New Balance Super Comp Elite V6: First Look

For the eagle-eyed New Balance fan you may notice the words FuelCell missing from the title of the latest version of their race day shoe, and that’s not the only change. 

Updated in just about every way, the Super Comp Elite v6, delivers a huge stride forward for New Balances flagship marathon racer, as the brand themselves are saying, “may lead to Personal Bests. * Training not included”. 

Key Info 

Price: £229.99 

Weight: Men's 190g, Women's 155g 

Stack height: 40-32mm 

Heel offset: 8mm 

Primary use: Marathon racing 

History 

For a long time now, you have been able to easily tell whether a New Balance shoe is for speed or comfort due to the midsole technology, usefully called out in the title. A Fresh Foam shoe is built for comfort, while FuelCell denotes speed.  

With the introduction of Infinion that has all changed. Released to great reception as the comfortable, durable and responsive foam used in their luxury daily trainer, the 1080, New Balance are now releasing a new, lighter version of the foam as the driving force behind the Elite v6 

Closer Look 

The change to Infinion doesn’t only add extra durability, energy return and enhanced cushioning, it also helps keep the weight down. The entire shoe seems to have gone on a diet, from the upper to the ultra-thin layer of outsole rubber, helping the shoe come in at only 190g in a men’s size 8. 

The outcome is a shoe that feels fast, not just on foot, but through the entire transition of your stride. This extra speed is further enhanced by a new carbon fibre plate. Thicker and therefore stiffer through the forefoot, it gives an extra pop of energy as well as an efficient flow. 

The upper is so lightweight its translucent, with visible bonded sections, referred to as FANTOMFIT, New Balance uses this combination to give you a glove like fit and supportive hold with minimal weight. 

 The outsole uses a super-thin, but grippy fabric designed for race ready traction, giving you confidence in your footing, even when pushing hard. 

Conclusion 

In a highly competitive area, the coveted title of fastest super shoe is of course, a matter of conjecture and opinion. However, over the years, the Alphafly, Pro Evo, Cielo X1, Metaspeed, PUMA Fast-R and others have had good goes at the top of the pack.  

This year’s update to the New Balance Super Comp Elite v6 may very well see it leapfrog the lot, but with the On Cloudboon Strike 2 recently launched too, the competition is still as fierce as ever. 

What we can be sure of is that New Balances latest offering delivers a punchy, fast and potentially, long lasting package of cushioned speed, ideal for your next marathon challenge.