New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Reviews

They find the Elite v4 really comfy and very bouncy for long runs and tempos, so they plan to skip upgrading to the v5.

Lighter and bouncier than v3, great at any pace, and in one tester's top three for race day. The best New Balance marathon racer ever, with a broad, accommodating base and an adaptable upper, though it could lose a couple of ounces.

Reliable and comfortable over 22-26 miles, with an extra push forward, and two testers ran marathon PBs in it. Not for runners who want to feel really fast on race day. Try the width and size first.

It served him well on the streets of London: a durable carbon marathon shoe that isn't just for elites, and one he'd recommend. Cheaper rivals offer similar versatility.

An SC Elite v4 owner loves everything but the laces and calls it the springiest shoe they've owned.

Under 100 miles outdoors and on the treadmill, not raced yet. They love the soft, springy midsole and snappy carbon plate, which stays comfortable instead of harsh. Drawbacks are the high price, a forefoot less roomy than they hoped, a tongue without gussets, and worry that the light mesh upper may not last hundreds of miles, though it holds up so far. They call it a fun shoe for picking up the pace and can imagine racing a half or full marathon in it.

In their first plated shoe, a Rebel fan finds the SC Elite v4 soft but not too soft, very responsive and fun across several runs.

On a tempo run the SC Elite v4 felt bouncy and natural at pace, but its heels rubbed and gave this runner blisters.

A ~200 lb runner in the 11 wide finds the SC Elite v4 bouncy and aggressive yet protective enough, a bit soft for fast track reps but ideal for road.

On a first 6-mile run the SC Elite v4's PEBA FuelCell gave immense energy return and a stable, friendly ride, though it's a little heavy for a super shoe.