Kit & Gear

FIRST LOOK: New Balance Fuelcell SC Elite v4

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a race day shoe designed for the moments when seconds really do count. The propulsive feeling of FuelCell is combined with a thinner carbon fibre plate, offering superior energy return in a lightweight package that can be used at all levels of competition.

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HOW DOES THE SC ELITE v4 COMPARE TO THE SC ELITE v3?

New Balance released its first super shoe, the RC Elite V1, in 2020 and since then this popular racing model has become a firm favourite amongst marathon runners worldwide. The FuelCell SC Elite v4 was engineered using years of innovation research and athlete data in order to provide runners with the ultimate marathon racing shoe. The brand has been working on the v4 before the release of the current SC Elite v3 and this new version looks and feels like a completely different shoe.

The biggest advancement is its new midsole foam, made from 100% PEBA. This pebax based FuelCell two-layer midsole is combined with Energy Arc for the most energy storage and return in an SC Elite yet, which according to New Balance’s sports research lab, delivers 4% more energy return, 87% compared with 83% from the v3.

The v4 feels lighter and more responsive than its predecessor, which is also thanks to an updated carbon fibre plate design.

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A brand new lightweight upper called FantomFit provides the comfort needed to race the marathon distance. This is essentially heat bonded film, resulting in a much thinner mesh package which doesn't overbuild the shoe. The idea of the new upper technology is to increase midfoot lockdown and provide more structure. There’s also some heel collar padding, but it's minimal in design in order to save weight.

The shoe’s 4mm heel-to-toe drop remains the same on both the v3 and v4. This is a relatively low drop compared with rival super shoes and is more suited to forefoot strikers. The first reason for this is because of the curve of the carbon fibre plate and the last that the shoe is built on. The last is 4mm, mainly because New Balance want to have additional foam under the forefoot for toe off. The other reason is just where the carbon fibre plate sits in relation to the shoe. So, by having 4mm of foam up in the forefoot it not only protects the plate but it's designed to give the runner as much energy return possible from every step.

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KEY FEATURES SUMMARISED:

• Years of research went into perfecting the SuperComp Elite v4 containing a FuelCell midsole made with PEBA.

• Energy Arc pairs sport-specific carbon fibre plate geometry with strategic midsole voids, designed to increase stored energy and deliver a higher amount of total energy returned.

• FantomFit upper offers ultra-light bonded support.

• Rocker profile for smooth, natural feeling transition from heel to toe.

• Solid rubber outsole.

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ABOUT NEW BALANCE

New Balance are committed to supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence. Whether that means helping professional athletes set records and win medals, or propelling everyday athletes to achieve a new PR, run their first 5K or just to live a more healthy and active lifestyle. Their products are the perfect blend of function and fashion, giving you the performance technology you need and the style you want. While they offer the best product on the market, they're also equally committed to giving back. So while they look to succeed, their ultimate goal is to help you achieve yours.

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