Become race ready: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Review

Today, the market for running shoes is a turbulent contest. Usually dominated by ASICS, Nike and Hoka, I’m a massive fan of New Balance footwear, so I was more than pleased when I heard about the arrival of the new FuelCell SuperComp Elie v4 running shoes.

The Elite v4 running shoes make a bold statement. There’s that dazzling design, the ultra-modern build, and yes, that hefty price tag as the cherry on top. This isn’t New Balance's first attempt at changing the running game, and it probably won’t be the last. I’ve been able to deduce whether or not the SuperComp Elite v4s live up to the hype and live up to the price.

Verdict: The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4’s are a lot of money – yes, but there’s little to no doubt that you’re getting a lot of running shoes for that price. In terms of everything you dream a running shoe to be, New Balance has come very close to hitting that expectation. Supreme comfort, performance and responsiveness make the Elite v4 a formidable foe amidst a busy running shoe market. They walk the walk, talk the talk, and look great while doing it.

The laces won’t be for everyone, even if they are incredibly durable; there’s no denying that they don’t feel that way. These shoes are also crying out for some more colour designs. They are a brilliant foundation, but different colour schemes will go a long way. Whether that £260 price tag matches the value will be somewhat personal. Could you find cheaper running shoes that offer a similar platform? Yes, but if you’re a New Balance fan and this design just speaks to you, these are worth it.

What's good?

These running shoes offer an experience. They’re like nothing I’ve worn before in quite a few notable ways. The combination of a 40mm stack height with the PEBA Foam Fuel Cells means wearing these shoes is an almost indescribable sensation. It’s like running on clouds. They’re springy, supported, and very well cushioned.

The tighter FantomFit upper of this shoe offers a reliable, secure feeling to the ankle. So, you get the playful bounce of the midsole with a performance-centric upper shoe, providing the best of both worlds.

That full-length carbon plate is a real treat too. It's nestled between that PEBA Foam cushion, meaning it's not only comfortable, but incredibly responsive too. New Balance has masterfully created a blend of comfort and precision, never allowing one to overshadow the other.

I have to point out the design of the Fuel Cell v4s, because there’s nothing quite like them anywhere. These running shoes scream precision, but they’re still a New Balance shoe through and through. The rubber outsole has these etchings around the shoe, making it look sharp, purposeful, and modern.

There’s no getting around the fact that the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4’s ooze quality in every sense. It only takes one look to notice the ensemble of quality fabrics and materials combined to make this shoe.

What's okay?

It’s worth mentioning that these running shoes will take some time to get used to, as they aren't just a standard pair of running shoes for new runners. You’ll need time to familiarise yourself with how this shoe feels. It’s not a bad thing either; you might never have experienced a shoe with this level of support and foam cushioning.

Downsides?

It didn’t take long to feel that the Elite v4s are made from various materials, each serving a specific purpose. You’ve got that full carbon plate, lightweight upper mesh, solid rubber outsole, and the PEBA foam midsole. This is why the laces stood out to me so much. Compared to the rest of the shoe, the v4’s laces seem to be of a much poorer quality. They’re far thinner than I expected, and I felt somewhat hesitant about tightening the laces in case they snapped.

Currently, there’s only one colour scheme available, and that’s the White with bleached lime glo and hot mango. It’s a vibrant blend of fluorescent orange and green, refined with white and black panels across the shoes. I love the design, and so will many others, but some appreciate the subtleties and might prefer a more straightforward, tamer look. But hey, if the SuperComp Elite v4s are a hit, we might see some expanded colour options in the future, and then everyone’s happy.

How the product was tested

I tested the SuperComp Elite v4’s the only way I could: hitting the road and seeing how they fared. I wore running shoes indoors and outdoors, either on a treadmill or the road. These shoes are branded as road running shoes, so I thought it best not to test their durability in extreme trail conditions unnecessarily. I went out for walks in these shoes, jogged, and even sprinted (though more intermittently than I'd like to admit).

Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.