Home / Fitness / Running

New Balance Once Again Proves That Super-Shoe Tech Doesn’t Need to Cost an Arm and a Leg

Now in its fifth iteration, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel doubles down on its best attribute — at no extra cost.

New Balance Rebel v5 running shoeNew Balance

By Jack Seemer

Published

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

The FuelCell Rebel doesn’t care much for rules. Then again, why would any shoe with a name like that?

Since 2019, the nimble trainer has bucked the trend among brands to cram a carbon-fiber plate into every new release — especially for uptempo designs built to go fast.

That isn’t to say the shoe doesn’t have impressive tech.

Like its predecessors, the newest entry into the series, FuelCell Rebel v5, features a midsole blend of EVA and lightweight PEBA — the latter of which also features in top-of-the-line marathon racers like Nike’s record-setting super shoes.

New Balance Rebel v5 running shoe
The FuelCell Rebel v5 is the fifth iteration of New Balance’s nimble, uptempo running shoe.
New Balance

Whereas super shoes cost upward of $300, however, the FuelCell Rebel v5 will run you back just $140 — a price below even the most accessible daily trainers, such as the newly released Hoka Clifton 10 ($150).

New Balance Rebel v5 running shoe
Whereas super shoes routinely cost upward of $300, the FuelCell Rebel v5 gives you a taste of the tech for a fraction of the price.
New Balance

More foam than ever

Notably, the fifth iteration of the FuelCell Rebel features more foam than ever, with a stack height of 35mm (up from 30mm in v4).

“We made intelligent tweaks to geometries and stack heights, resulting in a snappier ride without compromising on comfort,” says Andrew Nyssen, the design director of performance running at New Balance.

“We made intelligent tweaks … resulting in a snappier ride without compromising on comfort.”

The shoe also features a redesigned outsole with extra rubber for improved traction on slick roads, as well as a gusseted tongue to keep the engineered mesh upper locked down mid-stride.

New Balance Rebel v5 running shoe
The FuelCell Rebel v5 features a redesigned outsole, with more rubber for increased traction.
New Balance

Unfortunately, the additional materials throughout do come with a bit of baggage. The FuelCell Rebel v5 weighs 7.9 ounces for a men’s size 9.5, compared to 7.5 ounces on the previous version.

While that’s still lighter than much of the competition, the updates do push the FuelCell Rebel closer to daily-trainer territory and may irk runners who have leaned on the series when tackling track workouts, fartleks and tempo runs.

New Balance Rebel v5 running shoe
For better or worse, the FuelCell Rebel v5 is the heaviest iteration in the series, pushing the line into daily-trainer territory.
New Balance

Pricing and availability

The FuelCell Rebel v5 will be available from June 5 for $140. The launch colorway is a bright red with black accents, though a handful of others will likely follow in the weeks ahead.

In the meantime, last year’s FuelCell Rebel v4 drops to just $110 on both New Balance’s official website and retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

Read More

,