REASONS TO BUY
Responsive
Very lightweight
Natural-feeling rocker
REASONS TO AVOID
Runs short
Expensive
Lacks versatility
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 - Women's Review
Built for speed and efficiency, this shoe combines a high stack, low drop, and a redesigned carbon fiber plate to propel runners forward, delivering a comfortable race-ready shoe
The geometric design of FuelCell SuperComp Elite makes it a powerfully responsive shoe that is ready for uptempo runs and race days.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is here for serious racing and uptempo training. With a heel stack of 34 mm, a mellow 4 mm drop, and an extremely powerful, redesigned carbon fiber plate, this pricey shoe is rearing to propel you into PR territory — giddy up. As New Balance promised, this shoe's geometric design harnesses and redistributes energy well — it is a propulsive machine. Runners seeking a comfortably responsive shoe will love this race-ready shoe's lightweight stability. With a bit more width than many of our other super shoes, the SuperComp Elite is perfect for your next speedy effort — though you'll probably want to buy a half size up.
Compare to Similar Products
| Awards |  Most Race Ready Road Running Shoe |  Best Overall Running Shoe for Women |  Best Value for a Women's Road Running Shoe | Best Balance of Comfort and Responsiveness | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $211.99 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $249.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 2 sellers | $109.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $89.96 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $179.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This shoe features an updated carbon fiber plate to drive runners ahead, providing a comfortable and race-ready experience in this well-designed road shoe | This shoe provides the ultimate power and pep thanks to its natural-feeling rocker, trampoline-style midsole, and aerodynamic shape | This running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goals | Affordable and minimally-minded, the updated Kinvara is a great everyday shoe that is suitable for a myriad of running situations | Though it lacks the lightweight tech of super shoes, the balance between its responsive midsole and lateral stability makes this a powerful everyday trainer |
| Rating Categories | New Balance FuelCel... | Asics Metaspeed Sky... | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Saucony Kinvara 15... | Brooks Hyperion Max... |
| Landing Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Responsiveness (20%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Traction (5%) | |||||
| Specs | New Balance FuelCel... | Asics Metaspeed Sky... | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Saucony Kinvara 15... | Brooks Hyperion Max... |
| Measured Weight | 6.70 oz | 5.10 oz | 7.36 oz | 5.44 oz | 7.17 oz |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 34 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm | 27 mm | 35 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 3 mm | 8 mm |
| Plate Type | Carbon | Carbon | None | None | Full length plastic |
| Rocker Angle | 24.0 deg | 26.5 deg | 22.0 deg | 25.0 deg | 24.5 deg |
| Rocker Apex Location | 58.4% | 68.0% | 69.5% | 64.7% | 65.0% |
| Style | Racing | Racing | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer |
| Upper | Mesh | Motion Wrap 2.0 mesh | Engineered knit mesh | Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | FuelCell midsole | FF Turbo Plus | FF Blast Plus Eco | PWRRUN | DNA Flash v2 |
| Outsole | Rubber | AsicsGrip rubber | AHAR outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | None | None | Finger loop | None | Extended heel pull |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 12 US, regular, wide | 5 - 14.5 US, regular |
5 - 12 US, regular | 5 - 12 US, regular |
5 - 12 US, regular |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The updates New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 features a 34 mm total stack, a 4 mm drop, and a whole lot of pep in its 6.70 oz body (women's size 6.5). Its geometric FuelCell midsole offers powerful energy return that is perfect for hitting challenging paces.
Performance Comparision
The FuelCell's energy return is ideal for running workouts where comfort is essential, yet you still need a propulsive boost to hit your goals.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Landing Comfort
We aren't sure where to begin here. From the moment we slipped the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 onto our feet, we knew we were in for a powerful ride. New Balance redesigned the carbon plate, making it thinner and more responsive. This new design pairs beautifully with the 34 mm of FuelCell foam and rubber outsole. The midsole feels slightly firmer than previous versions, which adds to this shoe's overall wearability and longevity as a racing shoe.
The geometric design and lifted stack make this shoe incredibly special - so long as you remember to size up a bit for a proper fit!
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The heel stands at 34 mm, and the forefoot at 30 mm, offering plenty of cushion between you and the punishing pavement. The SuperComp Elite v4 weighs slightly more than other racing shoes, but since this is because it offers comfort underfoot, the few extra tenths of ounces don't bother us too much. With a minor amount of arch support and underfoot cushion that rebounds after a beating, this is one of our most recommended racing shoes — provided you can stomach the price tag.
For underfoot cushion, landing comfort, and propulsion, this shoe has quickly become a mainstay in our closets.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the SuperComp Elite v4 combines incredibly well with all of the shoe's other elements, making it one of our favorites for racing and speedwork. The propulsive plate is thinner and poppier than in previous versions, and the updated 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole offers a firmer launch pad for turbocharging your kicks.
The SuperComp Elite is a fantastically propulsive shoe that offers a bit of everything else, making it a well-rounded racing shoe.
This slight rigidity has truly changed the game when it comes to this shoe. Instead of feeling mostly propulsive with a side of mush, this midsole has the capability to return every bit of energy you are exerting. The rocker location has been moved, as well. The new rocker's apex sits at 58.4% forward from the back (we measure from the center of the apex), the shortest distance of all the speed shoes we tested. Generally, the smaller that measurement, the speedier the shoe, which is definitely true in the case of the SuperComp Elite. The responsiveness of this shoe is so well-packed and planned out that we recommend it to anyone looking for a new race-ready bestie.
The geometry and noticeable rocker of this shoe help make it one of the fastest in the bunch.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
While the SuperComp Elite v4 isn't going to be your overpronator-correcting shoe, for a super shoe, its stability is spot on. The 3.90-inch outsole width of this shoe is completely average, with other super shoes' widths landing within a quarter inch of this number. However, the ride and lockdown of the SuperComp Elite feel a bit more stable than equally wide shoes. While the overall base of support is similar to other shoes, the geometric design of this shoe makes it feel a bit more stable as you fly around tight corners. Much like other super shoes, the SuperComp Elite isn't one that is going to correct your gait pattern, but if a secure super shoe sounds like it might be a good fit for you, this shoe rides in a much less “tippy” way than some of its competitors.
The SuperComp isn't a stability shoe by any means, but its secure fit, shape, and heel cup provide a wider base of support than many speed-centered shoes.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
Right off the bat, we noticed that the SuperComp Elite v4 runs a bit short. Because of this, we recommend that runners size up half a size to ensure a comfortable fit. Once the fit is properly dialed, the SuperComp Elite stands out as a super shoe with long-distance underfoot comfort. Its 34 mm stack of propulsive foam feels light even when your legs feel heavy — this balances really well with its breathable, lightweight upper. The upper mesh is incredibly breathable and lacks the flexibility of other shoe's uppers, which adds to its above-average stability. The heel collar offers just enough cushion to ensure comfort and hotspot-free runs without adding an unnecessary amount of bulk.
The tongue is lightweight with a very slight amount of comfortable stretch, but it doesn't offer the most thoughtful design. Every other millimeter of this shoe seems to have been designed in great detail, but the tongue is just sort of there. It is comfortable enough, lays flat during runs, and protects the top of your feet from the tension of the laces, but it doesn't offer the same type of tech and geometry that the rest of this shoe is centered around. We would have preferred a gusseted tongue because we find them to be a bit more comfortable and functional. This isn't a dealbreaker when it comes to this shoe since it doesn't detract from its comfort, but it is worth keeping in mind.
The tongue and lacebed aren't the most thoughtfully designed, but they aren't particularly uncomfortable.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
The SuperComp Elite v4 is heavier than some super shoes, but all told, it weighs 6.70 ounces per shoe in a women's size 6.5. In the grand scheme of shoe weights, this is not that much weight to tote around underfoot. Plenty of super shoes are weighing in an ounce or so lower, but the slight rigidity of the plentiful underfoot cushion of this shoe makes it worthwhile. Runners looking for the ultimate lightweight experience could go lighter, but this shoe and its weight distribution come together so perfectly that the extra ounce or so doesn't sway its standing.
The shallow lugs of the SuperComp make it lightweight but less capable of gripping certain terrain types.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
While not the most suited for wet weather, we never had any issues while running in the SuperComp Elite. We have continued to reach for this shoe for many of our misty morning runs and have found its nemesis to be the oily eucalyptus leaves that litter the ground of coastal California towns.
The SuperComp is one of our personal favorite speed shoes. Other plated shoes offer different elements to love, but we love how the New Balance-specific elements come together.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4?
As more and more super shoes hit the market, there are bound to be some that work for some runners and some that work for others. Dare we say it — a shoe for every foot. We love the responsive comfort of the SuperComp Elite v4. It is a super shoe, but it offers a strong, updated rocker that can help you hit your PRs without compromising stability and comfort. Sure, other runners may prefer the fit of some of the more well-known Nike shoes, but we think the Elite is the bee's knees. It is light, fast, and ready to keep you comfortable on long-distance tempo runs, track workouts, and races. Truth be told, this shoe is expensive, so runners seeking a budget buy could find a better match.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Nike makes two of the most popular super shoes on the market. The Alphafly 3 and the Vaporfly 3. Both are powerfully responsive and offer some comfort, but not in the same way as the SuperComp Elite v4. The SuperComp is a bit more stable and remains more comfortable over more miles. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is another speed shoe that focuses on comfort and propulsion. With a similar-feeling plate and stack, the Endorphin Speed is just as wonderful as the SuperComp Elite for runners who want to PR in comfort.
—
Ally Arcuri
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