New Balance Fuel Cell Super Comp Elite V4 Review

Posted 20 Feb

Today, our podiatrist and elite athlete, Stephanie, shares her experience with the brand new New Balance SuperComp Elite v4 running shoes.

Unboxing the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4 was an experience in itself. The sleek design immediately stands out, with the refined enhancements hinting at the cutting-edge performance packed within. The signature Energy Arc technology is seamlessly integrated, and the sculpted midsole gives off both speed and responsiveness. The white and hot mango colorway is especially striking, giving the shoe a crisp, modern aesthetic that perfectly complements its race-ready build.

The SuperComp Elite takes everything great about the v3 and polishes it further, making it a top-tier choice for road racing with increased efficiency, comfort, and stability. The updated foam composition features a next- generation fuel cell midsole that’s even lighter and more responsive, delivering a snappier ride while maintaining comfort over the longer distances.

The SuperComp Elite v4 takes the Energy Arc system introduced in the v3 and fine-tuned it for even better performance. The carbon plate geometry has been adjusted to create a more efficient energy transfer, enhancing the shoe’s ability to propel you forward with each stride. Additionally, the midsole cutout has been reshaped, allowing for a greater deformation and rebound effect, maximizing energy return without adding extra weight. These refinements result in a smoother, more propulsive ride, helping runners maintain speed with less effort over long distances.

This shoe is designed to be an ultra-light racer, however some runners, including myself found it slightly unstable at high speeds. The v4 refines the midsole shaping and subtly widens the base, enhancing stability while maintaining the shoe's responsiveness, allowing for a more controlled and efficient ride without compromising speed.

The SuperComp Elite v4 introduces a new seamless knit upper, replacing the engineered mesh used in the v3. This update provides a more secure, locked-in fit while maintaining breathability, ensuring your foot stays comfortable and supported throughout the run. The seamless design reduces friction and minimizes the risk of hotspots. The upper's improved flexibility and structure help deliver a snug yet breathable feel, enhancing overall performance and comfort. In the v4, the heel counter has been carefully contoured to better cradle the heel ensuring a more secure and locked-in fit. This improvement in the design reduces the movement of the heel inside the shoe to maintain a firm hold and reduce the risk of irritation or blisters.

The SuperComp v4 is designed for race day, time trials or that faster interval session in your training block. When choosing a racing shoe, it's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Different runners will respond better to varying levels of stiffness and ride characteristics. While the SuperComp Elite v4 excels at offering a balance between comfort and propulsion, another runner might prefer a shoe with a firmer or more aggressive feel for faster paces. Ultimately, the ideal racing shoe depends on individual biomechanics, running style, and race goals, and what works best for one runner may not be ideal for another.

Podiatry Considerations

1. Soft Foam and Heel-to-Toe Drop: The v4 features a soft FuelCell midsole, which offers excellent cushioning, but for those who heel strike, this softness can result in a reduced heel-to-toe drop. This could potentially affect the transition from heel to toe, especially for runners who require more structure in the rearfoot for a smooth gait cycle. If a runner has a strong heel strike, the cushioning may feel overly soft and reduce overall stability during push-off.
   
2. Forefoot Rocker: The forefoot rocker design promotes a smooth transition from the midfoot to the toe-off phase, providing excellent propulsion during the toe push. This is beneficial for runners who need to conserve energy or experience fatigue in the latter stages of a race. The rocker also aids in reducing strain on the Achilles tendon, which can be a key benefit for those with Achilles tendinopathy or other related injuries.
   
3. Stiffness and Hypermobility: For runners with hypermobility or excessively flexible joints, the soft and flexible nature of the SuperComp Elite v4 may not be ideal. These runners typically benefit more from a firmer shoe with more stability and structure, as the soft cushioning in the v4 might not provide the necessary support to prevent excessive joint movement or instability. A shoe with greater stiffness in the midsole would help control overpronation and support the foot more effectively.
   
4. Bony Deformities: The seamless upper and flexible design can be beneficial for those with bony deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis. The shoe's soft, stretchable knit material conforms to the foot's shape, minimizing pressure points and reducing the likelihood of skin irritation or blisters. However, for patients with significant deformities, additional orthotic support may be necessary to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
   
5. Stability and Control: While the SuperComp Elite v4 excels in providing a responsive and cushioned ride, runners who require more control or have issues with increased pronation or supination may not find it as supportive as other, more structured options. The shoe is designed as a neutral shoe, so runners with severe pronation may require additional stability features. 
   

In summary, the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4 is an excellent choice for runners seeking comfort, propulsion, and breathability, particularly for those with stable ankles, neutral feet, or long-distance racing goals. However, it may not be the best option for runners with hypermobility, severe pronation or supination, or those requiring extra structure for stability. A personalized approach, considering individual comfort, foot mechanics and running style, is crucial when recommending this shoe.

Follow along with Stephanie on her Instagram: @pod_run_repeat
And our clinic here: @thefeetpeopleaustralia