I don't know how else to describe these shoes than to simply call them "fun". For context, I don't do many long-long runs - I hover around 3-5 miles per day, 3-5 days per week. I've been struggling to run since I've been dealing with some physical health issues, including some minor but persistent knee pain. Also, I have never tried a pair of these "performance enhancing" shoes (for lack of a better word) so I'll be comparing them to the ones that I typically wear, aka Brooks Adrenaline and Brooks Ghost. First of all, I love how these shoes look, the photos don't do them justice. The colors pop in real life and I'm a big fan of the "sharp" design, the streaks of color, etc. I especially love the neon green laces, but that leads me to my first of a few small problems ... MoreI don't know how else to describe these shoes than to simply call them "fun". For context, I don't do many long-long runs - I hover around 3-5 miles per day, 3-5 days per week. I've been struggling to run since I've been dealing with some physical health issues, including some minor but persistent knee pain. Also, I have never tried a pair of these "performance enhancing" shoes (for lack of a better word) so I'll be comparing them to the ones that I typically wear, aka Brooks Adrenaline and Brooks Ghost. First of all, I love how these shoes look, the photos don't do them justice. The colors pop in real life and I'm a big fan of the "sharp" design, the streaks of color, etc. I especially love the neon green laces, but that leads me to my first of a few small problems I have with these: for such an expensive shoe, these aren't the best laces. They're thin, too short to properly facilitate a runner's knot, and I worry that I'll accidentally rip them while tying them. They do the job but they really should be better. On a similar note, I don't love the shape and size of the tongue, it tends to get lost under the laces. Back to the positives, these shoes just *feel* good. While I've never worn a pair of running shoes like this, I do own a pair of walking shoes with this same "rolling" design, so I'm familiar with the concept of a shoe kind of propelling you forward as you move. But there's just something about the springiness of these that feels so good, it's such a cool feeling. At some points today I was running so fast that I had to completely stop and breathe. These aren't going to suddenly have you sprinting from place to place but they comfortably shaved about 10-15 seconds off of each mile I ran, and I wasn't really trying to go far beyond my normal speed. It really just feels fun, like I said - today I only planned to run 4 miles, but I ended up going up to 5.5, just because I was enjoying myself. Due to the physical health issues I mentioned, I haven't felt that way in a very long time, where I've actually wanted to go *more* rather than less! The inside of the shoes are nice and plush and comfortable, I'd say that the shoes have an overall medium-firm feeling to them. They're light and airy but it doesn't feel like running on clouds, either, it felt like what I'm used to with my Brooks but with the nice bouncy effect (I expected them to be much lighter). I will say that I struggled to decide which size to pick - I normally wear 10.5 but sometimes wear 11, and I ended up going with 11, which I do regret. They fit just fine but I do have to tighten them more than I do with my Brooks, so I would say that these are true to size and to buy the size you normally wear. All-in-all I love these shoes, a few minor quibbles don't detract from such a well-made, supportive, fun pair of racers like this. How do they stack up against other performance enhancing runners? Honestly I have no idea. But I can say with confidence that they are a nice pair to own in addition to my normal running shoes, for those days where I want to go for faster times and longer runs. Based on that - as well as the design and the feel and the durability - I can highly recommend them.

The NB Fuel Cell SuperComp Elite (v4) is easily at the top of the list for running shoes that I have worn. New Balance has struck a fantastic balance in these runners. They are comfortable for short and long distance runs. The foam cushion is far superior to any other that I’ve worn. I was hesitant to believe these would be suitable for me and boy was I surprised! My exercise is anywhere from walking, short and long distance running, obstacle course racing, HIIT, or CrossFit. To me, these runners are the perfect shoe for short and long distance running. There is a notable difference in my performance and recovery when using these SuperComp Elites. I would not personally select them for only walking and the cushion is not ideal for HIIT or CrossFit. If you like or ... MoreThe NB Fuel Cell SuperComp Elite (v4) is easily at the top of the list for running shoes that I have worn. New Balance has struck a fantastic balance in these runners. They are comfortable for short and long distance runs. The foam cushion is far superior to any other that I’ve worn. I was hesitant to believe these would be suitable for me and boy was I surprised! My exercise is anywhere from walking, short and long distance running, obstacle course racing, HIIT, or CrossFit. To me, these runners are the perfect shoe for short and long distance running. There is a notable difference in my performance and recovery when using these SuperComp Elites. I would not personally select them for only walking and the cushion is not ideal for HIIT or CrossFit. If you like or are wanting to try runners that have a rolling sole, look no further. These are the shoes you want to take for a test drive! And as an added bonus, the color is fantastic!

Cushion + Propulsion = Win

I have a different brand of carbon plated shoes that I've used for marathons and half-marathons, but felt like I needed something with more cushion for my first Ironman. Reviews suggested that the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 had that good mix of cushion and propulsion, and they were right-- this carbon plated shoe is perfect if you are looking for that responsive carbon plate feel with a softer cushier landing. Some reviews indicated problems with the tongue, laces, not being able to "lock in," etc., but I did not experience that at all. Perfect fit, zero blisters, fast and comfortable race shoe. Would highly recommend for triathletes and any long distance road races.

Great shoe with some flaws

Overall this is a great shoe for workouts and race day. The foam is responsive and the plate gives the shoe the structure it needs to keep it stable. The only problem I have is the tongue... Others have highlighted this and it's a real problem. Because it's not gusseted, and because the material is so thin and flimsy, it falls down the side of my foot on every run. It hasn't caused a problem yet (my longest run has been 9 miles with 800m repeats), but I could see it being a problem on longer runs. For the next iteration, I would fix the tongue and try to shave some weight, otherwise it's a great shoe.

Great update to an elite race shoe

I’ve been wearing NB race flats for decades now, and when the first carbon plate version came out a few years back I was instantly hooked. Since then and continuing with this V4 model, they’ve gotten better and better. I’m a very avid, semi-competitive distance runner, running anywhere from 25-30 races every year, including 3 of those each year being full marathons. I also run 7 days a week training. So my shoes get put through the wringer and I expect the best. After doing this for 25 years now (and being 25 years older too obviously) I don’t necessarily expect to hit new PR times anymore. But, in the past year and wearing the Elite V4 and the previous V3, I’ve had new PR’s for no fewer than 3 different distances. I’ve always loved the high-stack cushion of this ... MoreI’ve been wearing NB race flats for decades now, and when the first carbon plate version came out a few years back I was instantly hooked. Since then and continuing with this V4 model, they’ve gotten better and better. I’m a very avid, semi-competitive distance runner, running anywhere from 25-30 races every year, including 3 of those each year being full marathons. I also run 7 days a week training. So my shoes get put through the wringer and I expect the best. After doing this for 25 years now (and being 25 years older too obviously) I don’t necessarily expect to hit new PR times anymore. But, in the past year and wearing the Elite V4 and the previous V3, I’ve had new PR’s for no fewer than 3 different distances. I’ve always loved the high-stack cushion of this line, but what really gives it power is the recoil of energy you get from the carbon fiber plate. The lightweight materials overall throughout the shoe also help a lot. My only criticisms are that the price is a little on the high side, and the lightweight nature of the foam cushion means that they can wear out a little faster than some other shoe types. But for what these have done performance-wise I say they’re worth it. Especially if you’ve never experienced them before. I highly recommend them.

Incredible - wide option a bonus

Immediately struck by the boinginess (scientific term) of the foam, and the firm, encouraging response from the carbon plate. These shoes want to GO! they feel a bit tippy when you first put them on and walk around, but after a few min at tempo they disappear underneath you. The upper is light and very comfortable, but takes a few times to get the laces right. And finally, for a wide foot like mine, the 2E is amazing - just enough room without swimming. Nicely done NB! Don't know anyone else with a wide option for carbon super-shoes

Narrow even in 2E width

There is a lot to love about the shoe. However, the sizing across the SuperComp range is not consistent. I bought an 11-2E because that was my size in my newly purchased Rebel v4. These feel materially different on the inside — smaller in both length and width than the Rebels even in same size. I have run 50 miles in the SCEv4’s and at any run over 10 miles the lack of width catches and length up with me. I have found my toes hurting. I like running in these for shorter distances, but the benefits of the new foam are not enough to make me want to run a marathon in these vs. other options. I had high hopes but think these are just not the right shoes for me.

Ravaged my Achilles

I have had 2 pairs of super shoes before (different brand), but wanted to try new balance this time because of blisters with the others. I have wider shorter feet. These shoes RAVAGED my Achilles tendons, which I previously had zero problems with. My ankle and Achilles is so swollen and I ran much slower than my fitness in my marathon because of the discomfort. The shoes also lack the spring and pop of other carbon shoes. Just be sure you love them and they will work for you before you wear them in a marathon. You can't return them and they were an epic failure for me.

Very, very good race shoe... Lacks pop.

I would really give this a 4.5. Ran a half marathon in them today and I PR'ed! Very comfortable and stable, no real foot pain and my feet feel much better after than when I have run similar distances in Vaporflys.That being said they do lack that supershoe/carbon plate pop I have experienced with Vaporflys and even the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. Perhaps shaving a few ounces would make a difference here. While the heavier shoe was obviously not a hindrance, when I went into my kick the uplift was gradual and I did not feel like the shoe was responding like others.I would say if my feet and ankles feel great heading into my October marathon, I may choose the Vaporflys just to bang out the best race possible. But if not, I feel very good about running a very good ... MoreI would really give this a 4.5. Ran a half marathon in them today and I PR'ed! Very comfortable and stable, no real foot pain and my feet feel much better after than when I have run similar distances in Vaporflys.That being said they do lack that supershoe/carbon plate pop I have experienced with Vaporflys and even the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. Perhaps shaving a few ounces would make a difference here. While the heavier shoe was obviously not a hindrance, when I went into my kick the uplift was gradual and I did not feel like the shoe was responding like others.I would say if my feet and ankles feel great heading into my October marathon, I may choose the Vaporflys just to bang out the best race possible. But if not, I feel very good about running a very good conservative race plan with these.Two more minor issues: 1) Return policy is terrible. I wouldn't return these, but come on, this policy is not competitive. 2) Gusseted tongue would be appreciated.