New Balance Rebel v5 vs SC Rebel vs SC Elite v6

With an all-new super trainer named after one of New Balance's most popular running shoes, and an update to its pinnacle race shoe both launching soon, which New Balance shoe is best at what?

The table below lays out some of the key stats behind the three shoes, but how do those numbers and technologies actually affect your run?

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

A hugely popular shoe, the FuelCell Rebel v5 brings excellent value, an energetic ride and enough versatility for everyday miles, all in a lightweight and stylish build.

New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1

The SuperComp Rebel is an uptempo training shoe capable of handling long runs, daily mileage and race day. It is part FuelCell Rebel with a plate and part SuperComp Elite with added durability.

New Balance SuperComp Elite v6

The SuperComp Elite v6 is New Balance's pinnacle marathon racing shoe, featuring its most advanced technology in a light, fast and aggressive build.

How Do the Plates Compare?

With no plate in the midsole, the FuelCell Rebel v5 has the softest and most flexible feel of the three. It is the most comfort-oriented option and allows the foot to move naturally through each stride.

A carbon-infused Pebax plate sits low in the midsole of the SuperComp Rebel, adding efficiency and a pop of speed at toe-off. It is not as stiff as a full carbon-fibre plate, and with plenty of foam sitting above it, the shoe balances comfort and propulsion well enough to suit a wide range of runs.

The SuperComp Elite v6 uses a full carbon-fibre plate to produce more aggressive forward momentum. This is the stiffest and most race-focused setup of the three, tuned for speed rather than everyday versatility.

How Do the Midsoles Compare?

The FuelCell Rebel v5 uses a lively FuelCell compound made with a PEBA blend. PEBA has long been one of the leading performance foam materials thanks to its low weight and energetic feel. In the Rebel, the PEBA is blended to improve durability and keep the shoe at a more accessible price.

The SuperComp Rebel and SuperComp Elite v6 both use New Balance's new Infinion foam. First introduced in the 1080, this lighter version is tuned for faster running while retaining the high bounce, energetic feel and durability associated with A-TPU.

How Do the Uppers Compare?

All three shoes feature lightweight, breathable uppers with FANTOMFIT technology. These targeted reinforcements help provide a stable hold and secure fit without adding unnecessary bulk.

Expect the SuperComp Elite v6 to offer the lightest and most breathable race-day construction, while the FuelCell Rebel v5 places slightly more emphasis on everyday durability. The SuperComp Rebel sits between the two.

Which New Balance Shoe Should You Choose?

These are three lively shoes with very different builds, so the right choice comes down to how you plan to use them.

For everyday mileage, the FuelCell Rebel v5 is a strong option. If you only own one pair of running shoes, it can cover a little bit of everything, although regular racers may still want a more specialised shoe for competition. In a larger rotation, the Rebel v5 makes most sense for easy runs, daily miles and lighter uptempo sessions.

The SuperComp Rebel is the most versatile performance option. It can handle occasional races, daily mileage, tempo runs, fartlek sessions and longer efforts. If you have a full rotation, this is the super trainer you reach for on faster days and harder sessions, helping you spend time around race pace without putting unnecessary mileage into your race shoes.

The SuperComp Elite v6 has one main job, and it is built to do it extremely well. This is the race-day option, particularly for half marathons and marathons, with the lightest build, stiffest plate and most aggressive ride of the three.