New Balance SC Elite v4 Multi Tester Review: 11 Comparisons

Article by Ryan Eiler, Renee Krusemark and Nils Scharff

New Steadiness Gasoline Cell SC Elite v4 ($250)

Introduction

The New Steadiness SC Elite v4 will get all new angular/faceted geometry and much more strikingly fashionable aesthetic, a brand new PEBA primarily based Gasoline Cell foam midsole, a thinner two half Vitality Arc plate (giving the shoe a contact of snappy flex) and a brand new higher. We known as prior SC the “friendliest” tremendous shoe for its gentle, extra mellow trip and whereas it has not all the time been our favourite for racing v3 it was our contributors favourite future shoe of 2023. Nonetheless pleasant? Now extra race prepared? Let’s discover out!

Execs:

Energetic, grin-inducing midsole bounce – Ryan, Joost, Renee, Nils, Derek

Strong foot containment & extremely snug higher – Ryan, Joost

Affect fatigue minimization – Ryan, Joost, Renee, Nils, Derek

Versatility: caters to these with a comparatively upright/rear bias – Ryan

Cons:

Not sufficient drop / heel is just too gentle – Ryan

Heavier than V3 & direct opponents – Ryan, Joost, Renee, Nils

Heel lockdown wants enchancment – Ryan, Renee, Nils, Derek

Not for folk who recognize stability of their tremendous shoe – Ryan, Joost

Backside heavy really feel – Derek

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s 8.15 oz / 231g (US9)  /  ladies’s 7.19 oz / 204g (US8)

  Samples: 

          males’s: 8.47oz / 240g US9.5,  8.466oz / 240g US9.5 

             7.85 oz / 222 g US8.5 (vs.: 7.48 oz  /  213g v3)

  9.24 oz / 262g US 10.5 (vs. 242g v3)

       ladies’s: 7.19 oz/ 204g US8

Measured Stack Peak 40-34 very near spec (Derek))

Platform Width: 80 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot

$250  Obtainable February 1 2024

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Ryan: The SC Elite has advanced drastically since its introduction because the “RC Elite” in late 2020. Whereas the higher and outsole have been overhauled many instances over, what stays is the shoe’s deal with delivering the softest, most versatile cushioning among the many ‘supers’. Whereas we used to have a ‘Dynaride’ outsole, now we have now extra conventional, cheesy rubber. Whereas we used to have a softer mesh with overlays, now we have now a stronger engineered mesh with underlays. Nonetheless, the midsole throughout generations has gone from gentle and bouncy to even softer and even bouncier.

The SC Elite V4 higher has adopted a sportier, extra attention-seeking design. Whereas V3’s aesthetic was comparatively vanilla, V4’s is definitely not, with faceted geometric edges adorning the midsole and a sequence of triangular shapes adorning the brightly coloured higher in varied sizes and colours.

Ranging from the highest, we have now a powerful engineered mesh which is robust but conforms properly to the foot’s contours. The match is barely extra cosy than most marathon-style sneakers on this class, each in width and in size. Whereas I wouldn’t go as far as to name the toe field ‘slender’, it doesn’t present a ton of additional area (or give) like some others do.  This shouldn’t be an issue, apart from of us who’ve issues with their massive toe rubbing — it’s pretty cosy on the medial facet of the toe field. 

As for foot containment, there’s a semi-hidden, very efficient underlay which begins on the first eyelet, and extends rearward to the heel cup. 

Together with the sturdy, plasticky “N” brand overlays, midfoot containment is spectacular, which is nearly a necessity with a shoe this tall and spunky. I’d fee breathability as reasonable. The fabric within the toe field breathes nicely, however the underlays within the midfoot restrict airflow considerably.

Gone is the ultra-stretchy, sock-like, and ineffective tongue of v3. There’s nothing too distinctive happening with the tongue in model 4, but it surely works. 

It’s a non-gusseted, calmly brushed, neoprene-like flap of fabric with small triangular perforations all through its floor. Lacing up the shoe is fuss-free, and I didn’t have any points with the tongue bunching or sliding round.

One problem I’ve with the Elite is in regard to its heel cup. In lots of racing sneakers, we frequently see a skinny heel with a couple of strategically positioned islands of padding, or some sort of system to assist lock the heel down — however not right here. 

The construct is of reasonable sturdiness, which is ok, however there’s no important bolster like internal padding to assist seize on to the heel because it tries to elevate through the toe-off section. Whereas this isn’t a serious drawback, and it may be principally fastened by lacing with the higher eyelets, it gave me a sense that my heel wasn’t fairly securely seated.

The general results of the higher’s geometry and its supplies is a match that’s conforming but sturdy, with a bit much less quantity than a modern-day marathoning shoe.

Renee: I’ve not ran within the New Steadiness Elite since model 1, which was a completely completely different shoe than any of its successors. At The Working Occasion, I noticed the Elite v4 and thought it appeared too excessive by way of stack for me. The upcoming Pacer appeared extra approachable. 

Nonetheless, when the Elite v4 arrived for evaluation, they appeared far much less obtrusive. For evaluation, I ran a ten mile tempo, strides, 1 mile repeats, half mile repeats, and a hilly 5k. Runs had been on gravel, pavement, and a treadmill.

The higher seems to be race-ready. I had some points with the tongue slipping. As others be aware, the heel doesn’t have as a lot padding related as different racing/plated sneakers. I used the highest eyelet to get a superb maintain, however the tongue is brief and the laces sit throughout my toes as an alternative of throughout the tongue. Utilizing a runner’s knot or looping again by way of the second eyelets helps. With low quantity toes and a slender heel, the higher wasn’t good, however I nonetheless discovered it snug and I don’t suppose the match affected my operating or paces. 

Nils: First of: I completely dig the geometric look, the loud colours, the 80s vibe of the brand new SC Elite. It is a shoe that helps you’re feeling quick and due to this fact run quick. The skinny and translucent mesh is ethereal and suits my fairly slender toes completely. In comparison with the remainder of the higher the tongue lacks just a little bit of affection because it’s only a skinny flap of fabric – non gusseted and it’s not padded. But it surely hasn’t bothered me in any respect throughout my check runs – so i suppose it is effective. The heel and entry part of the SC Elite is all padded throughout and due to this fact gives the look of an uptempo coach and never an all out racer. 

As I’m experiencing just a little little bit of heel rubbing regardless of utilizing the lace lock technique I would want for a unique strategy within the heel part. Much less general padding protection however extra at strategically essential locations. It’s a little bit of a disgrace as the remainder of the SC Elite makes for among the finest becoming and comfiest tremendous sneakers for me personally.

Midsole & Platform

Ryan: This is without doubt one of the most exuberant midsole stacks on the market. For those who don’t like a shoe that feels tall, giddy, and typically even a bit unstable, it’s possible you’ll wish to contemplate different choices. But when your recreation is to search out the bounciest, most energetic midsole round, you gained’t be dissatisfied.

The grade of FuelCell foam used right here is certainly on the gentle finish of the spectrum. And while you think about that the large ‘Vitality Arc’ cavity below the heel removes about 30% of the amount on the rear of the shoe, it’s no shock that the heel feels extraordinarily deep. 

The forefoot shares no such cavity, and likewise feels exorbitantly gentle, however not as unfastened because the cut up heel. 

The midsole has a big rocker form to it, which assists properly in getting the load off of the heel and onto the forefoot. 

One other side which is a large win right here is the FuelCell’s capacity to scale back fatigue throughout lengthy, exhausting runs. For instance, I ran a exercise of three x 3 miles at my half marathon tempo, and felt none of that ‘banged up’ feeling the next day, which I typically do. There’s a lot softness and safety right here that it’s exhausting to not love.

With solely a 4mm drop, I discovered the gentle heel to be barely problematic for my mid/forefoot targeted strike. Such an enormous depth of cushioning on the rear of the shoe with out an 8-10mm drop left me pushing off from a place that was extra rear-biased than I most well-liked. 

That mentioned, for folk who heel strike or don’t bias as far ahead, this trip dynamic might be preferable. This attribute additionally helps the SC Elite carry the torch as arguably essentially the most versatile tremendous shoe in the marketplace. I wouldn’t seize it for a restoration run, however the softness + rocker combo lets it deal with a wider vary of paces than its opponents.

My guess is that New Steadiness is deliberately concentrating on a unique phase of the marathon phase right here — one which prefers a enjoyable, gentle (however nonetheless extremely performing) trip over a extra tenacious and nuanced one (e.g, Nike and Adidas).

Renee: Surprisingly, these sneakers by no means felt as excessive stacked as they’re. Even on gravel, I had no points with stability. With the low drop and vast forefoot platform, the sneakers felt pure with a midfoot strike. I can perceive how a quick, sturdy forefoot to toe strike runner won’t profit from the large stack. On steep grade hills, the forefoot touchdown feels a lot decrease than it’s, however then the large underfoot stack of the heel is pointless. 

My 10-mile tempo was just below 7-minute/miles, my half mile repeats had been at 6:30 to six:40 minute mile tempo. Even my stride paces are usually round a 5 minute/mile tempo. For a 7:30 to eight minute mile marathon tempo (or extra), I believe the midsole is extra approachable than it seems to be so long as the low drop shouldn’t be a difficulty for the runner. I agree that the midsole helps decrease fatigue, perhaps extra so than different tremendous sneakers. 

Nils: As I’m a fore- to midfoot strike I ought to in idea expertise the identical “low heel” as Ryan describes. I don’t understand how and why, however I simply don’t. The 4mm heel drop paired with the large rocker feels simply pure to me and my stride and transitions very easily from marathon tempo all the way in which all the way down to 3k effort. The elevated weight wasn’t noticeable in any respect. 

I agree with Ryan and Renee that the brand new PEBA primarily based Gasoline Cell may be very snug and leg saving. This alone makes for a really, very succesful coaching companion. The underfoot really feel of the froth / outsole combo jogged my memory a whole lot of the PWRRUN Pb mix that Saucony makes use of within the Endorphin Professional v3 – very gentle and sort of bites into the asphalt.

Outsole

Ryan: There’s extra rubber right here than in v3, which is a welcome improve. They’ve gone and lined up the EnergyArc plate within the forefoot, which was beforehand seen and guarded by a patch of rubber.

SC Elite v3 outsole

Now, we have now three wholesome strips of rubber within the forefoot, in addition to two pretty beneficiant patches defending the FuelCell midsole on the rear. 

That is possible one of many causes for the shoe’s slight weight acquire.

I believe the structure and composition of the outsole are properly executed and assist to stabilize issues a bit, whereas delivering a easy trip. There’s no ‘slappy’ sensation on affect, and the rubber patches permit weight switch with out exposing a lot of the midsole. The rear, lateral patch of rubber has its work minimize out for it given how softness and isolation of that a part of the midsole.

Grip is unbelievable, and you may really feel the rubber actually working in opposition to the asphalt while you crank up the tempo, with the uber-soft midsole making it work time beyond regulation. Given the thickness of the rubber and the way in which it’s laid out, I doubt sturdiness will likely be a difficulty right here.

Renee: As Ryan wrote, the Elite v4 has loads of protection on the outsole. Positive, this makes the shoe heavier than different plated racing choices, however it’s going to enhance the sturdiness and longevity of the shoe. Given the stack and gentle midsole, I believe the shoe works nicely as a racer and future coach. The outsole helps with these functions. Ryan makes a superb level concerning the lack of a “slappy sensation,” which means the transition is easy no matter tempo. I felt this essentially the most on steep grade hills. Partly this can be attributable to the truth that in contrast to most different supershoes the v4 has some flex up entrance. The cutout is vast and excessive sufficient that I didn’t have gravel wedge into the world. Throughout mild rain on gravel/filth, I had some anticipated filth wedge into the small grooves, however didn’t have any put on on the uncovered midsole sections.

Nils: Whereas I had some sturdiness considerations with the uncovered foam within the SC Elite v3 that is gone within the new iteration. The outsole protection is loads as is the thickness of the rubber patches. And whereas it contributes to the load acquire the outsole is built-in very properly and blends completely into the below foot expertise.

Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions

Ryan: The trip begins with the shoe’s signature plunge down into the bottomless FuelCell on the heel. The skinny, tall phase of froth on the lateral facet of the heel is initially essentially the most noticeable a part of this expertise, because it compresses massively. Subsequent up, the stiffness of the ridged ‘Vitality Arc’ plate kicks in to stabilize issues and assist construct vitality into the toe-off section. The large stack of forefoot foam may be very noticeable, and permits the foot to sink in because it rolls ahead. For me, this was each a profit, because it made for a extremely protecting and pleasing trip, in addition to a disadvantage, because it delivered a slower, ‘goopier’ transition off of the tremendous gentle heel.

Whereas the plate within the rear of the shoe is as stiff as a board, the forefoot part has a little bit of flex, and isn’t as stiff as a lot of its opponents. As you’ll be able to discover in among the photographs, the midsole’s form underfoot is decidedly rockered, and has just one small part that is likely to be thought of flat. 

I see this as a good move by the designers, and a transparent admission {that a} racing shoe this gentle wants to stay targeted on transferring ahead, and never simply upward. This form is an enormous assist when transitioning the shoe from heel to toe, and assists in transferring weight onto the forefoot.

I’d describe the trip as maximally bouncy, if a bit unstable, and best for folk preferring to run with their weight extra upright or barely biased towards the heel. Personally, I believe the shoe wants much more drop or a stiffer midsole on the heel, as I felt like I used to be sinking too far again into the FuelCell midsole. However that’s simply my opinion — I believe a whole lot of of us may recognize this attribute!

This model of NB’s marathon specialist will get some very welcome upgrades over v3. It’s a bit heavier, sure, but it surely’s cushioning and vitality return arguably make the additional weight worthwhile.

If I needed to fee the SC Elite v4 on enjoyable issue alone, it’d be practically a ten. The midsole is among the many deepest, softest, and most protecting on the market. However it is a racing shoe in any case, so I’ve to dock a couple of tenths for the aforementioned nitpicks. Sizing is cosy for a marathon shoe, however very snug.

Ryan’s Rating: 9.3 (Deductions for heel softness, not sufficient drop, heel lockdown, weight acquire)

Smiles Rating: 😊😊😊😊😊

Renee: The trip, as Ryan wrote, is pleasing: protecting, enjoyable, and easy. The stack is excessive and the drop is low. Whereas this may decelerate quicker runners, it really works nicely for me. The one time I felt the awkwardness of the stack and drop was on steep grade hills after I was touchdown tougher and quicker from a forefoot to toe off touchdown. On delicate and flat terrain, I’m touchdown extra on the midfoot and the shoe feels cushioned but responsive for efforts from strides to mid-distance tempo paces. 

I had no points with stability, and that’s possible due to my common (not quick) paces and touchdown from the midfoot. I completely perceive Ryan’s be aware about needing extra drop and extra stiffness. For quicker efforts, I’d in all probability select the VF3 or a decrease stack and better drop shoe. Nonetheless, I’m not fully certain I can preserve a quick (quick for me) tempo on the marathon distance in the mean time. 

If I had hesitation about tempo and needed a superb mixture of consolation and velocity, I’d select the Elite v4 over another choice. Maybe the one problem can be the general weight. I’ll be curious if the upcoming SC Pacer 2 is identical shoe by way of trip traits with much less weight and fewer stack as its stats and supplies appear to point. 

Renee’s Rating: 9.6/10 (-.30 higher match, i.e. tongue/heel lock, .30 weight for a racer)

😊😊😊😊😊

Nils: There’s loads to love right here – actually! The large midsole might be the chunkiest I’ve skilled in any shoe to this point besides the adidas Prime X 2. And this makes for a extremely good comparability as we additionally acquired an enchancment in bounce and vitality return in alternate for a weight acquire. For the adidas I wasn’t certain if I’m keen to take that commerce off, however right here I’d positively go for it. 

The trip is buttery easy and transitions very nicely – even at virtually all out efforts. You’ll be able to’t get extra leg safety. Stability is ok regardless of all that stack top and flexibility is nice because the nicely tuned rocker will get you transferring over all kinds of paces. Even the outsole works nicely by way of paces and sturdiness. It’s easy and quiet – a profit that makes it stand out from the competitors. 

All in all of the SC Elite is a really good replace to New Steadiness’s racer. Whereas I used to be an enormous fan of the v3 for coaching however would by no means suggest it for racing I can now wholeheartedly do the latter for the v4. And whereas it’s nonetheless essentially the most approachable tremendous shoe in the marketplace it’s lastly as succesful as many of the competitors.

Nils’ Rating: 9.6/10 (slight deductions for weight and heel lockdown)

😊😊😊😊😊

11 Comparisons

Index to all RTR critiques: HERE 

New Steadiness SC Elite v3 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils:  In my guide the v3 by no means was the quickest of the tremendous sneakers, however in all probability the comfiest. I wouldn’t ever race in it personally however adore it for longer exercises and even lengthy runs. The v4 alternatively continues to be is sort of as snug however packs much more punch below foot. The froth feels just a little denser now and never as mushy, the geometry is a bit more aggressive however nonetheless very approachable and the outsole is a complete lot higher. Lastly NB is a shoe that may compete with the remainder of the business! Each TTS.

Ryan: Whereas the trip of v4 caters to an identical sort of runner as v3, it provides much more of that deep, inviting cushioning felt underfoot. The higher has been improved in each seems to be and efficiency, with higher lockdown because of v4 ditching the sock-like tongue of v3, which relied too closely on the laces for securement. 

We nonetheless have a midsole which touches the softest finish of the ‘supers’ spectrum, thanks partly to the cavity of the ‘Vitality Arc’ design on the heel. As with the earlier model, I believe this shoe nonetheless caters to of us preferring to love to roll by way of their transition and don’t just like the prescriptive nature of among the extra aggressive choices on the market.

The outsole of v4 picks up a bit extra rubber throughout, and not sees the Vitality Arc channel lengthen up into the forefoot (there was a rubber rock guard on the plate in v3). There’s extra rubber underfoot, possible a supply of v4’s weight acquire, and it makes for a extra sturdy and sturdy toe off, if not fairly as fast at turning over.

All in all, v4 has some good enhancements over v3, so for those who had been a fan of the earlier mannequin, there’s extra of the identical good things right here from final yr.

Nike Vaporfly 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: The VF3 is a lighter shoe (162 grams in comparison with 204 grams in my ladies’s dimension 8), with a better drop and fewer stack. The VF3 works higher for shorter velocity exercises and is a better option for quite a lot of racing distances (5k and up). On the marathon distance (at my speeds), I would select the Elite v4 over the VF3 if I wanted extra cushion underfoot and was not assured about sustaining an honest tempo. 

Nils: VF3 feels just a little extra cushioned below the forefoot in comparison with earlier iterations however has nowhere close to the large entrance stack of the Elite v4. If quick turnover and tempo adjustments are your precedence,  VF3 is the way in which to go. However if you’re in search of locking in a tempo and bounce alongside for hours the NB is likely to be the higher alternative. Each TTS.

Ryan: Renee says it nicely — the VF3 is certainly extra velocity targeted, with a decrease inertia and a snappier turnover. Whereas the New Steadiness favors a gait that focuses on rolling from heel to toe (see its rockered form), the Nike works higher with extra of a midfoot hit, adopted by a fast toe-off. 

Within the forefoot, the VF has a closely perforated/ventilated mesh, which has higher breathability and feels a bit extra pliable than the engineered mesh of the SCEv4. Additionally value mentioning is that the Vaporfly doesn’t share the semi-flexible forefoot that the NB possesses — as an alternative, it stays stiff all through the stride, and its forefoot stack and better drop are noticeable.

The Vaporfly is the superior performer in my eyes, because it manages to ship leg-saving cushioning with out sacrificing trip effectivity. All that mentioned, regardless of its cult-like following, the VF nonetheless isn’t for everybody, and the SC Elite will be the more sensible choice for these in search of as a lot cushioning and/or bounciness as doable. Each match true to dimension.

Adidas Adios Professional 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: For sizing, the Professional 3 is unisex. I wore a US males’s 7/ladies’s 8, which felt extra like a ladies’s 8.5. Even then, the Professional 3 is barely lighter in weight (197g as in comparison with 204g). Due to the sizing, the higher wasn’t tremendous safe for me, but it surely’s snug and I had no points with the tongue slipping as I did within the Elite v4. The Professional 3 has extra drop (6.5mm in comparison with 4mm-ish) and a stronger rocker from a forefoot touchdown. Given the stack heights, each sneakers work finest for longer distances.

Nils: AP3 has a steeper however shorter rocker upfront and the lateral motion of the Vitality Rods make it very secure in comparison with any plated racer. Each sneakers are glorious for cruising at marathon or half marathon tempo, however I choose the New Steadiness for the even deeper cushioning, the decrease drop and a extra snug higher.

 

Ryan: There’s some persona overlap right here, in that each of those supply an incredible provide of depth and bounce for the longest of runs, and so they are available in at practically the identical weight.

They differ of their trip traits nevertheless, with the SCEv4 favoring a rockered, heel to toe roll, and the Adidas preferring it while you mash the midfoot and snap off of the toe. The Lightstrike Professional foam of the Adios Professional is firmer and extra responsive, which in my view makes it really feel extra explosive and secure at race tempo efforts. They each get the job executed properly, however the Adios Professional v3 is extra deliberate however barely much less pleasant because of this. Each uppers function sturdy however pliable meshes, with the Adidas providing a couple of further supportive overlays within the forefoot. Except for minor heel lockdown points within the NB, the SCEv4 edges out the Adios Professional on consolation by a bit. As for the outsole, the SCEv4 has a heartier serving of rubber as in comparison with the AP3s thinner, smoother rubber, however each work very nicely and are exhausting to fault.

I choose the adidas for its increased drop, explosiveness, and extra tenacious persona.

Nike Alphafly 2 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: AF2 was sort of a miss for me. I ran the Hamburg marathon in it and PR’d, however I additionally blew up and simply didn’t  a superb expertise. I pulled it again out throughout my fall marathon prep however couldn’t do away with the clunky really feel below foot. The segregation between forefoot and heel is way more obvious to me in AF2 in comparison with AF1. Subsequently, I choose the SC Elite v4, because it gives the identical quantity of bounce however packed in a a lot smoother trip. Each TTS.

Nike Alphafly 1 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: AF1 is an all time basic and my favourite racer thus far (I’m nonetheless ready for my AF3 pattern). It is just like the NB in drop and forefoot bounce. However the AF is far lighter, the Air pods rebound quicker below the forefoot and due to this fact the shoe feels extra explosive. The large stack of froth below the Elite v4 wants extra time to journey, however feels loads smoother below foot attributable to a milder and longer rocker, some flex and a significantly better outsole rubber. For those who can’t stand the “taptaptap” of the AF, take the NB and don’t look again. Heel strikers are in all probability higher off with the NB as nicely. Each TTS.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: I’ve a males’s/unisex 6.5 within the Sky+ and discover it akin to a ladies’s dimension 8 within the Elite v4. At 39mm/34mm stack, the Sky+ is just like the Elite v4 by way of cushion and drop. The midsole of the Elite v4 is a contact extra forgiving and softer, and the shoe is a bit heavier. For quicker efforts at quite a lot of distances, the Sky+ may work higher. I would choose the Elite v4 by way of consolation underfoot. The rocker within the Sky+ is extra obvious and I discovered the Elite v4 to really feel extra conventional and person pleasant (so long as the low drop shouldn’t be a difficulty). 

Nils: The ASICS is sort of just like the NB by way of stack and drop, however is available in a lot lighter. The Metaspeed’s higher is much less secure and doesn’t have fairly the lockdown of the SC Elite. I even had some points with my foot medially hanging over the midsole as soon as I used to be fatigued. 

Moreover you clearly can sense the excessive plate place within the midsole which may get uncomfortable over longer distances. For these causes the Metaspeed caps out on the half marathon distance for me. 

The NB as an alternative is comfortable as hell and has a extra secure higher. Subsequently I might take the Metaspeed as much as 10k for a lighter and snappier expertise, however choose the cushion and bounce of the SC Elite for half and full Marathons. Each TTS. 

Saucony Endorphin Professional 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The EP3 gives a really related expertise to the VF. It is a mild and fairly nimble (lengthy distance) racer. For those who choose increased drops and quicker turnover you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with the EP. The SC Elite really gives a really related feeling midsole / outsole combo. The squish of the froth and chunk of the outsole may be very reminiscent. However within the NB you get way more below foot and with {that a} bouncier and extra protecting trip. The higher additionally suits higher round my fairly slender foot – the EP3 had fairly some quantity particularly upfront, which restricted the lockdown. SC Elite can be my alternative for the longer stuff, whereas the EP3 has its limits between 10k and HM. Each TTS.

XTEP 160x 3.0 Professional (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The XTEP is a Chinese language tremendous shoe that no one is ready to pay money for. It’s the closest factor I’ve ever skilled to my beloved Alphafly 1 and solely its barely decrease weight made me persist with the Alphafly. 

By way of the trip the SC Elite is nearly in a position to sustain with each of these large sneakers. It is the identical quantity of enjoyable however perhaps a contact much less aggressive and environment friendly. It even has the smoothest transitions out of these three, particularly at barely slower paces. 

Sadly each the XTEP and the NB each are a superb chunk heavier than AF 1 which is their solely main draw back. Each are fabulous sneakers and share a whole lot of their nice attributes – good match, nice outsole, bouncy, enjoyable trip. Take the XTEP if a extra aggressive trip is your cup of tea – the NB for a extra mellow strategy. Each TTS.

Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 1 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The Quick-R gives a gentle and energetic foam beneath the forefoot however makes use of a extra inflexible EVA within the heel space to stabilize it and push the runner (quicker) in the direction of the forefoot. This works tremendously nicely and makes for a secure trip and really quick transitions. As its plate can also be very aggressive the PUMA is nice for shorter distance races (5-10k) or longer intervals. 

As distances get longer the NB clearly will get the sting with its bottomless cushioning. It is also bouncier, a much better lengthy distance cruiser and extra enjoyable to run in. Each TTS.

361 Livid Future (RTR Evaluate)

Ryan: Except for a mountain of very gentle midsole underfoot, these two sneakers go about their enterprise in pretty disparate manners. The 361 is a extra radical, much less versatile sort of trip, because of its decoupled heel and forefoot, in addition to its extremely stiff plate spanning the size of the shoe. I didn’t discover it practically as simple to roll by way of the Livid Future’s midsole, and thought that it labored higher with a flatter/midfoot foot strike. 

Against this, the NBs steady slab of luxuriously gentle FuelCell invitations you to roll it from heel to toe with out problem. Whereas the NB has a contact of flex in its forefoot, the 361 stays remarkably stiff.

Each uppers are very succesful at foot containment with extremely sturdy engineered mesh designs. The Livid Future makes use of a ‘tongue’ that may be very harking back to v3 of the SC Elite, which is actually a sock-like panel beneath the laces, offering consolation however not construction. I’m glad that the SCEv4 ditched this design as it may be liable to bunching. 

Though the 361 has superior lockdown general — particularly within the heel — the NB wins on consolation. Underfoot, the rubber of the 361 is firmer, which is audibly noticeable, as in comparison with the extra buttery contact that the softer rubber of the NB delivers. Remember the fact that there’s a important worth distinction of $70 (the 361 is $180) , and that the 361 runs fairly a bit longer. 

On Cloudboom Echo 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Ryan: Whereas the stack of the On makes it really feel extra like a 10k-half type of shoe — responsive and poppy — the NB gives a ton extra depth of cushion for longer distances, though its further 1 oz / 28g of weight is noticeable on foot.

I’d argue that the higher of the NB is extra refined and gives superior foot containment in all the best locations. By comparability, the On higher feels skinny and easy, however admittedly evokes that clear, Swiss look that has gained the corporate an incredible following in a brief period of time.

Unsurprisingly, the decrease, firmer stack of the Cloudboom generates a extra responsive trip with a quicker turnover. Against this, the New Steadiness feels a lot much less secure however gives a far better quantity of cushion.

The outsole of the SCEv4 is definitely higher in my opinion, because it’s beneficiant serving to of cheesy rubber grips and stabilizes, whereas the Cloudboom appears just a little too minimalistic — I’ve seen the outsole across the small patches of heel rubber degrade considerably. 

All that mentioned, the On is probably going the higher performer for shorter efforts, whereas the NB appears to excel at these lengthy exhausting efforts the place affect fatigue can creep in.

The New Steadiness SC Elite v4 will likely be out there February 1st, 2024

NEW BALANCE

Tester Profiles

Ryan Eller A hopeless soccer profession led Ryan to take up operating, and after taking a decade-long break from competing, he’s again racking up mileage each time he can.  He calls the 2018 Boston Marathon the toughest race of his life, the place he completed in 2:40, barely remembering his identify on the end line.  Extra not too long ago he solo time trialed the 2020-2021 tremendous sneakers, typically sub quarter-hour for 5K. Ryan has a PR of two:17:16, an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier from the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon after two different 2:18 efforts within the final yr.

Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of operating and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually exhausting. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, which means mud, gravel, filth, hills, and the occasional subject. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Nils:  33 years previous. Heilbronn, Germany.. My younger operating profession simply began 6 years in the past with an organization run which I joined along with some colleagues in 2017. I ran roughly 1000km in my first yr, doubled after which tripled that quantity in 2018 and 2019. I’ve run 6 marathons thus far with a marathon PR of two:46.  My different PRs are 17:32 for the 5k, 36:15 for 10k and 1:17 for the half.