New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Courtney Kelly, Peter Stuart, and Sam Winebaum

New Stability FuelCell SC Elite v5 ($250)

Introduction

The SC Elite is New Stability’s pinnacle marathon racer. The 2 most up-to-date variations had been broad, comfortable, heavier than their competitors and for our testers extra trainers than racers. With v5 New Stability drops the load considerably to a aggressive 7.25 oz / 205 g by slimming the rear on the floor platform widths, rising the drop to 8mm and utilizing a quite simple skinny engineered mesh higher. The carbon plate geometry will get extra aggressive as does the outsole. Now within the lead pack? Let’s discover out!

Execs:

Aggressive weight: huge 0.8 oz / 23g (US M8.5) drop in weight in comparison with v4: narrower platform and 2mm extra drop (identical heel top): Sam/Peter

Slender (er) rear platform is remarkably steady, and among the many most steady of any tremendous shoe:Sam/Peter

Easy becoming, easy and safe higher: much less dishevelled than v4: Sam/Sally/Courtney/Peter

Strong, excessive and cushioned heel counter, deeper than traditional heel rubber: Sam/Sally/Courtney

Continues marathon focus of v4: regular, steady constant, see Pacer for shorter racing: Sam/Peter

Good outsole grip, was capable of take it via gravel simply: Courtney/Sam

Cons:

Flat and never precisely snappy and agile: overly inflexible and stabilized midfoot and need for extra roll: Sam/Courtney

Full forefoot rubber outsole protection, however the middle part would not truly contact floor. Is that this wanted? Provides weight: Courtney

Might have higher vitality return/bounce: Peter/Sam

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s  7.25 oz / 205g US9 // girls’s  6.4 oz / 183 g, US8

  Pattern Weights: 

     males’s  7.05 oz / 200g US M8.5, in comparison with 7.85 oz / 222 g US8.5 Males’s 11 is 8.30 oz

     girls’s:  6.4 oz / 183 g US W8 , in comparison with 7.1 oz / 201 g for v4

Stack Peak:  

V5: 40mm heel /  32mm forefoot 

V4: 40mm heel /  34mm forefoot 

Platform Width:  

V5: 72 mm heel /  55 mm midfoot  / 105  mm forefoot US M8.5

V4: 85 mm heel /  75 mm midfoot  / 105 mm forefoot US M8.5

Observe the numerous narrowing of the heel and midfoot platform in v5

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Courtney: The New Stability SC Elite 5 is a straight ahead, approachable, light-weight race shoe. When first placing it on, you instantly discover the plush collar lining and inside safety on the achilles.

It’s not overly plush, however sufficient that you simply really feel assured you’ll be able to take this shoe to the marathon. It includes a agency counter that cups the heel properly. 

The perforated lay-flat, gusseted tongue does properly with air flow and the flat laces and strengthened eyelets work properly to make sure a stable lockdown. I respect the good match via the heel and midfoot with some wiggle room within the toe field. 

The only layer skinny non-stretch mesh higher has loads of breathability via the forefoot, however with much less air flow on the heel as a result of additional padding.

Sam: Courtney has it proper! The v5 has a easy efficient and cozy higher that may be a sharp departure from the underlays, thicker, heavier, considerably dishevelled but on the identical time stiff (as a result of underlays) and tongue gusset much less v4’s.

Mainly it’s a single layer of engineered mesh with no overlays past the “N” on each side of the midfoot. 

The tongue is a clean and comfortable perforated leatherette (no fake suede as v4 had) with a stretch gusset and a small calmly padded branding oval at lace up. 

Lace up is as soon as and executed and for my slender to medium toes must be fairly snugged, indicating that regardless of appearances there may be greater than sufficient quantity for a decently wide selection of foot volumes.

It’s decrease quantity and extra locked down via the midfoot as a result of narrower platform and its new gusset tongue. 

The rear of the shoe clearly offers higher maintain than v4’s  as a result of larger top of the rear achilles tab and stouter heel counter tab than v4’s.

This isn’t a broad becoming tremendous shoe, and it’s not as broad as v4, however the softer extra pliable toe field mesh and now extra vertical toe bumper has noticeably extra give over the toes making them successfully “longer” whereas remaining safe. 

One comfy toe field. Solely these with very broad toes will complain in regards to the extra efficiency match however I doubt anybody will complain in regards to the general clean and efficient really feel of this race centered higher.

Peter: I’ll say it, the match and type remind me of one among my all time favourite race footwear–the New Stability RC 1400. In some ways the SC Elite 5 looks like a brilliant model of the 1400–and I imply that in all the very best methods. It’s a easy, to the purpose marathon race shoe with sufficient cushion to get via lengthy miles and sufficient snap to make it really feel like a race! Sorry, getting forward of myself. It’s a easy, elegant, wonderful becoming race shoe. Runs true to measurement and completely effective for large miles proper out of the field. Appears to be like good too!

Midsole & Platform

Sam: The Elite v5 strikes from a 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot stack top (6mm drop) to 40mm heel /  32mm forefoot (8mm drop). The platform is now 13mm narrower on the heel (72mm) and 20mm narrower (55mm) on the midfoot with the identical 105mm forefoot. 

It is a slender platform for a marathon tremendous shoe and certain the primary purpose we drop an enormous 0.8 oz / 23g in my US8.5. 

The slender platform gave preliminary pause by way of stability however I used to be frankly shocked how steady the v5 is on the rear of the shoe, among the many most steady of tremendous footwear for me with my tendency to heel strike greater than mid or forefoot strike. Tribute, perhaps, to the 3d form of the Vitality Arc carbon aspect? 

That stated the steadiness for my tastes extends a bit too far ahead as I additionally discover the midfoot (plate positioned very near foot there) with the transition to toe off fairly inflexible with not as a lot roll as I favor even with the now extra aggressively angled plate as proven in comparison with v4 under, darkish strains point out plate location. 

This lower than supreme sink and roll is probably going additionally as a result of center of the midsole location of the plate near the foot and midfoot and mid top on the entrance. The general really feel is kind of flat. Observe within the image under (darkish line) how near the foot the plate of the v5 is at midfoot in comparison with the Edge Paris. I favor a decrease plate location as within the Vaporfly or Edge Paris to roll simpler. 

The identical roll can be achieved with softer high foam equivalent to within the Cloudboom Strike the place the highest layer can be not glued in making the entrance much less inflexible. Within the v5 the reasonably agency foam is similar firmness above and under the plate.

The froth. Nicely it doesn’t really feel a lot completely different than the prior. Reasonably agency, not significantly bouncy in really feel, steady and properly however not overly energetic. So primarily basic PEBA foam and never one of many newer but lighter and extra energetic 2025 compounds such Puma’s newest Nitro, Saucony’s tremendous comfortable Incredirun or the Norda 005 path shoe’s very excessive return however comfortable foam.

That’s OK as the froth is deeply protecting and steady in really feel given the platform and its narrowness. The mixture of traits, and particularly the plate geometry at midfoot ,results in what I might name a marathon relatively than say a 10K shoe though for positive it can be an choice there. 

There may be much less dynamic get and go, roll and fly to the Elite v5 with extra of a marathon tempo really feel. I used to be shocked how low my common coronary heart charge was throughout a contact sooner (8:20 per mile tempo) than my MP throughout a take a look at run just lately, mid 130’s clean and simple however a bit extra labored underfoot after I tried to go sooner. Or perhaps I used to be drained that day however don’t suppose so!

Courtney:​​ I agree with Sam that the SC’s geometry is steady even with the slender platform. The only flare on the medial heel helps pronation and the flare on the medial forefoot offers loads of space below the large toe for stability and leverage.

The slender platform and lack of flare on the lateral aspect might have contributed to my virtually rolled ankle on the finish of a ten mile run. 

Much like Sam, I discovered the shoe much less propulsive at midstance and toe off. Along with the plate embedded decrease and agency, and fewer energetic foam, I see the toe spring as fairly gradual and relaxed. This promotes stability however takes away from the aggressive roll ahead and pop off the toe. It is protected, steady and versatile, however not your most aggressive race shoe. 

Peter: I agree with the entire above. I’d say that whereas it’s a steady and quick feeling shoe, it lacks among the absurdly enjoyable bounce of among the different tremendous footwear.  

The froth and plate work very well with my foot, however they match my vitality greater than add to it. I simply acquired again from one other medium long term in them and I’d say that the froth works properly at reasonable tempos in addition to faster ones. For me the froth and plate work properly collectively and I roll via toe-off simply effective. Possibly not propulsively, however I definitely don’t really feel like I stall on the forefoot. 

Outsole

Courtney: The SC’s outsole has two rear rubber pads with thicker materials than the forefoot.

The lateral aspect rear pad is bigger assuming typical touchdown patterns. 

The middle cutout exposes the Vitality Arc plate and there’s a central groove that continues up via the forefoot. 

The rubber outsole at forefoot additionally covers the inset space that may doubtless not contact the bottom. I discovered this to be an attention-grabbing design selection, and presumably provides pointless weight on the shoe. Sturdiness appears good for a race shoe with its stable rubber outsole and lug-like traction. I’ve run on gravel and barely moist street with no points.

Peter: The outsole grips very well. Type of has Nike waffle meets adidas adios (of previous) vibes. I made positive to undergo some pedals and a few tight corners and the outsole gripped properly. Put on appears minimal as I strategy 50 miles within the SC Elite 5. I feel these will put on properly as trainers and never simply as race footwear. 

Sam: I concur with the others. A extra substantial and solidly gripping outsole than traditional on a brilliant shoe. 

Triangular entrance lugs grip very well on street and gravel whereas the thick hear heel pads assist stabilize heel landings. 

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Courtney: I discovered the SC to be versatile throughout many paces. I used to be shocked to search out myself hitting 5K exercise paces as much as marathon tempo, however the query stays if I can maintain it for peak efficiency in a race. 

There may be a lot to like about this shoe, however there’s a flatness on the midfoot that takes additional vitality to push via. It is a stable selection for a more recent runner searching for a brilliant shoe, or for somebody searching for consolation and reliability over lengthy distances. I don’t suppose I might select this shoe if I used to be operating with a PR in thoughts. It lacks the aggressiveness and propulsion but it surely’s definitely a well-designed shoe I’ll put on persistently throughout coaching for its pure transitions and steady trip.  

Courtney’s Rating: 8.75 / 10

Highway: Experience (50%):8 deduction for low vitality return at forefoot

Match (30%): 9.5 stable lockdown and match. Snug

Worth (15%):9.5 Good worth and sturdiness up to now 

Type (5%) : 9.5 Clear eye catching colours 

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Peter: In plenty of methods the SC Elite 5 looks like a modernized and up to date model of one among my favourite footwear ever–the NB RC 1400. In the event you added some stack, some extra cushioning and a plate to the 1400 you simply may need the SC Elite 5. The general look and vibe feels paying homage to the 1400 for positive. 

The SC Elite looks like an ideal tempo coach and presumably a good marathon racer. It lacks the propulsiveness and vitality return of a few of my favourite plated tremendous footwear. That stated, I feel it is going to maintain up properly for every day coaching and can be a robust contender for a shoe I’d tackle a two week trip the place I had all kinds of various exercises. Total a stable, properly becoming, decently enjoyable and versatile shoe from NB. 

Peter’s Rating  9.3/10

Experience (50%): 9 Match (30%): 10 Worth (15%): 9 Type (5%): 9.5

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Sam: The SC Elite v5 is clearly now a race worthy contender after the heavier, comfortable and I might say coaching centered v2, v3 and v4 editions and in some methods, but with significantly extra cushion stack, harkens again to the v1. 

For v5 New Stability introduced the load down considerably to only over 7 oz, narrowed the platform, and introduced the drop to 8mm. All the usual elements of a high tremendous shoe.

The trip is notably and surprisingly steady for such a slender platform or any supershoe. The carbon plate rear to midfoot location close to the foot and stout heel counter and rear rubber in addition to I think about the design of the 3D Vitality Arc mix to ship the rear stability. 

That stated, I discovered the roll ahead and plunge to a toe off impeded and never significantly thrilling or snappy because the Pacer v2 is. Whereas svelte and quick in look, the v5 is handiest for me at marathon to tempo paces. I would like a decrease plate location and/or a softer and extra energetic high layer of froth to present it some extra pace pep. The PEBA FuelCell foam right here is, whereas mild and for positive delivering excellent cushion, lacks some in pleasure when wrapped across the general geometry 

The higher and look is great! Prior SC and RC uppers had been among the many busiest, elaborate and heaviest of tremendous footwear. Right here now we have a brilliant easy skinny and efficient higher in all respects: weight, match and breathability.

At $250 in 2025 worth is robust should you search a light-weight racer that may additionally practice and with a race concentrate on marathons and extra constant using stability mile after mile than pure huge smiles, pleasure and explosive return.

Sam’s Rating: 8.95 / 10

Experience (50%): 8.5 As a racer the trip lacks in pleasure, a bit flat and inflexible with out sufficient roll.   It’s as a excessive pace coach its mild weight and stability shine brightest 

Match (30%): 9.5 Easy, mild and efficient

Worth (15%): 9 Anticipated sturdiness and flexibility for coaching (and racing) are sturdy

Type (5%): 10 Easy higher joins elegant and easy design

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8 Comparisons

New Stability FC SC Elite v4 (RTR Assessment)

Sam: In contrast all through. The far lighter v5 narrower platform is clearly a extra race prepared choice with a superior higher and extra agile really feel though each share stable stability for a supershoe. If coaching is your focus, a v4 on sale remains to be a greater worth. If steady constant lengthy racing is your focus then clearly the v5.

New Stability FC SC Pacer v2 (RTR Assessment)

Sam: The significantly decrease stack 32.8 mm heel /  24.8 mm forefoot Pacer v2 is the shorter distance pace racer within the NB line up with a quick even considerably versatile and agile trip to the v5 extra regular Eddie constant distance focus. 

The v5 is a extra pleasant slower paces shoe. If you’re not at tempo kind paces the decrease stack Pacer is relatively harsh on the heel. It sits on a barely broader platform and really weighs the identical in my US8.5, so clear weight to cushion top benefit to the v5. The v5 higher is extra refined, much less stiff, lighter and extra comfy whereas equally efficient. Each true to measurement.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB (RTR Assessment)

182 grams/ 6.42 ounces US W9

Stack 40mm 32 forefoot 8mm drop

Courtney: Alternating these two footwear throughout a run was a good way to check them as they learn virtually equivalent on paper. They’ve the identical stack and drop and an analogous slender rear platform width, with the SC coming in wider on the forefoot. I discovered DNA GOLD PEBA foam to be the bouncier, extra energetic foam whereas FuelCell PEBA s firmer and extra steady.  

HE 4 PB’s carbon SpeedVault plate has a lattice work design offering a fair distribution of rigidity and stability. In contrast to the SC Elite Vitality Arc plate, the SpeedVault has a sharper curve upwards on the toe. I discovered the roll ahead was simpler with much less vitality expenditure. The Hyperion Elite 4 rolls via a bit extra simply whereas I felt a little bit of flatness within the medial forefoot within the SC. 

The uppers are fairly completely different because the HE PB has a wide-knit, porous higher with minimal padding on the heel. The SC is aimed extra at consolation and stability with strengthened padding on the heel, and barely extra sole flare on the heel and forefoot. 

On Cloudboom Strike (RTR Assessment)

Sam: The ON has an uncommon slip in high midsole of sentimental foam that sits above its carbon plate. With no layer of glue between plate and high layer of froth the On, is friendlier and simpler to roll ahead for me.I favor its softer and extra energetic trip. The v5 has a transparent higher benefit over the ON as its roomy non-stretch higher shouldn’t be as supportive or straightforward to dial in because the New Stability and general shouldn’t be as steady because the v5

Nike VaporFly 3 and 4 (RTR Assessment)

Peter: The NB SC Elite 5 and the VaporFly 4 are literally fairly related even because the Vaporly is decrease stack than the Elite. They’re each comparatively agency for tremendous footwear, they each have wonderful and easy refined uppers, they’re each quick and are enjoyable to run in. The Vaporfly could also be a bit of extra thrilling–and to make clear the SC is enjoyable, however not FUN!  The Vaporfly is lighter and a bit of snappier general. They’re each wonderful footwear. If compelled to decide on between them, I’d decide the Vaporfly to race in and the SC Elite extra for uptempo coaching. 

Sam: I agree with Peter on the Vaporfly 4 being related in trip at the same time as decrease stack though I discover the Elite v5 enjoyable for coaching as it’s mild, so properly cushioned and steady.  However for racing not a lot because it lacks impulse ahead to toe off, as does in some methods additionally the Vaporfly 4, its earlier variations Subsequent% 1-2 having loads of that with their low plate places. I might add that the Vaporfly 3 is nearer to the v5 than the Elite v5 in general trip and cushion though the New Stability is extra heel steady.

Saucony Endorphin Professional 4 (RTR Assessment)

Courtney: The Professional is comparable weight to the SC coming in at 196 grams vs the SC at 193 grams in my US girls’s 9. Each footwear characteristic a firmer trip with the Professional’s twin layer foam (PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG), and the geometry of the cambered plate within the SC using increased so nearer to the forefoot. They’ve an analogous steady really feel with 8mm drops. The Professional 4 has a wider platform on the heel with sole flares on the medial and lateral sides. The Endorphin Professional 4 has much less cushioning within the forefoot which contributed to some arch ache I skilled after I was coaching in them extra usually. Each footwear will not be fairly as snappy as opponents, however are a stable selection for coaching. 

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 (RTR Assessment)

Peter: The SC Elite 5 and the Endorphin Elite 2 are completely completely different footwear. The Endorphin is tremendous comfortable, unbelievably bouncy, wild and unstable (in a enjoyable approach). The SC Elite 5 is agency, environment friendly and steady. The Endorphin falls out of any consideration for me as a result of the higher makes my toes bleed and blister each time I put them on. Straightforward choice. SC Elite for the win 

Adidas Adizero Adios Professional 4 (RTR Assessment)

Peter: My present marathon racer of selection is the Adios Professional 4. It’s so bouncy, turns over quick and leaves me feeling contemporary on the finish of lengthy miles. The SC is firmer and never fairly as a lot enjoyable. 

Sam: I agree with Peter. The Adios Professional 4 is extra dynamic and sooner for me at shorter distances. As with many comparisons right here, whereas the Professional 4 higher is ok, clear higher win for the New Stability. Each true to measurement however may measurement down a half within the Adios.

Index to all RTR critiques: HERE

The FuelCell SC Elite 5 can be out there August 2025

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Tester Profiles

Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a school lacrosse participant turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA together with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and eight. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, successful second place in a time of 1:26. She determined to take operating a bit extra significantly, becoming a member of Depraved Working Membership and attempting some coaching plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. As well as, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She appears ahead to getting some extra energy and pace below her belt this subsequent season, earlier than taking a crack on the marathon once more. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mom to her women. 

Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner in addition to a 1:21 half marathoner in recent times.

Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Highway Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a a long time previous 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week principally at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, mountain climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he isn’t having fun with too many effective New England IPA’s.

Samples had been offered at no cost for evaluation functions. No compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought by way of procuring hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are solely the authors’.

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