Article by Sam Winebaum, Sally Reiley, Michael Ellenberger, Renee Krusemark, and Reed Breuer
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 ($140)’
Introduction
Sam: The Rebel is New Balance’s versatile speedy tempo to daily training runs option. Unplated with a PEBA blend midsole, a moderate stack height of 35mm heel and 29mm forefoot, and light weight it has been in its most recent versions a well cushioned, light yet stable speedy days option and for some a one shoe quiver.
For its 5th edition, the Rebel continues with its FantomFit light and breathable upper adding a more substantial (and welcome) heel counter construction, a padded tongue and a bit more dialed toe box.
Underfoot we have the same FC foam, a new sculpting of the geometry with more flowing lines, a slightly narrower forefoot platform and slightly wider midfoot platform, a shallow rear cavity, slightly more pronounced rockers and more continuous forefoot rubber coverage. The stack height remains the same while the weight increases 15g.
While a very popular shoe with our testers I found the v4 a bit blocky at the rear with its upper hold for my medium to narrow feet not quite up to the platform’s speedy purpose. I was curious to see what difference, if any, the subtle changes made a difference.
Pros:
Versatile: daily trainer to racer: Sam/Sally/Michael/Renee/Reed
Solid option for a plateless racer: foam reactivity, light weight, stability: Sam/Sally
Notably stable for such a light shoe: Sam/Sally/Michael/Renee
Less heel “lumpy/flat” heel landings and better transitions: welcome more pronounced longer front and rear rockers: Sam/Michael
Significantly improved upper hold front to back, less baggy: Sam/Sally/Michael/Renee/Reed
Cons:
Weight gain of 15g / 0.53 oz US8.5: Sam
No longer quite as broad upfront around lace up, also a pro for narrower feet: Sam/Sally/Michael
What happened to the Rebel of old? Michael/Renee
Most comparable shoes
Adidas EVO SL
Craft Nordilite Tempo
Nike Pegasus Plus
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Saucony Endorphin Speed
Hoka Mach 6
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 7.7 oz / 219g US9
Sample Weights:
men’s 7.48 oz / 212g US 8.5 (prior version weight 6.95 oz / 197g US8.5)
men’s 8.22 oz / 233g US M11
women’’s 6.53 oz / 185 g US W8 (prior version V4 6.38 oz / 181g US W8)
6.60 oz / 187 g US W8
Stack Height:
V5 men’s 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot US M8.5
V4 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot US M8.5
Platform Width:
v5 95 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot US8,5
v4 95 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot US8,5
V5 97mm heel / 87mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot US M11
v5 89 mm heel / 81 mm midfoot / 107 mm forefoot US W8
v4 95 mm heel / 79mm midfoot / 112 mm forefoot US W8
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: The brown and tan color of my test pair is more lifestyle in looks than a color that telegraphs speed as the bright blue and yellow of my v4 does. And that’s OK as I wouldn’t hesitate to wear them as a more casual shoe or take them along as a single shoe for a trip.
New Balance continues with a FANTOM fit upper for the v5. The mesh is very similar to the prior edition in being thin and soft upfront with extensive supportive elements.
At midfoot the N logo and the tan area behind it and towards the laces is quite stiff, and for sure stiffer than v4’s in that area. The lace eyelets are now a continuous strip instead of being made of 2 independent units.
The gusset tongue is now lightly padded. The net result is a far better midfoot lockdown for me which was clearly felt during an A/B run with one on each foot. Lace up is super easy, once and done
The heel counter and ankle collars are also extensively revised with a higher profile achilles collar. a more rigid semi rigid heel counter and deeper padding all around.
As with the midfoot rear hold is significantly improved.
There are fewer changes to the toe box construction although I note the toe bumper is slightly more rigid with, it feels like, a slight reduction in volume and with increased underlays right at the last eyelet area also noting that the new reflective silver strip where the lacing area ends also provides a bit more structure.
The fit is true to size for me and my medium to narrower volume feet.
Bottom Line: an upper now tuned for performance and speed with slightly lower volume but far better hold. Even if the changes may be the reason for the 15g increase in weight I think they are well worth it.
Sally: The New Balance Rebel has been a favorite daily trainer of mine since it first hit the scene in its original version: a no nonsense, unplated, comfortable, affordable, versatile, uptempo neutral trainer that is fun to run in. I was curious to see how the evolution would continue after V4, which I liked a lot; there is always the fear that the shoe companies will ruin our favorite shoes with “new and improved” updates. So if it ain’t broke, why fix it? The good news here is that New Balance seems to have kept the good things about the Rebel V4 and tweaked things that truly improve the shoe.
As Sam points out, the fit is now more dialed in, especially in the midfoot and the heel. The heel is now much higher and more structured and more padded, improving the fit and the hold. The step in feel is immediately comfortable, soft underfoot but not squishy.
My slightly narrow woman’s foot is securely held with a simple initial tug of the laces.
I wasn’t sure what to make of the brown and ivory colorway at first; it is simply very different from the usual running shoe bright colorways.
But it has grown on me, and will honestly be great for daily wear as an unobtrusive lifestyle shoe.
Michael: From first step-in, the Rebel v5 signals a clear evolution - not revolution - of the line. Yes, gone is the slipper-like minimalism and firm, plated feel of v1, but what’s arrived in its place over the past few generations is a more comfortable, usable, and, performance-focused daily trainer that feels built for real-world mileage and lockdown.
The brown and ivory colorway of my pair is subdued and more lifestyle-leaning than prior bright editions - divisive, yes, but I really dig the aesthetic. It’s stylish enough to wear casually and subtle enough not to scream running shoe off the roads (if that’s what you’re going for).
The “FantomFit” upper remains thin and breathable up front, with a stiffer midfoot and improved heel.
The redesigned gusseted tongue adds just enough padding, and lace-up is easy and secure.
The semi-rigid heel counter and higher ankle collar padding provide a marked improvement in rearfoot hold compared to v4, which could feel borderline loose at pace, but did provide some discomfort for my Haugland’s deformity (“heel bump”).
The toebox feels slightly lower volume with a firmer toe bumper and added structure from overlays, but still accommodates my medium-width foot comfortably. Fit is true to size in my 8.5.
All in, this is the most locked-in Rebel yet. Yes, the added materials may account for a measly 15g weight gain, but for the performance gains, it’s a worthy trade.
Renee: The Rebel v2 is one of my top five shoes, plated or unplated, road or trail. I was a bit negative about the v4 of the Rebel with its blocky look and reduced ground feel. However, it’s still one of the best, most versatile shoes available.
While I do miss the simplicity of the first versions of the Rebel, the higher stack provides comfort for long runs, and the Rebel remains ridiculously light weight.
Yes, v5 is slightly heavier in weight than v4, but it’s still less than 7 ounces in my women’s size 8, and the updates provide a better fit. I had no serious issues with the upper fit of v4, but the heel cup of v5 provides better security and the upper bunches less across the toe box. The shoe looks very wide/broad because of the platform width, but the fit itself is not wide: an asset for average to narrow width feet shapes. Wide footed runners might have some tightness in the midfoot.
Fit is true-to-size in my typical New Balance women’s size 8. I am between half sizes in other brands (7.5 to 8).
Reed: I may be the sole tester here who hasn’t done a significant amount of running in prior Rebel versions. That being said, my first impression matches our other reviewers in almost every way.
The fit is fantastic on my narrow foot while leaving plenty of wiggle room. Lockdown is easy to achieve with the simple lacing setup and lightly padded tongue. In many lighter shoes I have to snug down the laces quite a bit to feel secure at fast speeds but that wasn’t an issue here. After wearing these for mere minutes, I felt that these were among the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn in years either for walking or running. I attribute that to the light weight, the soft but stable feel, and the effective support of the upper. You can’t ask for a better start in a shoe test, and for only $140.
As others have mentioned, the sample I received was a two-tone brown color scheme that I feel comfortable wearing around casually.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole is a PEBA blend with New Balance not specifying the percentage of PEBA or the other compound in the mix which is likely EVA. The foam is soft to pressing yet on the run is more springy than reactively bouncy as say Puma’s Nitro in the Deviate 3 or soft and bouncy as the latest PWRRUN Pb and has a feel more similar to say ZoomX or Lightstrike Pro.
Steady and notably stable for such a light shoe, the cushioning is plentiful, if for my tastes not particularly exciting.
The new sculpting of the midsole and what appears to be a more pronounced rear rocker and slightly longer front rocker for sure help deliver smoother less “flat” rear landings and a slightly smoother toe off which is also helped by a 5mm narrower front platform
With a 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot on a relatively broad 95 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot US8,5 platform we have plenty of shoe here for daily training with a weight light enough at 7.7 oz / 219g US9 for tempo and speed work.
Michael: New Balance’s signature FuelCell midsole - a PEBA blend of some sort - leans springy rather than squishy, but decidedly lives under the “soft” umbrella. FuelCell doesn’t deliver the trampoline pop of Puma’s Nitro, perhaps, but is similar in character to Nike’s ZoomX: light, stable, and smooth. Again, not revolutionary here.
New Balance has reshaped the midsole geometry in v5 (aesthetically, you’ll notice it immediately!), and the changes work. The more pronounced rear rocker and slightly extended front rocker contribute to easier transitions and less of the “blocky” heel landing that many complained about on v4.
The result is a midsole that feels more fluid underfoot while retaining the versatility that has made the Rebel line a standout. We’re still sitting at a 6mm drop (the lowest drop that I personally enjoy, but I know this is a very contested topic!) and a really impressive ~7.5 oz, making the Rebel v5 light enough for uptempo (or even tempo!) days but substantial enough for daily training. The platform is stable, and for an unplated shoe, it holds its form well at pace.
Renee: Michael writes it best: the midsole is soft overall, but not squishy and leans springy. Without a plate, the midsole does not have a “pop” some runners might need, and I find the “rocker” to feel fairly neutral (something I prefer). Michael and Sam have a good comparison to Puma’s Nitro, which feels firmer and therefore perhaps more springy. I tend to prefer a more natural underfoot feel for daily running, which is why I enjoy the Rebel. The geometry and cutouts look less dramatic than v4, although I find the underfoot ride to be the same. The wide platform makes the shoe stable for road running; of course, on my gravel roads the opposite can be true.
The wide platform and soft midsole can present problems in having a nimble landing on uneven surfaces and thick gravel. Despite this, the Rebel is so light weight that it wasn’t an issue.
The overall durability of the midsole might be a factor long term. My v4 felt the same up until 100 miles, and then I noticed a slight deterioration in the spring of the midsole. I usually weigh between 120 and 130 pounds, and heavier runners might notice the midsole losing its magic sooner. I continued to wear my v4 into the 200+ mile range, and I’d wear it more if not for other shoes to review. While the midsole felt less lively at that point, the shoe itself is so light that I prefer it to other fresher shoes for that reason. At 50 miles, my v5 midsole has not changed.
Sally: What Michael said! Soft, springy but not squishy. The FuelCell foam and the slightly revamped geometry work together to provide a smooth, stable, easy ride. Nothing trampoline-like bouncy, nothing firm and explosive in toe-off, but light and quick and fluid. It is almost refreshing to feel the ground somewhat and sense a more natural stride underfoot, and I for one enjoy it.
Reed: If you can’t tell by now from the consistency of our feedback, we have a remarkable level of agreement about the character of the Rebel v5. Soft but not mushy. Springy but not explosive. Consistently great but not mind-blowing. It’s easy to compare the Rebel to super trainers and even supershoes due to its light weight and blend of premium foam, but need we remind you that this is a $140 trainer?! I find it worth emphasizing and I hope it is appreciated by many!
I don’t have much to add to the comments made by other testers, but I’ll just repeat that this is a great daily trainer at truly any pace or distance. It may not be the squirrely and nimble Rebel you may have once loved, but it’s now capable of so much for a single shoe at a very fair price.
Outsole
Sam: The outsole features an extensive continuous front surface with small windows to assist with flexibility and reduce weight.
The v4 had a more separated front outsole with longitudinal grooves. Both have a far forward flex point with the v5 being slightly stiffer than v4 to the rear. During my A/B test the v5 felt slightly smoother at toe off
The rear rubber is made up of two patches with the lateral patch of the v5 now solid and I sense it is a firmer rubber than the forefoot rubber.
A new somewhat deeper decoupling groove is now included. My sense during my A/B run is that the landings are ever so slightly softer and transitions off the heel are less blocky in feel than in v4
Sally: Sam has described the changes to the outsole from V4 to V5 in depth. Suffice it to say that this outsole checks all the boxes for me: it is plenty grippy and provides good traction on varied road surfaces; it seems quite durable based on the sufficient quantity of rubber strategically placed; it does not have any dreaded gravel catching grooves; and it is relatively quiet underfoot on the run.
Michael: The outsole sees smart, if relatively unexciting, updates (though, I will say - a pretty cool-looking outsole). Up front, we now have a more continuous rubber layout with small cutouts for weight savings and flexibility - welcome, sure, but I never had an issue with v4. My impression is that the outsole is slightly stiffer than v4, but it’s really slight.
Rear coverage is also revised, with firmer lateral rubber and a deeper decoupling groove that aids in smoother transitions. We’ve been mostly dry here in my testing (I’ve put about 30 miles on my pair) and I had no issues to speak of whatsoever.
Renee: The details are nicely covered by Sam, Sally, and Micheal. The outsole isn’t anything exciting, with coverage only where needed. I ran 25 miles total on gravel with the Rebel v5. Obviously there’s no traction whatsoever on the steep hills with thick gravel, so I was having fun balancing.
Otherwise, with no deep cutouts, I don’t have to worry about small pebbles wedging in the outsole. The exposed midsole section looks good. While I had some sticker burs to pick off, no harm done.
Reed: With no further need to nerd out about rubber compounds, I’ll briefly touch on my experience off-road with the Rebel. As a year-round trail guy, I can’t help but take road shoes to the trails. Mild trails, to be fair. There’s nothing about the stats of the Rebel that says you should take it out on trails, but if you have smooth singletrack or fire roads with minimal technicality or mud, the Rebel is a fun departure from even a modern trail shoe due to the weight difference and the springiness of the midsole. You’ll definitely see me wearing these this summer on my local “California Carpet”.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Sam: Looking for a light and lively road trainer with a speed rather than recovery focus? The Rebel v5 is a top choice. Not significantly changed underfoot in ride feel, if now a bit more fluid and less blocky in feel, its new upper provides a clearly more secure lockdown and refined fit than the v4’s upper which for me barely kept up with the rest of the shoe underfoot. To accomplish this, it does gain 15g in weight but still checking in at about 7.7 oz US9 on its relatively broad and notably stable platform I did not notice the increase in weight during my runs including A/B run with v4 on the other foot.
The FuelCell foam is not my favorite foam as while it is reactive and soft I find it relatively dull in feel lacking somewhat in rebound/ return excitement and smiles. Nonetheless, given the Rebel v5 versatility at light weight and very fair $140 pricing, it is a very good and versatile value.
Sam’s Score: 9.2 /10
Ride (50%): 9 Fit (30%): 9.4 Value (15%): 9.4 Style (5%): 9.3
😊😊😊 ½
Sally: I have been a fan of the New Balance Rebel since the OG, and am pleased that V5 remains true to its DNA as a light, versatile, energetic unplated uptempo neutral trainer. At just $140, this is a solid choice for a do-it-all peppy daily trainer that will play a frequent role in my rotation. My old bones might need more cushioning underfoot for long training runs, but the Rebel 5 is a great pick for daily training at quick paces. Recently I have been hearing a lot about how we should not be doing all of our running in plated shoes, so the Rebel 5 presents a top notch unplated option for any and all of your runs. I prefer the V5 over its predecessor particularly because of the more dialed in and secure upper and the slightly smoother subtly rockered ride. The Rebel 5 continues the tradition and remains a top shoe for me!
Sally’s Score: 9.6 / 10.0
Smiles Score: 😊😊😊😊½
Michael: The Rebel v5 is a clear step forward—even if it’s a strange evolution when compared to where the line started. Gone are the stripped-down, almost (old school) racing-flat days of v1; this is a more refined, structured shoe that still delivers the fun. It’s not the wildest ride out there, but it’s bouncy, fluid, and versatile. An improvement over v4, but nothing that makes you look at the predecessor with distaste.
But this is where the Rebel has been for a few years now, and it’s welcome - if you’re after a lightweight road trainer with real range, from daily runs to tempo days and maybe even a plateless race effort, the Rebel v5 should be high on your list. The upper is a nice improvement (not massive, but material) and the ride is as engaging as always. As a package, this shoe is just plain good: light, locked-in, lively, and reasonably priced at $140.
Michael’s Score: 9.5 / 10
Smiles Score: 😊😊😊😊½
Renee: I’ve been a fan of the Rebel since v2. Yes, I miss the low stack and narrow platform at times. However, the current Rebel remains one of the lightest shoes available especially for its stack.
For daily training, the neutral ride, mild rocker (which I don’t notice), and midsole are perfect. At times, I might need a higher drop or a firmer midsole, but overall the Rebel remains my top choice for an unplated road shoe.
If you didn’t like v4, you won’t like v5. I think a discounted v4 will be a good buy although the upper is improved on v5.
I used the Rebel for one gravel hill run at moderate paces, one interval/speed workout (also gravel), a 10 mile base run (gravel), and a 15+miler with 13.1 miles at perceived marathon pace (was about 7:31 min/mile average, probably faster than my actual marathon pace). I’m curious how the midsole will feel after 100 miles so an update might be needed. By the time the shoe releases, I’ll likely have more than 100 miles. As a mediocre runner the Rebel is a shoe I can use for basically every run aside from trails. At $140, it’s a good buy especially for runners who prefer light weight shoes.
Renee’s Score: 9.8/10 (higher score than v4 for the upper changes; still missing the simplified v2 qualities)
😊😊😊😊😊
Reed: Though it’s not a huge update over the v4, the Rebel continues to be a very easy-to-choose shoe. I’ve had more recovery runs than uptempo runs recently but it never feels like I have the wrong shoe on for whatever run I’ve done. It didn’t blow me away during my tempo intervals on the track, but it felt fluid and natural while protecting my body from the impact.
Reed’s Score: 9.6/10
😊😊😊😊😊
12 Comparisons
New Balance FC Rebel v4 (RTR Review)
Sam: Described in detail in the review. A more secure upper joins a change in sculpting of the midsole geometry (same stack height) and more somewhat more extensive rubber. The ride and fit are refined even if the weight increases 15g.
Michael: Evolution, not revolution - even though this is more than a new coat of paint. If I didn’t stress it above, NB has done a great job here in making genuine changes to a fan-favorite shoe while keeping the spirit of recent versions alive. That’s just a weird thing to say in this line, which is characterized by seismic shifts (I mean, just look at v1 below!).
Renee: Like Sam and Micheal, I have comparisons in the review. I don’t notice any differences in the ride despite the shoe having different geometrical shaping/cutouts along the midsole. The upper fit is improved with a more secure heel cup and less material across the toe box. Sizing is the same. A discounted v4 would be a good choice unless you typically need/want a good heel security. The v5 is slightly heavier although still much lighter than other comparable shoes.
Sally: Again, there are V4 vs V5 comparisons throughout the review. The improved streamlined fit of the upper and the more secure heel are a noticeable improvement for me. New Balance succeeds in keeping true to the DNA of a beloved shoe and tweaking it to make it a bit better yet.
Adidas EVO SL (RTR Review)
Sam: Direct competitors in the light all around trainer class with a focus on speed. Yet, I found very different rides even if they both have a very similar far forward flex point. The EVO SL has an all Lightstrike Pro midsole that is slightly softer than the Rebel’s FuelCell, a slightly higher stack height and includes a small midfoot plastic plate just below the sockliner. While both are rigid behind that toe off point the EVO is considerably stiffer on the run and unlike the Rebel is not much fun at any kind of slower pace, coming alive at faster tempo paces for me. The Rebel v5 upper is truer to size in terms of volume for me with the EVO baggier with not as good rear hold actually a shakier hold similar to the Rebel v4. Easy choice for me, Rebel in this class of shoe.
Michael: These are two of the best to do it in this category - not just this year, but ever. The Rebel runs a little more comfortably at slower paces - the geometry and foam aren’t so performance tuned - which some may appreciate (since my only real complaint about the SL was that it was too much fun!).
If I had to choose only one do-it-all trainer, I would probably take the SL just for its liveliness and significant upside, but I am guessing most runners have a specific race or workout-day shoe already - in which case, the NB is more than sufficient for “everything else.” Both are genuinely fun options.
Craft Nordilite Tempo (RTR Review)
Sam: Heavier at 8.95 oz / 254g US9 with a higher stack height of 40mm heel / 34 mm forefoot the Craft is a more substantial shoe in the same tempo class but one that leans more towards being a daily trainer than speed shoe as the Rebel is. Its midsole is also a PEBA blend with a somewhat denser feel. It is somewhat more stable than the Rebel. Both true to size with more minimal uppers with the Tempo’s slightly more supportive and substantial if not quite as comfortable
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Review)
Michael: I love the Pegasus Plus! The resurgence of the Pegasus Turbo line, this thing is fun and bouncy and just a joy for all sorts of runs. Sound familiar? Of course we’re dealing with direct competitors here. For my foot and my running style, I did slightly prefer the Nike - I just found myself having a better fit and a more comfortable toe-off. But it’s slight, and now that I’ve worn through my Nikes, I plan on putting many more summer miles on the Rebel v5. You can’t go wrong!
Reed: I found the Pegasus Plus to be lacking a bit of forefoot protection and I had hoped for a more refined upper. The Rebel solves both of those issues for me while saving $40.
Nike Zoom Fly 6 (RTR Review)
Sally: The Zoom Fly 6 is one of my top choices for tempo runs. It is much firmer than the Rebel 5 thanks to its full-length carbon fiber FlyPlate sandwiched between layers of ZoomX foam and another foam. With a more performance-oriented ride,the ZoomFly 6 is a perfect training companion to the Alphafly or Vaporfly The Rebel 5 is softer and more flexible and more natural in feel, quick and peppy without the rigidity or explosive toe-off. Both are versatile uptempo shoes that can be used on race-day, but one is plated and the other isn’t, one is $170 and the other is $140. Both are in my rotation.
Saucony Endorphin Speed (RTR Review)
Renee: I have the v4 of the Speed (not the v5). The obvious difference with the Speed is the plate and firmer midsole. For an aided tempo workout the plate gives an advantage although for training runs I prefer the more mellow midsole of the Rebel. The Speed has a much more narrow platform as compared to the wide Rebel. The v4 upper wasn’t the most secure so stability points go to the Rebel. Sizing is comparable.
Sally: I have recently been running in the new Endorphin Speed 5, and again, a top favorite shoe that has been tweaked to be even better. The Speed and the Rebel have both been my favorite shoes of the year, so I guess I like uptempo shoe. The Speed is firmer and more narrow overall with a nylon plate, whereas the Rebel is softer and wider and more flexible (and unplated). If I could only pick one of the two favorites, I admit I would pick the Endorphin Speed. Tough choice.
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 (RTR Review)
Sam: Slightly lighter at 7.5 oz / 213g US9 with the same stack height these are close competitors in purpose and ride feel. The Noosa is a bit firmer and quicker responding as its platform is considerably narrower and relies more on its rocker than the Rebel to move the runner to toe off. Its upper is a bit lower volume, less complex and smoother fitting if denser over the toes.
ASICS Novablast v5 (RTR Review)
Renee: Both of these shoes are among my favorite road shoes without plates, although they have their own differing qualities.
The Novablast has the high drop and bouncier ride. The newest Novablast has a less clunky heel than its earlier versions, something that made it faster for me. The Rebel’s lower drop and forefoot offer a more neutral ride. The Rebel is lighter in weight and thus better for speed or tempo work in that regard.
Go with the Novablast for the high drop and bounce and the Rebel for the light weight. Sizing is comparable.
Reed: Great comparison here. From my retail experience, choose the Novablast if you’re looking to smash lots of miles with maximum comfort. Choose the Rebel if you appreciate the light weight and don’t mind the tradeoff for durability.
Topo Cyclone v3 (RTR Review)
Renee: If you miss the old versions of the Rebel, the Cyclone 3 offers a lower stack and narrow platform. The midsole is dynamic although firmer. The Rebel v5 has more stack for longer runs. The rocker of the Cyclone is a bit noticeable, a pro or con depending on how the runner feels about rockers. The Cyclone is lighter weight albeit with less stack. I wear a half size smaller in the Cyclone.
Brooks Hyperion 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: Another great shoe for those liking light weight unplated trainers, the Hyperion 2 (not to be confused with the many other Brooks shoes with “Hyperion” in the name), has a more dramatic forefoot rocker and less stack. For speed or tempo work when a rocker and firmer midsole is needed, the Hyperion 2 is a good option. For stack, comfort, and overall diverse usage, the Rebel. The Hyperion 2 is a mere 6.10 ounces in a women’s size 8 as compared to the Rebel 6.8. Of course, the Rebel has more stack. Sizing is comparable.
Diadora Frequenza (RTR Review)
Renee: I almost forget about this shoe, but it’s a good one. If the Novablast v5 and the Rebel v5 had an expensive baby, it would be the Frequenza. The midsole has that supercritical foam feel, light and springy with softness like the Rebel but in a 8mm drop like the Novablast.
At 7.20 ounces in my women’s size 8, the weight is between the Novablast and Rebel. The Frequenza has less under the forefoot for long runs and at $180 it’s a tough buy. A major note in this shoe was the upper. The materials of the tongue above the toe box had clunky stitching that dug into my foot regardless of sock thickness. Sizing is comparable.
Hoka Mach 6 (RTR Review)
Reed: Two shoes that straddle the line of daily training and quality training. Both light enough (although Rebel has the edge by about half an ounce). The Mach 6 was really the only shoe I thought stacks up well against the Rebel, with some differences that probably can help you choose which might suit you more. The Mach is slimmer fitting and gives the sense of more control. The Rebel is a little wilder in nature and name. The Rebel felt better at slower paces and both felt adequate at faster paces although I may prefer the turnover of the Mach. Both are priced similarly and available in wide.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The Rebel v5 will release July 1, 2025
Tester Profiles
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 53th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR at the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Sally is a lifelong runner and mother of five who agreed against her better judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the past twelve Boston Marathons, three NYC Marathons, two Chicagos, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights (Berlin in 2025). With a Boston PR of 3:25:55 in 2022 (9th place in AG) and three consecutive 2nd place in Age Group awards in NYC, she has competed in several Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships and placed 6th in the world in W 60-64 when she ran an all-time PR of 3:24:02 at age 63 at the 2022 London Marathon. She also competes in USATF races of all distances with the Greater Lowell Road Runners team. To add meaning to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Team Eye and Ear and has raised over $350,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally stands tall at 5’2’’ and 105 pounds, and lives in Marblehead, MA where she trains outdoors year round. She blames her love of skiing out West for any and all Boston Marathon training challenges.
Reed Breuer, 32 years old from Auburn, CA. Reed began running at age 18 and did the classic track/cross country route through college. After college he ran a couple road marathons and started racing on trails in 2017. He moved from Sacramento to Auburn in 2023 to live closer to the historic Western States 100 course and he primarily trains and races on trails from 50k to 100mi. He has run a 15:28 5k and 2:28 marathon and is locally competitive in races of any surface or distance. He manages a local running shoe store and is starting a coaching business on the side (capital-endurance.com). He is a closeted heel-striker and over-pronator with a very low-volume foot.
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The broad elastic bands of the v4 also exist in this version?
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