New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Review
ALL PEBA, ALL IN!
Likes
- Upper is lightweight and breathable with great lock down
- Foam is bouncier with a snappier toe off
- Provides a really excellent balance of comfort and speed
Dislikes
- Heavier than previous version
- Price has been increased by $20
What's New
New Balance's pinnacle race day shoe, the Supercomp Elite, has been a reliable marathon racing option since its initial release, and now, we see its biggest leap forward to date. While previous versions of the FuelCell foam midsole have been solid in terms of keeping a low weight and having high energy return, the standards for premium foam compounds have risen exponentially, which has left New Balance a bit behind in the super shoe game. With the complete overhaul of the latest version of the SC Elite, it looks like things are about to change.
Leading the way with this update is the all-new midsole setup that now features two-layers of 100% PEBA foam that sandwiches a thinner Energy Arc carbon-plate. Those two elements combine to deliver a highly energetic and efficient ride from start to finish. The outsole features strategically placed rubber to inrease traction as well as stiffness in the forefoot. Finally, the FANTOMFIT single layer mesh upper offers a highly breathable yet very secure fit.
The Bottom Line
In previous years, the New Balance SC (and RC) Elite has been one of our top picks for beginner to intermediate level marathon runners who need a more accommodating fit in their race day shoes. And while there was a lot to like about these past versions, we can't say that they represented the best options for runners chasing PRs and BQs. Well, with the top to bottom redesign of the latest iteration of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, New Balance may have just entered the chat with the likes of perennial podium finishers, Nike and adidas as a top of the line racing option.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: Coming Soon |
| Stack Height | 40mm (Heel), 36mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: The SC Elite v4’s updated upper with FANTOMFIT technology is excellent and provides an excellent lock down that feels more race ready than the knit upper of version 3. I appreciated the lighter on-foot feel of version 4, and it feels more breathable as well. I did not experience any points of irritation in version 3, but the SC Elite’s upper has definitely improved. I think a lot of runners, especially marathon racers, will really appreciate the changes. I cannot forget to mention that the new aesthetic is not too shabby either, and the SC Elite v4 looks fit for the podium.
Midsole
Kaleb: The midsole has drastically changed from version 3 to version 4. I loved version 3, and it was one of my top recommendation for less experienced marathon runners because of the smooth and forgiving midsole. Version 4 is much more peppy thanks to the 100% PEBA midsole and new carbon plate design, and although I miss some of the softness of version 3, I think the SC Elite is now much better suited for speed.
Additionally, I was impressed with the level of inherent stability provided by the update, a quality I thought was lacking a bit in the v3. In the SC Elite v4, I felt like I could corner confidently and carry speed with an efficient stride. Honestly, the SuperComp Elite v4 is the early front runner for my race day pick for the LA Marathon.
Outsole
Kaleb: The outsole feels very grippy and pairs well with faster, race-day runs. The exposed midsole/outsole still features a pretty large cutout, which can pick up a rock or two, so I would keep an eye out while on the run and definitely avoid non-paved surfaces. That said, for race day, the outsole will perform just fine, and I expect the durability to fair well in comparison to other marathon racing shoes.
Comparable Shoes
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs. New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3
Kaleb: The SC Elite v4 feels both more responsive and more snappy than the previous version, making for an overall more aggressive and speedier running experience. That said, I loved the SC Elite v3. It was soft and protective with a highly efficient roll that was perfect for my longer efforts at faster paces. And unlike some other runners, I never had any issues with the upper of the SC Elite v3.
Given that the SC Elite v4 feels more race ready while still providing a comfortable on-foot experience, I would recommend it for more experienced racers who are familiar with the marathon distance and looking to shed more time from their race-day PR. On the other hand, I would recommend version 3 for less experienced racers who are getting used to the marathon distance and still need a protective ride to get them to the finish line.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs. Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
Kaleb: Similar to the comparison above, one of these shoe’s is more responsive and better at helping runners break their PR’s on race day while the other one is a bit more user friendly and accommodating. If you have not guessed it, the Nike Vaporfly 3 is incredibly responsive and is definitely the shoe I recommend to those looking for one of the fastest race-day options available. That said, I found the New Balance SC Elite v4 much more comfortable on-foot and much more stable on the run. This made running easier in my opinion as I did not need to stay as focused on the run, and I also felt like my recovery was faster. Given my experience level at the marathon distance, the New Balance SC Elite v4 would be the shoe I would reach for on race day, and as I get more races under my belt, I will look to try the Vaporfly.
Individual Thoughts
I am a huge fan of New Balance running shoes. From the Rebel to the More, and all the way to the SuperComp Elite, New Balance just gets me. Well, they get my feet anyway and I was really excited to test the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4. Jumping right in, I have to call out the upper as it has drastically improved. It provides a very secure wrap through the midfoot while also providing a comfortably spacious forefoot, making it perfect for long distance efforts. The upper was a bit of a hit or miss in version 3, and I know some runners experienced issues with the heel collar. That is now a thing of the past as I had no points of irritation, hot spots, or blistering.
Though the upper has drastically improved, the highlight is of the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4 is the 100% PEBA midsole. Version 4 feels a lot faster and much better suited for race day thanks to the updates to the midsole geometry, foam composition, and embedded carbon plate, all of which translate to an efficiently fast ride with a nice pop at toe off. Version 3 felt softer underfoot with a less aggressive feel overall, and I loved running in it. Version 4 takes the speed to the next level, and if you are running a marathon race this year, then the SuperComp Elite v4 should be on your radar.