New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: The Most Propulsive SC Yet
Year after year, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite has carved a name for itself in the road racing world and solidified its place as one of the best road racing super shoes on the market. Known for pairing explosive propulsion with responsive FuelCell cushioning, it’s been a go-to for runners chasing fast times over the half and full marathon.
The SC Elite v5 marks the next step in that evolution – lighter, snappier, and more aggressive than its predecessor. It still carries the blueprint that made the v4 and previous iterations so popular, but with significant updates: a 100% PEBA-based FuelCell midsole for maximum energy return, a stiffer Energy Arc carbon plate for more powerful toe-offs, and a geometry shift to an 8 mm drop for faster, more efficient transitions.
This is New Balance’s most race-focused SC Elite yet, built for the runner who wants to feel quick, connected, and confident from the start line to the finish tape, and ready to chase their next PB.
Stats at a Glance — SC Elite v5 vs v4 Comparison
| Feature | SC Elite v5 | SC Elite v4 |
| Weight | ~214 g (US M9) | ~232 g (US M9) |
| Heel / Forefoot Stack | 40 mm / 32 mm | ~40 mm / 36 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 4 mm |
| Midsole | 100% PEBA-based FuelCell for maximum energy return, slightly firmer for more efficiency | PEBA-based FuelCell, soft and highly cushioned |
| Carbon Plate | Energy Arc with ~38% more forefoot stiffness for sharper toe-off | Energy Arc tuned for comfort |
| Upper | Lightweight FANTOMFIT engineered mesh, single-layer, more supportive | Engineered FANTOMFIT, breathable and flexible |
| Outsole | Revised 1.7 mm rubber outsole with improved traction, especially in wet conditions | Solid rubber coverage |
| Complies with World Athletics and Ironman Shoe Regulations | Yes | Yes |
While both versions share the same performance lineage, the SC Elite v5 has been engineered to feel racier and more aggressive underfoot. It’s lighter, stiffer, and more propulsive, thanks to its 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole paired with an updated Energy Arc carbon plate offering increased forefoot rigidity. The jump to an 8 mm drop changes the running position, helping you transition faster and drive forward with every step. Add in the sleeker FANTOMFIT upper and improved outsole traction, and you’ve got a shoe built to deliver your next PB.
What’s New
Upper
The SC Elite v5 debuts a FANTOMFIT single-layer engineered mesh upper — lighter, more breathable, and more supportive than before. It delivers a race-ready fit, hugging the midfoot and heel for secure lockdown while keeping weight to a minimum. A gusseted tongue further enhances that locked-in feel, preventing any movement or bunching during fast running. The streamlined construction removes excess overlays and bulk, while the updated collar improves comfort and reduces friction over long distances.
Midsole
Beneath your foot, the 100% PEBA-based FuelCell foam has been refined for an even more propulsive feel, delivering exceptional energy return with every stride. The stack height remains at the World Athletics maximum of 40 mm in the heel, with the geometry reworked to an 8 mm drop for quicker transitions and a more aggressive running stance at pace. At the heart of it all is the updated Energy Arc carbon plate — now with increased forefoot stiffness — creating a snappier, more responsive toe-off to keep you moving efficiently from start to finish.
Outsole
A redesigned outsole uses 1.7 mm of strategically placed rubber to improve traction without adding weight. The new lug pattern grips better on wet roads and through tight turns, giving you the confidence to hold your line when racing at speed. The streamlined coverage also helps keep the shoe light and fast, right where it counts.
Our First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the SC Elite v5 feels light, sleek, and ready to race. On foot, the fit is noticeably more dialled-in than previous versions — the gusseted tongue and snug midfoot wrap give it that “locked in” feeling without any pressure points. We love the improvements in reducing friction around the heel collar, and the added padding on the tongue where lacing previously may have caused irritation. The FANTOMFIT upper disappears on the run, breathing well while keeping the foot secure through corners and at higher paces. And for those who need more room, New Balance is once again offering a 2E wide fit option in men’s sizing, making the v5 more accommodating for a broader range of feet.
The 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole has a snappy ride, especially when you hit race pace. Combined with the stiffer Energy Arc plate, the shoe feels like it is encouraging forward momentum and quick transitions. The stack height might still be at the 40 mm limit, but the ride is definitely punchier and more responsive than before.
Traction from the updated outsole is stickier, providing confidence on wet roads and tight turns, adding a layer of trust when you’re deep into a fast effort or navigating hairpins or corners in races. Overall, the SC Elite v5 cements its status as one of the market leaders in race-day supershoes — a stripped-back, finely tuned performance machine built to crush your PB.
