{"id":45201,"date":"2024-02-12T00:42:17","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T05:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/?post_type=reviews_road&p=45201"},"modified":"2024-02-13T07:54:59","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T12:54:59","slug":"new-balance-fuelcell-supercomp-elite-v4-review","status":"publish","type":"reviews_road","link":"https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/reviews\/road\/new-balance-fuelcell-supercomp-elite-v4-review\/","title":"New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Review","author":95,"featured_media":45209,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"brands":[99],"shoes_type":[259,781],"shoes_family":[],"_stcr@_rolfkleinfeld@hotmail.com":null,"review_3_website_name":null,"test_trail":null,"_test_trail":null,"usd":null,"_usd":null,"aud":null,"_aud":null,"cad":null,"_cad":null,"gbp":null,"_gbp":null,"eur":null,"_eur":null,"shoe_brand":null,"_shoe_brand":null,"shoe_name":null,"pros":"5","cons":"3","verdict":"The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a fun, stable long-distance racer. It has one of the softest and most cushioned rides of any super shoe but it lacks a high level propulsion. This is due to its cushioning still being too soft and its gentle forefoot rocker which doesn't give you a big forward tipping sensation. \r\n\r\nVersion 4 has a vastly improved upper which has better heel lockdown and doesn't poke into your ankles. It also has a firmer ride and thicker midsole which makes it feel more efficient.\r\n","weight":null,"heel":null,"toe":null,"heeldrop":null,"reccomended_for":null,"rrp":null,"review":null,"keywords":"New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, New Balance running shoes review, best New Balance running shoes, Racer running shoes,","description":"The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a fun, stable long-distance racer. It has one of the softest and most cushioned rides of any super shoe but it lacks a high level propulsion. This is due to its cushioning still being too soft and its gentle forefoot rocker which doesn't give you a big forward tipping sensation. \r\n\r\nVersion 4 has a vastly improved upper which has better heel lockdown and doesn't poke into your ankles. It also has a firmer ride and thicker midsole which makes it feel more efficient.\r\n","professional_image":"45228","_professional_image":"field_5d9574dae3414","usage":["racing","speedwork","long_distance_racing"],"_usage":"field_5943593f1d1c2","rsg_subtitle":null,"subtitle":null,"_subtitle":null,"introduction":"[caption id=\"attachment_45219\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere's no super shoe series which has undergone more drastic changes over the years than the SuperComp Elite. \r\n\r\nThe first 3 versions all had very different designs, different rides and different levels of comfort. You get the feeling that New Balance is still trying to find the winning formula for their flagship long-distance racer<\/strong>. \r\n\r\nOne thing that's been consistent in all 3 versions is the FuelCell midsole, a super soft blend of nitrogen-injected TPU and EVA. While being squishy and plush, it lacked the explosive energy return of a ZoomX or a Lightstrike Pro. \r\n\r\nI liked the midsole of last year's SC Elite v3 but I hated its sloppy upper. The collar poked into my ankles and I couldn't get a good lockdown because of its bootie construction upper. I didn't think it was as fast as other super shoes and I never raced in it. \r\n\r\nThis year's SC Elite is the most significant update because we get a new generation of FuelCell in its midsole<\/strong>. The FuelCell in the SC Elite v4 is 100% PEBA. Nike, Saucony, Hoka and even Decathlon are already using PEBA foam in their racers. \r\n\r\nThe SC Elite v4 weighs 8.4 oz (237 g), which is 0.5 oz (19 g) heavier than version 3. It's 40 mm in the heel, 36 mm in the forefoot, exactly the same as v3. It also maintains its $250, the standard flagship super shoe price. \r\n\r\n","introduction_text":null,"conclusions":"[caption id=\"attachment_45209\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe SuperComp Elite v4 is pure joy to run in<\/strong>: it's highly cushioned, energetic, stable and it's durable. \r\n\r\nBut when it comes to racing, I won't be picking it<\/strong>. \r\n\r\nIt doesn't have the punch or the aggression of the top-tier racers and I don't think that New Balance has found their super shoe winning formula yet.\r\n\r\nThe SC Elite v4 will definitely stay in my rotation for long runs, and long tempo runs. I like the new upper, midsole and outsole and it has no major flaws. \r\n\r\nVersion 4 is an upgrade over version 3<\/strong>. It has a much more comfortable upper and a more robust build. I like the new midsole foam more than the previous one and I think New Balance is on the right track, however, they need to find a way to get it back under 8 oz, to firm up the foam even more and to make the forefoot rocker more prominent.\r\n\r\nIf you're aiming to run a marathon in 3 hours 30 or slower, the SC Elite v4 is a great option but for anything faster, there are better options (for the same price or cheaper) which offer more speed assistance. \r\n","model":"FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4","_model":"field_5c1600ad0113f","who_is_it_for":"If you're looking for a super soft, long-distance racer with good durability, the SC Elite v4 is an option. If you want something less aggressive than other super shoes which is easier on the legs, it's also a good option. \r\n\r\n","pros_0_pro_line":"Much better, more comfortable upper than v3","_pros_0_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","pros_1_pro_line":"Improved heel lockdown","_pros_1_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","pros_2_pro_line":"Increased cushioning","_pros_2_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","cons_0_cons_line":"Not as propulsive as other super shoes","_cons_0_cons_line":"field_5c16011c70a57","cons_1_cons_line":"Too similar to the SC Trainer ","_cons_1_cons_line":"field_5c16011c70a57","cons_2_cons_line":"Heavier than v3","_cons_2_cons_line":"field_5c16011c70a57","water_resistance":null,"_water_resistance":null,"pros_3_pro_line":"Faster ride than v3","_pros_3_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","pros_4_pro_line":"Durable outsole","_pros_4_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","cons_3_cons_line":null,"_cons_3_cons_line":null,"cons_4_cons_line":null,"_cons_4_cons_line":null,"in_page_subtitle":null,"_in_page_subtitle":null,"image":null,"_image":null,"cushioning_type":"balanced\/plush","_cushioning_type":"field_594357fba24e6","cushioning_amount":"Highly cushioned","_cushioning_amount":"field_5c1a16c4d4c23","sizing":"0","_sizing":"field_59435b58fd832","heel_fit":"normal","_heel_fit":"field_59435bbc45b07","midfoot_fit":"normal","_midfoot_fit":"field_59435d1684838","toebox_fit":"normal","_toebox_fit":"field_59435d1484837","flexibility":"rigid","_flexibility":"field_59435d1284836","stability":"some stability","_stability":"field_5944aca41583c","midfoot_fit_copy":null,"_midfoot_fit_copy":null,"best_for":"","pe_timestamp":null,"ds_query":"+balance +(\"elite v4\" \"elite V 4\")","_ds_query":"field_5c1600ad01052","release_date":"","_release_date":"field_5c176d6fffe21","weight_oz":"8.1","_weight_oz":"field_5c176d34ffe1f","heel_drop_mm":"4","_heel_drop_mm":"field_5c176d57ffe20","intro_to_the_shoe":null,"_intro_to_the_shoe":null,"main_text":null,"_main_text":null,"protection":null,"_protection":null,"durability":"8","_durability":"field_6272de0b5fdf5","responsiveness_&_speed":null,"_responsiveness_&_speed":null,"comfort_and_fit":null,"_comfort_and_fit":null,"lugs":null,"_lugs":null,"rockplate":null,"_rockplate":null,"good_for_running":null,"_good_for_running":null,"previous_model":"39664","_previous_model":"field_5c1a17279c9f9","usage_these_shoes_for":null,"_usage_these_shoes_for":null,"rrp_us":"249.95","_rrp_us":"field_5c176dba632ff","rrp_au":"","_rrp_au":"field_5c176dd363300","rrp_ca":"","_rrp_ca":"field_5c176df863301","rrp_gb":"","_rrp_gb":"field_5c176dfe63302","rrp_de":"","_rrp_de":"field_5c176e0d63303","purchased_from_name":"Running Warehouse","_purchased_from_name":"field_5c374d8cdb87d","purchased_from_url":"https:\/\/www.runningwarehouse.com\/New_Balance_FuelCell_SuperComp_Elite_v4\/descpage-N4SCEM0.html?from=guru","_purchased_from_url":"field_5c374d9bdb87e","heel_mm":"40","_heel_mm":"field_630506e911fdf","toe_mm":"36","_toe_mm":"field_630506f011fe0","carbon_plate":"full","_carbon_plate":"field_63065e4848c57","360":"","_360":"field_630662fb826e3","_video":"field_63066304826e4","who_should_buy_it":"If you're looking for a super soft, long-distance racer with good durability, the SC Elite v4 is an option. If you want something less aggressive than other super shoes which is easier on the legs, it's also a good option. \r\n\r\n","_who_should_buy_it":"field_63132fa733767","who_should_not_buy_it_":"If you want a really stiff, aggressive and firm-riding racer, the SC Elite v4 is not the shoe for you. If you want a super lightweight racer, it's also not for you. \r\n\r\n","_who_should_not_buy_it_":"field_63132ff0865f5","build_quality":"8","_build_quality":"field_6272ddc1b33de","comfort":"8","_comfort":"field_6272dd6fa6b88","value_price":"7","_value_price":"field_6272de0a5fdf4","third_shoe":"","_third_shoe":"field_630bbf8341294","upper_rate":"8","_upper_rate":"field_6272de2a5fdfb","sole_unit_rate":"8","_sole_unit_rate":"field_6272de295fdfa","landing":"8","_landing":"field_6272de285fdf9","transition":"8","_transition":"field_6272de285fdf8","toe_off":"8","_toe_off":"field_6272de275fdf7","traction":"8","_traction":"field_6272de265fdf6","first_impressions":"[caption id=\"attachment_45217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\nMy first run in the SC Elite v4 was a 20 kilometre, steady-paced run on the car-free Sunday city loop. I was immediately impressed with the new, improved upper which felt super comfortable and very secure.\r\n\r\nThe ride to me still felt very soft, however it felt firmer than previous versions of the SC Elite<\/strong>. I was able to hold a steady pace easily and transitions felt very smooth.\r\n\r\nIt didn't feel like a very aggressive ride though and the shoe that it reminded me of most was the Endorphin Pro 4<\/a>. \r\n\r\nThe SC Elite v4 felt a little bit chunkier with more cushioning while the Pro 4 felt more nimble. It was a fun first run but it didn't blow me away. \r\n","_first_impressions":"field_6313304ba000e","sole_unit":"[caption id=\"attachment_45210\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe SC Elite v4 feels faster than version 3 and even though both versions have the same stack heights, v4 feels taller. With each footstrike, your feet sink down into the midsole less which allows for faster turnover.\r\n\r\nThe uber bouncy sensation has been toned down a bit because the midsole void underneath is shorter and doesn't extend into the forefoot like in v3. I don't mind this change but this is where some of the weight increase comes from. \r\n\r\nI can't feel the plate in the SC Elite v4 and in this version, it's been made thinner<\/strong>. This is good if you want a mellow racer which is easy on your calves, ankles and feet. This is not good if you want an aggressive, rigid, snappier racer which makes it feel like it's throwing you forward. I fall into the second group.\r\n\r\nThe SC Elite v4 doesn't feel as fast as the top tier racers for two reasons: its cushioning is too soft and its forefoot rocker is not prominent enough<\/strong>. \r\n\r\nThe new FuelCell foam isn't extremely different to the non-PEBA FuelCell. It's a little bit firmer and returns a bit more energy but overall, it's still very similar in ride and feels super soft underfoot. I definitely prefer it to the old version but it needs to be even fimer. A firmer midsole will allow you to increase your turnover easier.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_45221\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nWhen I'm toeing off, I don't feel the forward tipping sensation- when I lean forward and try to engage the rocker, it doesn't feel as responsive as other, more aggressive super shoes. This has to do with the plate rigidity and its shape which is too flat. \r\n\r\nTo me, the SC Elite v4 feels like a long-distance cruiser rather than a speedy racer<\/strong>. This is because of its substantial 8.4 oz weight. It needs to be lighter and more aggressive to differentiate it from its training counterpart, the SC Trainer v2. \r\n\r\nFor me, the sweet spots for the SC Elite v4 are marathon pace and steady pace<\/strong>. For anything faster, it's a bit too heavy and too soft, however, if you're a slower runner, I think it will be fine for faster workouts and short-distance races.\r\n\r\nMy favourite thing about the new version is that outsole durability is much better. There's more rubber coverage and the outsole is flatter so wear is distributed more evenly. The new midsole foam also holds up much better because it's firmer so it doesn't get scraped by the road. \r\n\r\nWhen it comes to traction, I found it decent on dry roads. I didn't get a chance to test it on wet surfaces but I don't think it will be a big issue because the outsole rubber has a raised triangular pattern to help it grip onto the road. \r\n","_sole_unit":"field_6313305d53bc4","custom_fields":{"model":"FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4","cons":[{"cons_line":"Not as propulsive as other super shoes"},{"cons_line":"Too similar to the SC Trainer "},{"cons_line":"Heavier than v3"}],"pros":[{"pro_line":"Much better, more comfortable upper than v3"},{"pro_line":"Improved heel lockdown"},{"pro_line":"Increased cushioning"},{"pro_line":"Faster ride than v3"},{"pro_line":"Durable outsole"}],"vote":"8","weight_oz":"8.1","heel_drop_mm":"4","heel_mm":"40","toe_mm":"36","purchased_from_name":"Running Warehouse","purchased_from_url":"https:\/\/www.runningwarehouse.com\/New_Balance_FuelCell_SuperComp_Elite_v4\/descpage-N4SCEM0.html?from=guru","comfort":"8","build_quality":"8","upper_rate":"8","sole_unit_rate":"8","landing":"8","transition":"8","toe_off":"8","traction":"8","durability":"8","value_price":"7","who_is_it_for":"If you're looking for a super soft, long-distance racer with good durability, the SC Elite v4 is an option. If you want something less aggressive than other super shoes which is easier on the legs, it's also a good option. \r\n\r\n","verdict":"The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a fun, stable long-distance racer. It has one of the softest and most cushioned rides of any super shoe but it lacks a high level propulsion. This is due to its cushioning still being too soft and its gentle forefoot rocker which doesn't give you a big forward tipping sensation. \r\n\r\nVersion 4 has a vastly improved upper which has better heel lockdown and doesn't poke into your ankles. It also has a firmer ride and thicker midsole which makes it feel more efficient.\r\n","who_should_buy_it":"

If you’re looking for a super soft, long-distance racer with good durability, the SC Elite v4 is an option. If you want something less aggressive than other super shoes which is easier on the legs, it’s also a good option. <\/p>\n","who_should_not_buy_it_":"

If you want a really stiff, aggressive and firm-riding racer, the SC Elite v4 is not the shoe for you. If you want a super lightweight racer, it’s also not for you. <\/p>\n","introduction":"

\"Picture