New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Reviews

Put over 300 miles on the Rebel v4 in a year for runs up to 10 miles and speed work; poppy early on, really comfy and fun.

A bigger runner's first 2 miles in the Rebel v4 felt springy and natural at uptempo pace, with a breathable upper and a little heel slip.

Near-unanimous praise as the best do-it-all unplated trainer, with the wider platform adding stability. One tester misses the flex and ground feel of v2/v3, another tester finds wet-road grip a bit weak, and a third tester found it slightly loose on narrow feet.

Light, cushioned enough for double-digit runs, and fun on back-to-back days. One tester had to cinch the roomy throat for his narrow foot, called the tongue cheap, and raised midsole-durability concerns. Another tester needed a break-in period.

Anthony Chevalier names it his shoe of the year: light, bouncy and fun at any pace.

Brian Metzler calls it a do-everything trainer for easy, long and up-tempo days. It feels very roomy on narrow feet and may not be a high-mileage workhorse.

Nick Harris-Fry found it a light, fun and versatile unplated trainer that handled track sessions and a 15-miler equally well, with good wet grip. Narrow-footed runners may find the fit loose.

Didn't expect it to replace their Novablast 4 but found it a new level: fun and faster.

An ultra runner using it for recovery and easy runs; after about 50 miles they absolutely love it and it puts a smile on their face.

Finds the Rebel v4 very light and responsive when picking up the pace despite little soft cushioning, and uses it for speed sessions and tempos under 15 km.