The New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite V4 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a high-performance racing shoe designed for competitive runners. With an almost 40 mm stack height, this shoe is ideal for those seeking enhanced cushioning and support on race day.

The innovative Pebax midsole and full-length carbon plate structure deliver notable energy return and stability. This design translates to a comfortable running experience, particularly beneficial for runners looking for a plush ride during long distances.

While it may have a more substantial profile than some competitors, the combination of features in the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 ensures a smooth and efficient performance for dedicated athletes.


Pros

  • Incredibly comfortable ride
  • Ideal for fast-paced long runs
  • Finally features a PEBA midsole
  • Marathon-ready performance
  • Exceptional leg-saving cushioning
  • Premium upper material
  • Amazing for forefoot strikers
  • Roomy toebox in a supershoe!

Cons

  • Needs to lose weight
  • Subpar tongue
  • Feels bottom-heavy

Key Features

    • FuelCell foam: Delivers a propulsive feel that helps drive you forward effectively.
    • Energy Arc: This feature pairs a sport-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids to maximize stored energy during your runs.
    • FantomFit upper: Offers ultra-light bonded support, ensuring a snug fit without adding extra weight.
    • Lightweight airy mesh upper: Provides breathability and comfort, essential for long-distance running.
    • 4 mm drop: While this is the intended design, note that variances during manufacturing may affect this measurement.

Specifications

    • Origin: Imported.
    • Sole material: Rubber, providing durability and traction.
    • Outer material: Mesh, contributing to breathability and lightweight nature.
    • Inner material: Mesh, ensuring comfort against the skin.

New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite V4 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 ASICS Magic Speed 4 New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Price $250 $170 $265 $225
Pace Competition Competition Competition Competition
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 8.2 oz / 232g 8.4 oz / 237g 7 oz / 198g 7.8 oz / 220g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 9.3 mm 9.6 mm 10.7 mm 9.5 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size Half size small True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Soft Soft Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Small Small
Toebox durability Decent Good Bad Good
Heel padding durability Decent Good Decent Good
Outsole durability Good Good Decent Good
Breathability Moderate Breathable Moderate Breathable
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Wide Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 38.2 mm 42.5 mm 39.3 mm 38.1 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 28.9 mm 32.9 mm 28.6 mm 28.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons Summer All seasons Summer
Removable insole
Ranking Top 37% Top 4% Top 4% Top 39%
Popularity Top 4% Top 23% Top 13% Top 10%