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!

Best carbon plates shoes on the market!

These shoes are MAGIC! I loved every minute I trained and ran in these. They kept my legs fresh through the entire 2024 NYC marathon. I noticed a huge difference in the energy return… I normally have to take a few walking breaks during my long runs, but during the marathon, I didn’t feel the need to walk once! These shoes are truly the real deal! If you struggle with blisters in carbon plated shoes like I do, these will suit you well! I have a bit of a wider toe box and I felt no discomfort. I wore KT tape on my hot blister spots to be safe, but I almost didn’t even need it! I did run roughly 16-18 miles in these before me marathon to test them out and make sure I didn’t have any surprises, but I think the next time, I’ll only do my shakeout run in them prior to my ... MoreThese shoes are MAGIC! I loved every minute I trained and ran in these. They kept my legs fresh through the entire 2024 NYC marathon. I noticed a huge difference in the energy return… I normally have to take a few walking breaks during my long runs, but during the marathon, I didn’t feel the need to walk once! These shoes are truly the real deal! If you struggle with blisters in carbon plated shoes like I do, these will suit you well! I have a bit of a wider toe box and I felt no discomfort. I wore KT tape on my hot blister spots to be safe, but I almost didn’t even need it! I did run roughly 16-18 miles in these before me marathon to test them out and make sure I didn’t have any surprises, but I think the next time, I’ll only do my shakeout run in them prior to my race because I just trust the quality and fit so much now. They’re amazing!

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 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.

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.

Stay True to Size. Do Not Size Up

This is a great shoe but it fits a bit loose. I usually go a half size up with my running shoes and do just fine. This is the first time that sizing a half size up went wrong for me. I went a half size up with the Fuel Cell Elite v4's and I really regret it. I should have got these in a 12 instead of a 12.5. It fits kind of loose but I make due by tying it down tightly. Next time, I will return immediately if it's not a perfect fit. I was so excited to try this shoe, and returning it would have been a big hasssle since I currently live in a very remote location. So I ended up keeping it. Don't make the mistake I did. Stay true to size.

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.

Works even for more average paces

This is my first “super shoe,” and it does make a difference in pace, even thigh I am a slower runner (tad over an 8 minute/mile pace for the half marathon), and I do heal strike. At the same pace as my normal trainers, I have a measurably lower heart rate according to my Garmin. I do notice additional “bounce”, and there is a very obvious rocker rolling you through each step. I have tried some other rockered shoes that feel tippy over the balls of your foot - but thankfully this one avoids that tippy feeling. The carbon plate does make it less soft on foot than it looks given all this thick foam. I will only be using this for races, not casual runs - it’s simply not as cushioned as a normal trainer. I am happy to find that this fits similar to other NB shoes and is ... MoreThis is my first “super shoe,” and it does make a difference in pace, even thigh I am a slower runner (tad over an 8 minute/mile pace for the half marathon), and I do heal strike. At the same pace as my normal trainers, I have a measurably lower heart rate according to my Garmin. I do notice additional “bounce”, and there is a very obvious rocker rolling you through each step. I have tried some other rockered shoes that feel tippy over the balls of your foot - but thankfully this one avoids that tippy feeling. The carbon plate does make it less soft on foot than it looks given all this thick foam. I will only be using this for races, not casual runs - it’s simply not as cushioned as a normal trainer. I am happy to find that this fits similar to other NB shoes and is not super compromised like some race day shoes are: plenty of width, good stability despite the high stack height/ bouncy feel, and thick enough rubber that it should handle real milage before it’s used up. There is enough width to add orthotics if you need, and the insole is only lightly tacked in place and can be removed without destroying anything. I was worried about the weight, compared to the competition, but it feels much less heavy on foot than other shoes of similar weight due to the bouncy foam and rocker - it’s fun to run in.TLDR: Good race day shoe that isn’t crazy compromised in terms of fit or stability