New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 Shoe Review
The New Balance Rebel v3 Offers Comfort-Minded Updates All Will Love
Likes
- Excellent upper fit
- Offers plenty of protection for a performance trainer
- Very smooth heel-to-toe transition
Dislikes
- Outsole is a bit slick in damp or wet conditions
- Weight increase from the Rebel v2
What's New
It has been over 3 years since the start of the Rebel's infamous reign over the uptempo, performance training category, and New Balance is on a mission to get more runners into version 3 of this neutral, lightweight trainer. To do so, they focused on updates that make version 3 more protective, more accommodating, and better equipped to excel over a broader range of runs.
The Rebel's midsole is still composed of New Balance's FuelCell foam compound, but New Balance has added roughly 1.5 mm more foam underfoot, along with a newly adjusted broader platform that is designed to provide runners with more protection and more stability on the roads. The adjustments to the midsole also promise improved versatility that does not sacrifice any of the Rebel's signature responsiveness.
New Balance also wanted to improve the Rebel's durability and added a bit more NDURANCE rubber to the shoe's outsole, but ultimately, the v3's outsole resembles that of version 2. Unlike the outsole, the Rebel v3's engineered mesh upper looks completely new, having been redesigned to deliver more comfort to all the running rebels out there.
The Bottom Line
Like many other runners, the Running Warehouse testers were excited to start running in version 3 of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel, especially after the success of the first two models. With all the comfort-orientated updates, they were anxious to see if the new version would continue the shoe's streak as one of the best lightweight, uptempo running shoes on the market. Despite the changes, our testers found that the Rebel v3 continues to provide a very high-performance running experience, landing somewhere in between a performance trainer and a daily trainer thanks to its increased stack height. Regardless, the Rebel v3 still offers the model's signature responsiveness that makes it a great choice for faster days as well longer distances. Regardless of how you plan to run in it, the Rebel v3 is still one of the best.
The Rebel's FuelCell midsole remains soft and bouncy, providing a lightweight and energetic feel that makes speedier runs a blast. Furthermore, all runners will appreciate the enhanced level of protection they get from the additional 1.5 mm of foam in the midsole. Ultimately, our testers thought that the underfoot experience closely resembled that of the v2, which is certainly not an issue. They were able to enjoy a variety of different runs at various paces while testing the Rebel v3, and the increased stack kept things comfortable well past the 60-minute mark, which is a notable improvement from the previous version of the shoe.
The Rebel v3's updated NDURANCE rubber outsole increases the shoe's durability but also contributes to a slight weight increase from version 2. Some runners may consider this a downgrade, but the additional weight was barely noticeable according to our testers, and, given the increases in durability and protection, the trade-off was well worth it. Speaking of trade-offs, the v3's updated engineered mesh upper no longer has the same stylistic flair as version 2, but version 3's sporty, SuperComp-Esque aesthetic has improved the Rebel's overall fit and has resolved issues runners experienced in previous models, meaning more runners will be able to run comfortably in the Rebel v3.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Sizing | Runs slightly short (.5 size up for some) |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Erik: "The upper is where the Rebel has improved the most from version 2 to version 3. The Rebel v2's fit was a little baggy and was not as secure as I expected from a performance shoe. Version 2 also had some issues with the upper tearing away from the midsole, which is clearly problematic, but after multiple long runs, I found no fit issues with the Rebel v3. There were also no signs of potential failure (ripping). I was very satisfied with the level of comfort and overall function of the Rebel v3's new upper."
David: "The upper fit my foot excellently. It feels much sleeker and more polished than the uppers of the past two versions. Despite its simplistic design, the heel and midfoot provided a secure hold, while the forefoot offered plenty of room for my toes to splay. I did not experience any chafing with the upper, but my one complaint is that the tongue is too short and is not anchored on either side, causing it to shift around a lot."
Midsole
Erik: "The Rebel v3's midsole is soft and bouncy. A few years ago, this was a contradiction that could not happen. If you had a soft midsole, you did not have the snappy underfoot feel. These days with all the new foam technology, you can achieve that feeling along with a lighter and more durable overall package.
Right out of the box, I did a couple of longer tempo runs with the Rebel v3, and I was very happy with how comfortable and secure the shoe felt as I increased paces. Further, I was impressed how good the Rebel felt underfoot at the end of a 60 to 90-minute run."
David: "The FuelCell midsole is definitely the hero of this shoe. It is light, responsive, and, most importantly, comfortable enough for daily training or tempo runs. This shoe is also quite flexible, so it can be a great option to strengthen your feet instead of relying on the shoe to do all of the work."
Outsole
Erik: "Here is the one area that this shoe could use a little work moving forward. While I was not running in wet conditions, I had some strides on damp pavement, and I did not feel secure running fast over such surfaces. I had a sensation of slipping as I progressed through my gait cycle.
That being said, the shoe performed well from a durability standpoint. I have not noticed any obvious signs of wear after 50-60 miles of road running (with a few trail miles thrown in, just for fun). I felt like there were some outsole durability issues with the Rebel v2, and New Balance has seemingly fixed that issue with version 3."
David: "The outsole features a mix of NDURANCE rubber and exposed FuelCell foam, and after about 50 miles of running, I hardly notice any wear. Also, I’ve run solely on the roads and local running paths and have not experienced any issues with the slippage. The outsole rubber seems grippy and sturdy."
Comparable Shoes
Erik: "The most comparable shoe to the Rebel v3 is last year's Rebel v2. The new update is a definite upgrade from the previous model, especially in terms of comfort over distance. Also, there is no price increase, which is always a bonus. If the previous version was a favorite within your shoe rotation, then the Rebel v3 will more than satisfy your needs.
While there is no plate of any kind in the Rebel v3, I would compare it to the Saucony Endorphin Speed series, which has a nylon plate. Honestly, I have found that I like to interchange the Rebel v3 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 for my up-tempo workouts. Both provide enjoyable and snappy rides, yet the Rebel v3 does feel a little softer underfoot.
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is another shoe that is similar to the Rebel v3. Both have comfortable uppers with a snappy and cushioned ride. Listed at $20 less than the Hyperion Tempo, the Rebel v3 provides better performance at a better price."
David: "Given the price point, high-level tech, and overall high performance, the Rebel v3 is hard to beat. There are very few $130 shoes that feel as comfortable and as versatile for daily training and uptempo runs as the Rebel. I would compare version 3 to the Saucony Kinvara and ASICS Novablast. The Rebel’s midsole is much softer and bouncier than the Kinvara, yet is less aggressive and more natural underfoot than the Novablast. Overall, it is a fantastic shoe that stands out from the competition, especially for the killer price."
Individual Thoughts
New Balance has a winning platform with the SuperComp series. The Pacer, the Trainer, and now the Rebel v3 (SC Elite v3 coming soon as well) are all top-of-the-category entries as we plow through Fall 2022.
If you are looking for a performance shoe of the faster variety to use on medium to long runs, then the Rebel v3 will be a reliable choice for a lot of runners. Cushioned and fast, the Rebel v3 allows the miles to pile up quickly.
While the Rebel v3 is not a daily trainer, the updates from v2 allow this Rebel to be more versatile than ever before. I feel it will accommodate a wider variety of runners' needs in a wider variety of workouts. That said, version 3 is still not the most suitable option for daily miles. This shoe wants to go fast and can go long distances, as well. It may not be the most stable and cushioned shoe for your daily miles, but it will be a standout for the right workouts.
The only minor issue I have with the Rebel is its slight weight increase. In a world where customers expect lighter and lighter new releases and updates, even a small increase in weight can be seen as a step backward, though the weight increase in the Rebel v3 is so minimal that it was unnoticeable once I began my workout.
I have run in every version of the Rebel so far, and this version is, by far, my favorite so far. The shoe maintains the same magic FuelCell foam that feels light and bouncy, but it just feels much sleeker and more refined compared to the other models.
The midsole and ride feel similar to version 2, but the upper is much more dialed in. From the heel to midfoot, the fit is very secure and locks my foot into place without any slippage. Also, the Rebel's forefoot allows plenty of room for my toes to splay.
The tongue is just barely too short and not anchored on either side, so there was some shifting happening there, but nothing that led to chafing or blisters. Despite some exposed foam on the outsole, the rubber has been holding up nicely with few signs of wear after a multitude of runs on the roads. Overall, the value of this shoe is very hard to beat, considering the comfort and performance this model offers. I would highly recommend the Rebel for the runner looking for a light and bouncy road shoe for their weekly miles or uptempo training.