New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5

Marathon Handbook finds the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 lighter and smaller than the V4.

Marathon Handbook did not like the V4, finding it too clunky.

Marathon Handbook finds the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 more comfortable than the V4.

Marathon Handbook notes the V4 ground on the back of his feet; the V5 had no such heel issues.

Marathon Handbook judges the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is better than the V4, calling that a win for New Balance.

Marathon Handbook reports no heel scraping or digging issues with the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5, unlike the V4 which dug into his heel through socks after a few wears.

Marathon Handbook finds the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 quite a bit better than the V4 due to five or six small changes that made it a better product.

Marathon Handbook judges the upper as the best update, with no heel rubbing and a comfortable feel overall.

Marathon Handbook concludes the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is a heavily dialed-in version of the V4, with every part slightly better; fans of the V4 will like it even more.

Marathon Handbook rates the comfort of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 an 8.6, calling it one of the most comfortable super shoes ever worn, with no hot spots, weird feelings, weird rocker, or side-to-side flailing.

Marathon Handbook places the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 in a Goldilocks zone between comfort and speed, noting an inverse relationship between comfort and speed in super shoes.

Marathon Handbook recommends the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 for someone racing 5K to marathon who is nervous about how super shoes will feel on their feet, calling it one of the most comfortable super shoes worn and the best super shoe New Balance has made so far.

Marathon Handbook 's first impression is that the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is fast.

Marathon Handbook observes the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 puts the runner onto their toes.

Marathon Handbook observes the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 prevented side-to-side motion and helped keep the feet straight, similar to a Nike Alphafly.

Marathon Handbook finds the carbon plate and rocker-forward profile make the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 a really aggressive shoe that puts you onto your toes without awkwardness.

Marathon Handbook rates the performance of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 a 7.5, calling it totally fast and stating it propels you forward and in no other way.

Marathon Handbook observes the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 kept him going nowhere but forward with no wobbling or pronation, even when tired.

Marathon Handbook judges the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 feels more like an update to the current super shoe rather than a complete overhaul, unlike the Adidas Pro Evo 2, ASICS Metaspeed, and Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite v3 which were major overhauls.

Marathon Handbook speculates a complete overhaul from New Balance may be a year or two away.

Marathon Handbook rates the design of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 a 7.3, noting many small updates but criticizing that competing brands have done more reinvention.

Marathon Handbook finds the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 lacks the wow factor of shoes like the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite or Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1.

Marathon Handbook states the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is fast and powerful but would not put it in the same category as the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite or Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, saying it does not have that final gear.

Marathon Handbook compares the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 to the Nike Alphafly 3, On Cloudboom Strike, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, and Adidas Adios Pro 4, calling them fast, not insanely light, durable, dependable, and comfortable.

Marathon Handbook states the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 belongs in a category of powerful super shoes one level above the Brooks Hyperion Elite v5, Hoka Rocket X 3, or Tracksmith Eliot Racer, with more spring to their step.

Marathon Handbook states the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 is among the best in the game without being the absolute fastest out there.

Marathon Handbook measured the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 weight at 7.6 ounces, calling it standard for a super shoe and similar to an Alphafly.

New Balance lists the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 with an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop and a 40 mm stack height.

Marathon Handbook observes the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 has a bit more tread than the V4, which may add slight weight but the shoe is overall lighter.

Marathon Handbook notes the lugs are not huge and provide a little extra traction, but most people will use the shoe on roads which are minimally slippery.