New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 Review

The term “super trainer” is murky. We use it to describe shoes that integrate some elements of premium race-day features into a daily trainer. Like any running shoe, a super trainer exists somewhere on the spectrum between comfort and performance. The SuperComp Trainer v2 lands far closer to the comfort side of that spectrum. That's great for easy days, but we found it struggled whenever we wanted to push the pace.

Performance Comparison

Cushioning and Landing Comfort

This shoe is all about the cushioning. Our in-house team used standardized methods and measured a stack height of 43mm in the heel and 40mm in the forefoot. By the numbers, the shoe has a low drop. It doesn't run that way, though. Instead, the rocker geometry makes it run like a much higher drop shoe as it transitions through the foot.

The FuelCell foam in the Supercomp Trainer v2 is excellent at easy paces. It's plush without feeling lifeless but isn't bouncy. However, whenever we ran a little faster, we found the foam to be far too soft and lacking in that “pop” we love to feel.

The only real concern we have with the cushioning is a result of the very early rocker. The front part of the rocker starts near the midfoot. As a result, if you land mid/forefoot, you'll likely find running in this shoe feels awkward, like it's trying to push you off your feet earlier in your stride than you normally would. We also noticed that when landing midfoot at faster paces, we could very clearly feel the carbon plate under our feet, which isn't enjoyable.

Responsiveness

The SuperComp Trainer v2 struggles with pace, but it feels right at home when running through easy mileage. It can work for long runs, although we prefer something a little lighter. However, the plush foam that makes it so comfortable for easy paces feels relatively lifeless and overly soft at marathon pace or faster.

Heel-strikers might find it to be a little more responsive thanks to the rocker, but this still isn't a shoe you should choose for workouts. It wants to take things easy, and that's okay.

Upper Comfort

The upper is comfortable, although some runners might find the toe box to run a little small. And our survey of user reviews confirms that. The engineered mesh is moderately breathable, and the materials around the heel collar are soft and cause no rubbing issues.

The tongue is gusseted, and although it does wrinkle when the shoes are tightly laced, we experienced no rubbing or hotspots.

Lateral Stability and Support

This is not a stability shoe. The high stack and soft foam create an inherently unstable platform. New Balance mitigated some of that with the addition of the carbon plate to provide some structure.

Additionally, the aggressive and early rocker lowers the stability rating even further. Runners who need lateral stability or some guidance should steer clear of this shoe.

The SuperComp features a rubber outsole, and we didn't have any traction complaints when running on pavement. Although we felt it lacked some grip on crushed gravel.

Weight

The SuperComp Trainer v2 is a heavy shoe. It weighed in at 10.4 ounces, landing it on the heavier end of the group during this round of testing.

The weight is another reason this shoe struggles at faster paces, and it is also heavier than some of the slow-going maximalist-style shoes we tested.

Should You Buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp v2?

The SuperComp is for runners who want premium foam and a carbon plate to help take a bit of load off their legs on easy days. Mid/forefoot strikers likely won't like this shoe, but heel-strikers might get along with it very well. However, we think that for the price of the shoe, versatility is limited, and there are better options for your money.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?