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.

It still handles easy, long and speed sessions in a marathon block. Fans of v1 may be disappointed: the lower stack and lighter midsole aren't as big and bouncy, and it's now more of a trainer than a racer.

Deep cushion for high mileage, pleasant plate stability, a relaxed upper for long runs, and likely the friendliest plated shoe at very slow paces. Toe-off feels laboured at easy effort due to the soft heel and lower drop.

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.

A light runner owns two pairs of the SC Trainer v2 for its smoothness on easy-to-moderate long runs; both still look nearly new at about 100 miles.

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.

Several long runs of 20-plus miles (including a 22-miler), some structured workouts and a 10-mile treadmill run. They found it soft, bouncy and comfortable for long runs, easy to run in at paces up to marathon pace, and a forgiving pick for newer half and marathon trainees. The upper is only okay, with average lockdown and a slightly scratchy material, and it felt too soft on the treadmill. Durability looked poor: the lateral outsole rubber was worn flat and the foam showed some degradation by the 50-something-mile mark.

A marathoner owning the Superblast, Endorphin Speed 3 and SC Trainer v2 ranks the NB last: too soft to pick up the pace, better for easy long runs.

After a rough start with the SC Trainer v2, a 10-mile run made it click: it took more work to turn over but then ate up miles.