New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 - Women's Review

The forefoot of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 sits at 26 mm, with the heel slightly higher at 31 mm. This precise stack height strikes a balance, providing enough cushioning to stay comfortable on longer runs without feeling overly plush or bulky underfoot.

Cushioning

Even though the FuelCell Rebel v5 isn't a skyscraper shoe, its underfoot cushioning is ideal. Crafted for midfoot strikers, the PEBA and EVA midsole foams blend to create a comfortable crash pad for repetitive striding.

The beauty of the Rebel v5's cushioning lies in its perfectly balanced feel, providing just the right amount of softness without compromising responsiveness. Rather than compressing excessively under the weight of each footfall, the midsole springs back quickly, promoting faster leg turnover and a more efficient stride.

While it may not claim the title of a standout racing shoe, the underfoot cushioning delivers a combination of comfort and subtle energy that makes it a strong option for runners looking to improve speed without sacrificing support. Overall, it strikes an ideal balance between performance and everyday usability.

Upper Comfort

The FuelCell Rebel v5's meshy FantomFit upper feels lightweight and unimposing on runs. It is flexible enough not to dig in or create hotspots, but it isn't necessarily stretchy, which aids in this running shoe's feeling of security while in motion.

The heel collar of the new Rebel is nicely plush without feeling over-stuffed, contributing a subtle layer of neutral comfort that complements the shoe's overall responsive ride. The previous version, the FuelCell Rebel v4, featured a similar upper design but came with a surprisingly short tongue that left some runners wanting more coverage. In this updated model, the tongue length has been extended to provide a better fit and additional upper comfort, creating a more secure and enjoyable experience while maintaining the lightweight, flexible feel that runners appreciated in earlier versions.

Stability

The New Balance Rebel v5 is a neutral running shoe. Though neutral in its ride, it does offer a few awesome qualities that help it remain more stable than one might anticipate from a neutral, tempo-focused shoe.

The widened base of the Rebel v5 provides a sturdy foundation that helps establish stability right from the first step, giving runners confidence in their stride. In addition, the shoe incorporates soft yet supportive raised midsole sidewalls, a thoughtful design feature that complements the more forgiving midsole. Together, these elements help guide the feet and ankles, promoting proper alignment and smooth tracking throughout each run. The combination of a stable base and carefully engineered sidewalls makes the Rebel v5 feel secure while still maintaining the lightweight, responsive ride that runners expect.

Weight

Each women's size 6.5 Rebel v5 weighs 6.06 ounces. Nearly identical to the weight of its predecessor, the Rebel v5 is incredibly lightweight for a shoe that offers so much.

The Rebel's weight feels balanced and light in motion, more in line with serious race shoes than with other similarly cushioned trainers. For runners seeking a lightweight option that still provides underfoot comfort, the Rebel is certainly worth considering.

Traction

Though the FuelCell Rebel v5's outsole is made of rubber, it doesn't offer the strongest grip on loose or damp surfaces.

The outsole rubber is coated in a shallow, zigzag pattern to create some texture. While this texture holds solid on dry roads and tracks, inclement weather can cause the outsole of this shoe to make runs a bit treacherous. While not the least well-tractioned road running shoe of all time, runners who often find themselves splashing through puddles on runs may have better luck with a shoe that offers a more pronounced traction pattern.

Should You Buy the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5?

While no women's road running shoe will be perfect for all runners, this iteration of the New Balance Rebel hits a lot of elements beautifully. From its midsole comfort, lightweight design, and smooth-fitting upper, this shoe is an ideal choice for runners who want to push a bit harder during their weekly runs. The Rebel v5 isn't an all-out racing shoe, making it an appropriate step up for runners who want speed but feel intimidated by carbon plates, high price tags, and all of the fancy running jargon that accompanies those things. If you are seeking affordability, comfort, and an approachable step up in the running world, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is a shoe that has you covered.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

Runners who want to prioritize comfort but want something a bit more cushion-forward than the Rebel v5 should check out the Asics Novablast 5. The Novablast is another women's road running shoe that offers great underfoot cushion while also providing a fun, bouncy midsole. Both the Novablast and the Rebel v5 are budget-friendly buys, which aids in their overall accessibility. Runners who are interested in a tempo-ready shoe should also check out the Adidas Adizero Evo SL. With a similar balance of qualities, the Evo SL is an excellent uptempo training shoe that offers a ride very similar (in feel and in awesomeness) to the Rebel v5.