REASONS TO BUY
Improved foam
Durable
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited versatility
Uncomfortable plate on uneven surfaces
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 Review
Comfortable and with decent performance at a budget-friendly price, but it isn't as versatile
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 2, 2024
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Our Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 brings a small update to a fairly versatile daily trainer. The shoe combines New Balance's plush FuelCell foam midsole with a full-length TPU (plastic) plate at a budget-friendly price. We think the foam is improved from the previous version, offering a little more energy return and extra compression underfoot. This is a good choice for runners who want a stiff yet well-cushioned shoe that can handle faster sessions but is ideal for long runs and moderate efforts. The presence of the TPU plate doesn't make this a racing shoe. There are plenty of more responsive shoes in our lineup. But if you're after a comfortable and reasonably versatile shoe for a good price, this is one to consider.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Propel v5 is a solid lower-cost choice for the right runner. It gets some trickle-down tech from higher-end shoes, like New Balance's TPU plate and FuelCell midsole.
The Propel v5 has some great upgraded technology, at a below-average price.
Cushioning
The Propel remains a soft shoe in this iteration. New Balance's FuelCell formulations tend to be very plush yet reasonably resilient, and this one is no different.
The FuelCell formulation in the Propel v5 works well for longer distances and easy to moderate efforts.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
It isn't as soft and bouncy as the FuelCell in the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4, but it's close. We measured 38 mm of foam at the heel. It's a soft foam, making this a pleasant option for long runs, including efforts with a pace pickup in the middle or at the end.
The Propel upper is decently comfortable and solidly breathable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upper Comfort
The upper, along with the overall fit and finish, is nicely improved from the previous version. The materials that touch your ankle feel softer, and the mesh is slightly less rough. The rigid heel cup does a much better job of providing heel retention than the v4. We also found the lacing to be easier and didn't experience any sliding when running in these shoes. For a more budget-friendly shoe, the upper is well-executed.
The FuelCell is stabilized by the TPU plate, but this still isn't a stable option.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Stability
When running on pavement, New Balance's TPU plate provides a little stability and direction to the otherwise soft slab of FuelCell foam. On the other hand, the plate makes running on off-camber roads or loose surfaces difficult. This is a neutral trainer and not one we would recommend to runners looking for support.
While the Propel isn't best at faster paces, it can handle most sessions building up to a marathon.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Responsiveness
The Propel v5 is about average in terms of responsiveness for a daily trainer. The softness of the foam, paired with the general size of the shoe, makes this a shoe that is best used for day-to-day mileage. Thanks to the additional stiffness from the TPU plate, this shoe moves decently well with moderate effort. We found it adequate for threshold workouts, but once we pushed faster, it felt a little lifeless.
The Propel is solid for a daily trainer, but a bit heavy.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The Propel v5 is no lightweight, coming in at 10.52 ounces per shoe (size 10.5). That weight is another limiting factor in the trainer's overall versatility. It is heavier than the average shoe in our lineup, even among equivalently cushioned shoes.
The Propel has a solid grip thanks to the tacky outsole.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The Propel's tacky rubber outsole utilizes New Balance's diamond pattern to create grip on a wide range of surfaces. It is solid in wet conditions and handles loose gravel reasonably well, although the cutout that exposes the plate towards the midfoot and heel can be a rock magnet.
Should You Buy the New Balance Propel v5?
This shoe is a solid, wallet-friendly, well-cushioned daily trainer. However, due to the TPU plate and lack of top-end comfort, we wouldn't recommend it if you only have one shoe in your rotation. But if you're looking for a comfortable shoe to knock out a lot of your weekly mileage without breaking the bank, the Propel v5 is a pretty good option.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you're a New Balance fan, we think the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is an excellent option for most runners, but it is more expensive. And if you're not dedicated to New Balance, we recommend the Adidas Adizero SL2 for its affordable versatility and comfort.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 versus top competing products:
—Nathaniel Bailey
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