pace feel effortless and fun. While the TC is fast and has a carbon-fiber plate, it is worth noting that the shoe was not designed to be the lightest and fastest marathon racer on the market. The true elite racing version from New Balance will be coming down the road and will live alongside the TC.