Markus: It is laborious to disregard: on the earth of carbon competitors sneakers, the identify “SC Elite” from New Stability is a family identify. Whereas lots of my RTR colleagues, together with Nils, have already had the chance to check the predecessor, I’ve by no means had the pleasure. That adjustments at present! The brand-new New Stability SC Elite v5 is my very first from this collection, and I used to be extremely excited to see what awaited me. Can the shoe stay as much as the hype and win me over straight away? I put it by its paces for you.
Nils: In contrast to Markus, I’ve had the pleasure of testing the final two generations of New Stability’s SC Elite. And whereas the SC Elite has modified considerably from model to model, the conclusion has usually been comparable: a superb (coaching) shoe, however not one thing I’d contemplate for severe competitors. For the reason that new SC Elite v5 has nearly nothing in widespread with its predecessor, I’m very curious to see if this conclusion will change this time round.
Professionals:
Wonderful assist & breathabilityDelicate, comfy cushioningVery gentle on the footComfy heelVersatile, forgiving platePresents excessive stability regardless of its slender platform design
Cons:
Tight matchNot fairly on the efficiency stage of prime competitors sneakersComparatively stiff carbon plateHeavier than competing fashions
Tester:
Markus Zinkl is 35 years outdated and lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. He began operating simply to assist his principal sport, soccer. Since he stopped taking part in soccer, operating has turn into his principal sport to remain match.
He now runs 5-6 occasions per week, overlaying between 60 and 80 kilometers. Other than a neighborhood relay race, he hardly ever runs in competitions. Markus runs each on trails and on roads and is an absolute gear geek. Along with operating, he spends most of his free time mountaineering, particularly within the mountains, the place his curiosity in gear additionally comes into play.
Nils Scharff
I’m 35 years younger, initially from Kassel, and have been operating round Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I’ve been concerned in every kind of sports activities my complete life, usually 5-7 occasions per week. Along with operating, climbing and bouldering have been my sports activities of selection for a number of years now. My “operating profession” started with an organization run, which I did not wish to begin utterly unprepared. From that time on, I simply by no means stopped operating. I now cowl a superb 4000 km a yr – due to RoadTrailRun, all the time in several sneakers. What’s essential to me throughout all these kilometers, whether or not on trails or roads, is above all switching off and exercising in nature. You will hardly ever discover me on a treadmill or sporting headphones. I’ve now run twelve marathons and lately set a PB of two:40:05 in Berlin. In competitions, I usually run all distances from 5km (16:15min) and 10km (33:09min) to half marathons (1:15:29h) and marathons.
Stats
Weight
Official: 202 g (Herren EU 42 / US 8,5)
Samples: 226 g (males’s EU 44,5 / US 10,5) // 225 g (males’s EU 44,5 / US 10,5)
Stack Peak: 40 mm / 32 mm (8 mm)
Accessible now $250 / 280,00 €
First impressions, match, and higher
Markus: I used to be impressed as quickly as I opened the field. The SC Elite v5 appears to be like extremely quick—aggressive, smooth, and with a design that clearly says, “I wish to run!” It additionally feels surprisingly gentle in hand.
The sporty impression is confirmed while you slip it on for the primary time. This isn’t a snug coaching shoe, however a thoroughbred racer. The match is somewhat slender and encloses the foot very securely. In case you have wider toes, you must undoubtedly strive it on within the retailer. With my somewhat slender toes, nevertheless, I discover the assist good.
The higher materials, which New Stability calls “FantomFit,” is completely wonderful. It’s tremendous skinny, extraordinarily breathable, and feels nearly like a second pores and skin.
The tongue could be very skinny, however in no way uncomfortable. I had no issues with the tongue together with the somewhat skinny laces. The tongue is side-stitched.
I’m notably impressed by the heel building. It’s delicate, versatile, and holds my heel firmly in place with out inflicting even the slightest little bit of friction. You possibly can instantly really feel the prime quality and well-thought-out building. In contrast to many different racing sneakers, the heel can also be properly padded, which rounds off the general impression of consolation for a contest shoe.
Nils: I’m extraordinarily impressed with the higher materials of the New Stability SC Elite v5! The only-layer Fantom Match mesh materials has a slight stretch, which makes it extraordinarily comfy. On the similar time, it’s tremendous skinny and breathable. Solely the marginally rubberized New Stability “N” supplies some reinforcement within the midfoot space.
The skinny tongue product of a suede-like materials is flippantly padded in simply the suitable place, in order that the marginally stretchy laces don’t trigger any uncomfortable strain.
Nonetheless, the assist could be very, superb, which is especially because of the well-padded again of the shoe. The inner heel cup is neither notably excessive, extensive, nor stiff. The spotlight right here is the heel part, which is prolonged upwards by padding, offering notably good but light assist for the realm across the Achilles.
The higher materials of the SC Elite v5 is so properly made that I contemplate it an insider tip, particularly for triathletes: you may run barefoot on this mannequin with a transparent conscience!
Midsole
Markus: The center of each tremendous shoe is the midsole, and the SC Elite v5 has rather a lot to supply on this regard. It options the well-known PEBA foam referred to as “FuelCell,” which is designed to supply excessive power return.
Mixed with a full-length carbon fiber plate and an 8 mm drop, the setup is clearly designed on paper for propulsion.
When operating, the midsole feels agency and direct.
The carbon fiber plate could be very noticeable right here because of the in any other case very delicate foam. Nevertheless, the mixture of the 2 works very properly right here. The SC Elite v5 supplies very clear suggestions from the bottom and feels extraordinarily responsive. You possibly can actually really feel how the carbon plate works with each step and pushes you ahead.
Nils: The midsole of the SC Elite v5 is constructed from the identical FuelCell materials as its predecessor. In response to New Stability, it is a PEBA compound. Whereas different manufacturers are transferring away from PEBA in favor of A-TPU, New Stability continues to depend on the constructive properties of the unique “tremendous foam.” The compound used right here is comparatively delicate, but feels very energetic underfoot.
In contrast to its predecessor, the SC Elite v5 is considerably narrower within the midfoot (20 mm) and heel (13 mm). As well as, the stack top below the forefoot has been lowered by 2 mm (32/40 mm stack top for an 8 mm drop), leading to considerably much less foam underfoot than earlier than. That is additionally the primary cause for the numerous weight financial savings from v4 to v5: the SC Elite v5 weighs a full 37 grams lower than its predecessor (225g vs. 262g).
By way of geometry, I discover the position of the pretty stiff carbon fiber plate thrilling. Whereas different manufacturers place the plate both excessive (e.g., Alphafly, Metaspeed Sky) or low (e.g., Vaporfly, Metaspeed Edge), the SC Elite’s plate is positioned comparatively centrally. Whether or not this represents the well-known “golden imply” or is somewhat “neither one factor nor the opposite” might be revealed within the chapter on operating really feel.
Outsole
Markus: A fast have a look at the only real reveals beneficiant rubber coating, particularly within the forefoot space. This offers me a superb feeling about sturdiness and grip. My take a look at runs confirmed this: whether or not on dry or moist asphalt, traction was all the time glorious. I by no means felt like I used to be slipping and was capable of focus totally on my run. So, for a pure competitors shoe, the only real additionally appears strong sufficient for some quick coaching classes.
Nils: The outsole of the SC Elite v5 is simple to elucidate. Two rubber inserts are positioned below the heel, to the suitable and left of the lengthy information groove. They shield the midsole there.
The midfoot is recessed and solely the FuelCell materials can also be supplied with a sole sample there. As well as, the carbon plate is uncovered at this level, and New Stability prominently promotes the so-called Vitality Arc there. That is the realm that’s given to the fabric for compression.
A big space of rubber is then used below the forefoot. Throughout my take a look at runs, this supplied good grip in all situations and, due to the triangular studs, is even appropriate for gentle trails, area paths, and park paths. After 74 take a look at kilometers, I see reasonable indicators of wear and tear, and because the rubber is sort of thick throughout your complete floor, one can assume that it is going to be sturdy in comparison with different competitors sneakers.
Working really feel and abstract
Markus: Now for crucial query: how does it carry out? My first impression: extremely environment friendly. The shoe rolls extremely easily and encourages you to extend your tempo. Regardless of the delicate midsole foam, it additionally feels surprisingly secure, which is an enormous benefit, particularly over longer distances when your legs get drained.
As already described for the midsole, the operating really feel is somewhat direct and managed. It isn’t the bounciest shoe available on the market. Those that love that excessive trampoline feeling might discover somewhat extra pop in different manufacturers. As an alternative, the SC Elite v5 focuses on very clean and energy-saving propulsion. I notably preferred this throughout lengthy, quick endurance runs and tempo classes. You are feeling like you could possibly maintain operating endlessly.
I am actually impressed! The New Stability SC Elite v5 is a wonderful competitors shoe that has gained me over with its implausible match, direct operating really feel, and effectivity.
It’s the good selection for all runners searching for a light-weight, secure, and quick shoe for his or her competitions from 5 km to marathon distances. Particularly when you favor a somewhat agency and direct operating really feel to a brilliant delicate one, you would possibly discover your new favourite shoe right here. For me, it’s an absolute advice and for me a greater than profitable entry into the SC Elite world!
Markus’ Rating: 9,05/10
Journey: 9 – Match: 9 – Worth: 9 – Type: 10
Nils: As a result of SC Elite’s historical past as “higher coaching sneakers,” as talked about at the start, I used to be somewhat skeptical at the beginning of my take a look at runs, particularly relating to the efficiency of the New Stability SC Elite v5.
However after the primary run, I used to be utterly impressed by the higher materials. New Stability has managed to mix the confidence-inspiring and comfy really feel of a quick coaching shoe with a completely aggressive tremendous shoe. The SC Elite v5 is essentially the most comfy becoming of all of the competitors sneakers I’ve examined thus far—and that is fairly just a few.
Nevertheless it additionally has nothing to cover in terms of operating really feel and efficiency. My first coaching session within the SC Elite v5 was an extended tempo change program between approx. marathon tempo (3:45-50 min/km) and brisk base tempo (approx. 4:20 min/km). And at each speeds, I used to be capable of cruise alongside splendidly effectively within the SC Elite. However even throughout sooner classes, corresponding to 300m intervals at round 3:00 min/km, the shoe carried out very properly. At these speeds, the comparatively stiff carbon fiber plate comes into its personal, and you’ll actually really feel its activation and propulsion. The aggressive “squish” feeling of the delicate FuelCell foam additionally got here into its personal throughout these classes, including an additional contact of aggressiveness.
Throughout all speeds, the SC Elite additionally scored factors for its exceptionally excessive stability—once more due to the stiff plate. The considerably narrower platform design is subsequently in no way a disadvantage.
So, does that sound like the proper “stability”? Virtually! Though the SC Elite v5 performs properly throughout a variety of paces, it sadly lacks the bounce and operating enjoyment of some competing fashions, neither is it (for me personally) as environment friendly. It is extremely good—however not excellent. Final yr, it will have been among the finest tremendous sneakers of the yr. Nevertheless, in comparison with the competitors, many which now use A-TPU foams and which may cut back the load of their sneakers at comparable stack heights to properly under 200 grams, New Stability appears to be lagging a era behind within the foam on the prime finish racer sport .
I can nonetheless give it a advice, although: for all athletes who’re searching for a barely extra reasonable, barely extra secure tremendous shoe. The New Stability SC Elite v5 provides a greater model of this than ever earlier than within the line. Anybody who needs to run in a brilliant shoe for the primary time ought to take a better have a look at the SC Elite v5.
Nils Rating: 9/10
Journey: 9 – Match: 10 – Worth: 7 – Type: 9
8 Comparisons
SC Elite v4 (RTR Overview)
Nils:I’ve already mentioned this comparability at size. The brand new SC Elite v5 has a considerably modified geometry (8 vs. 6 mm drop), is significantly narrower, and weighs a full 37 grams much less. It’s much less bouncy than its predecessor, however when it comes to efficiency and effectivity, it has moved considerably nearer to the competitors. For me, it is a profitable replace and improve. Each sized at EUR 44.50.
Adidas Adizero Adios Professional 4 (RTR Overview)
Markus: When instantly evaluating the Adidas Adios Professional 4, you may really feel two utterly completely different racing philosophies. The Adios Professional 4 forces you right into a ahead rolling movement with its excessive rocker geometry and agency Lightstrike foam, which feels extremely environment friendly but in addition very controlling. In distinction, the New Stability SC Elite v5 is considerably extra comfy and versatile. It feels a lot softer on the foot, with its carbon plate noticeably extra forgiving and requiring much less pressure. So whereas the Adidas is an uncompromising effectivity machine, the New Stability scores factors with a extra forgiving, softer, and extra adaptable operating really feel.
Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 2
Markus: The Quick-R 2 is a pressure to be reckoned with: its strong building makes it really feel heavier, but it surely rewards you with an explosive, vertical bounce generated by its rock-hard carbon plate within the excessive forefoot. This shoe needs and must be run with plenty of energy to unleash its potential. The SC Elite v5 is the exact opposite and feels feather-light compared. Its operating really feel is considerably softer, the plate is rather more versatile, and the general expertise is far much less strenuous on the foot. So the selection right here is obvious: uncooked, explosive bounce versus feather-light, delicate consolation.
Kiprun KD900X LD+ (RTR Overview)
Markus: Evaluating the SC Elite v5 with the Kiprun KD900X LD+ is a conflict of philosophies: premium consolation versus long-distance workhorse. The KD900X LD+ provides a somewhat agency, managed, and really predictable trip, making it an especially dependable associate for numerous coaching miles and lengthy competitions.
In distinction, the SC Elite v5 stands out with its feather-light weight and delicate cushioning. It feels extra agile and considerably extra comfy on the foot and goals to supply most consolation and velocity for race day. Finally, it comes down to selecting between the Kiprun’s price-performance ratio and the New Stability’s first-class, delicate, and feather-light really feel.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris (RTR Overview)
Nils: The Edge Paris was one of many lightest shoe in final yr’s tremendous shoe class. It impresses with very quick transitions in a rolling movement and is subsequently higher suited than different tremendous sneakers for shorter competitors distances. Its carbon fiber plate sits considerably decrease than that of the NB, leading to a extra rolling operating really feel. The Edge Paris is considerably extra aggressive and fewer comfy than the NB, which is why I would favor the SC Elite for longer distances. Each 44.5 EU.
Nike Alphafly 3 (RTR Overview)
Nils: The Alphafly has been my shoe of selection for marathons. As a forefoot runner, I can benefit from the most power return of the Air Zoom items. It is a feeling that’s distinctive, but in addition described by many as too mechanical. The SC Elite cannot match the immense power return of the Alphafly, however in return it feels rather more “pure.” It’s notably extra appropriate for extra heel placing runners. Each sneakers are true to measurement in EUR 44.5.
Nike Vaporfly 3 (RTR Overview)
Nils: The Vaporfly 3 was not extremely popular amongst many Vaporfly followers, because it was the least aggressive model of Nike’s basic up to now. However that is exactly what makes it a superb comparability for the SC Elite v5. Each are comparatively “pleasant” for newbies on the earth of tremendous sneakers and provide a superb stability of bounce and roll. The SC Elite is barely heavier than the VF, but in addition considerably extra secure and its higher materials is significantly extra comfy on the foot. For me, this makes it the higher selection, particularly for marathon distances. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.
Our Different SC Elite v5 RTR Multi Tester Overview with 4 extra testers’ views.
