New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 Reviews

The upper and heel structure give it a clearer identity as an elevated trainer. Fits the bill for heavy mileage and long runs over 90 minutes, especially mid-run pickups and tired-leg days.

One tester grades it B to A as a recovery-friendly cushioned trainer, building on a v1 he relied on for ~200 miles. The second tester's grades are all B-.

A 205 lb first-time marathoner wore out the SC Trainer v2 after 233 miles; comfortable, bouncy and disappeared on the foot, with no heel slip, before the midsole and outsole gave out.

After 450 miles, a 62-year-old marathoner calls the SC Trainer v2 a beast: an indestructible, comfortable upper, soft cushioning with a rigid plate, and wear only on the lateral heel.

A 100 kg runner finds the SC Trainer v2 stable enough and a comfortable recovery shoe, though the foam compressed noticeably after about 100 km.

An easy recovery run finished with strides, plus a marathon-effort workout of 2 x 5K after a warm-up. They found a comfortable, controlled ride with cushioning from heel to forefoot and a bit of pop in the strides, and say it shines at marathon effort. The upper fit true to size (their usual 9) and was padded in the right places, though at about 10 oz the shoe is on the heavier side and $180 is a lot of money. They see it as a versatile daily trainer.

Comparing to v1, a reviewer finds the SC Trainer v2 true to size with a much improved upper, softer FuelCell with deep sink-in, and a flatter, more relaxed ride with lower drop.