Article by Courtney Kelly, Peter Stuart, and Sam Winebaum
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 ($250)
Introduction
The SC Elite is New Balance’s pinnacle marathon racer. The two most recent versions were broad, soft, heavier than their competition and for our testers more trainers than racers. With v5 New Balance drops the weight significantly to a competitive 7.25 oz / 205 g by slimming the rear at the ground platform widths, increasing the drop to 8mm and using a very simple thin engineered mesh upper. The carbon plate geometry gets more aggressive as does the outsole. Now in the lead pack? Let’s find out!
Pros:
Competitive weight: big 0.8 oz / 23g (US M8.5) drop in weight compared to v4: narrower platform and 2mm more drop (same heel height): Sam/Peter
Narrow (er) rear platform is remarkably stable, and among the most stable of any super shoe:Sam/Peter
Smooth fitting, simple and secure upper: less baggy than v4: Sam/Sally/Courtney/Peter
Solid, high and cushioned heel counter, deeper than usual heel rubber: Sam/Sally/Courtney
Continues marathon focus of v4: steady, stable consistent, see Pacer for shorter racing: Sam/Peter
Good outsole grip, was able to take it through gravel easily: Courtney/Sam
Cons:
Flat and not exactly snappy and agile: overly rigid and stabilized midfoot and wish for more roll: Sam/Courtney
Full forefoot rubber outsole coverage, but the center section doesn't actually touch ground. Is this needed? Adds weight: Courtney
Could have better energy return/bounce: Peter/Sam
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 7.25 oz / 205g US9 // women’s 6.4 oz / 183 g, US8
Sample Weights:
men’s 7.05 oz / 200g US M8.5, compared to 7.85 oz / 222 g US8.5 Men’s 11 is 8.30 oz
women’s: 6.4 oz / 183 g US W8 , compared to 7.1 oz / 201 g for v4
Stack Height:
V5: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot
V4: 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot
Platform Width:
V5: 72 mm heel / 55 mm midfoot / 105 mm forefoot US M8.5
V4: 85 mm heel / 75 mm midfoot / 105 mm forefoot US M8.5
Note the significant narrowing of the heel and midfoot platform in v5
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Courtney: The New Balance SC Elite 5 is a straight forward, approachable, lightweight race shoe. When first putting it on, you immediately notice the plush collar lining and interior protection at the achilles.
It’s not overly plush, but enough that you feel confident you can take this shoe to the marathon. It features a firm counter that cups the heel well.
The perforated lay-flat, gusseted tongue does well with ventilation and the flat laces and reinforced eyelets work well to ensure a solid lockdown. I appreciate the just right fit through the heel and midfoot with some wiggle room in the toe box.
The single layer thin non-stretch mesh upper has plenty of breathability through the forefoot, but with less ventilation at the heel due to the extra padding.
Sam: Courtney has it right! The v5 has a simple effective and comfortable upper that is a sharp departure from the underlays, thicker, heavier, somewhat baggy yet at the same time stiff (due to the underlays) and tongue gusset less v4’s.
Basically it is a single layer of engineered mesh with no overlays beyond the “N” on both sides of the midfoot.
The tongue is a smooth and soft perforated leatherette (no faux suede as v4 had) with a stretch gusset and a small lightly padded branding oval at lace up.
Lace up is once and done and for my narrow to medium feet needs to be quite snugged, indicating that despite appearances there is more than adequate volume for a decently wide range of foot volumes.
It is lower volume and more locked down through the midfoot due to the narrower platform and its new gusset tongue.
The rear of the shoe clearly gives better hold than v4’s due to the greater height of the rear achilles tab and stouter heel counter tab than v4’s.
This is not a broad fitting super shoe, and it is not as broad as v4, but the softer more pliable toe box mesh and now more vertical toe bumper has noticeably more give over the toes making them effectively “longer” while remaining secure.
One comfortable toe box. Only those with very broad feet will complain about the more performance fit but I doubt anyone will complain about the overall smooth and effective feel of this race focused upper.
Peter: I’ll say it, the fit and form remind me of one of my all time favorite race shoes–the New Balance RC 1400. In many ways the SC Elite 5 feels like a super version of the 1400–and I mean that in all the best ways. It’s a simple, to the point marathon race shoe with enough cushion to get through long miles and enough snap to make it feel like a race! Sorry, getting ahead of myself. It’s a simple, elegant, excellent fitting race shoe. Runs true to size and totally fine for big miles right out of the box. Looks good too!
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The Elite v5 moves from a 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot stack height (6mm drop) to 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot (8mm drop). The platform is now 13mm narrower at the heel (72mm) and 20mm narrower (55mm) at the midfoot with the same 105mm forefoot.
This is a narrow platform for a marathon super shoe and likely the main reason we drop a big 0.8 oz / 23g in my US8.5.
The narrow platform gave initial pause in terms of stability but I was frankly shocked how stable the v5 is at the rear of the shoe, among the most stable of super shoes for me with my tendency to heel strike more than mid or forefoot strike. Tribute, maybe, to the 3d shape of the Energy Arc carbon element?
That said the stability for my tastes extends a bit too far forward as I also find the midfoot (plate located very close to foot there) with the transition to toe off quite rigid with not as much roll as I prefer even with the now more aggressively angled plate as shown compared to v4 below, dark lines indicate plate location.
This less than ideal sink and roll is likely also due to the middle of the midsole location of the plate close to the foot and midfoot and mid height at the front. The overall feel is quite flat. Note in the picture below (dark line) how close to the foot the plate of the v5 is at midfoot compared to the Edge Paris. I prefer a lower plate location as in the Vaporfly or Edge Paris to roll easier.
The same roll can also be achieved with softer top foam such as in the Cloudboom Strike where the top layer is also not glued in making the front less rigid. In the v5 the moderately firm foam is the same firmness above and below the plate.
The foam. Well it does not feel much different than the prior. Moderately firm, not particularly bouncy in feel, stable and nicely but not overly energetic. So essentially classic PEBA foam and not one of the newer yet lighter and more energetic 2025 compounds such Puma’s latest Nitro, Saucony’s super soft Incredirun or the Norda 005 trail shoe's very high return but soft foam.
That’s OK as the foam is deeply protective and stable in feel given the platform and its narrowness. The combination of characteristics, and especially the plate geometry at midfoot ,leads to what I would call a marathon rather than say a 10K shoe although for sure it can also be an option there.
There is less dynamic get and go, roll and fly to the Elite v5 with more of a marathon pace feel. I was surprised how low my average heart rate was during a touch faster (8:20 per mile pace) than my MP during a test run recently, mid 130's smooth and easy but a bit more labored underfoot when I tried to go faster. Or maybe I was tired that day but don’t think so!
Courtney: I agree with Sam that the SC’s geometry is stable even with the narrow platform. The sole flare on the medial heel supports pronation and the flare at the medial forefoot provides plenty of area under the big toe for stability and leverage.
The narrow platform and lack of flare at the lateral side may have contributed to my almost rolled ankle at the end of a 10 mile run.
Similar to Sam, I found the shoe less propulsive at midstance and toe off. In addition to the plate embedded lower and firm, and less energetic foam, I see the toe spring as quite gradual and relaxed. This promotes stability but takes away from the aggressive roll forward and pop off the toe. It's safe, stable and versatile, but not your most aggressive race shoe.
Peter: I agree with all of the above. I’d say that while it is a stable and fast feeling shoe, it lacks some of the absurdly fun bounce of some of the other super shoes.
The foam and plate work really well with my foot, but they match my energy more than add to it. I just got back from another medium long run in them and I’d say that the foam works well at moderate tempos as well as quicker ones. For me the foam and plate work well together and I roll through toe-off just fine. Maybe not propulsively, but I certainly don’t feel like I stall on the forefoot.
Outsole
Courtney: The SC’s outsole has two rear rubber pads with thicker material than the forefoot.
The lateral side rear pad is larger assuming typical landing patterns.
The center cutout exposes the Energy Arc plate and there is a central groove that continues up through the forefoot.
The rubber outsole at forefoot also covers the inset area that would likely not touch the ground. I found this to be an interesting design choice, and possibly adds unnecessary weight on the shoe. Durability seems good for a race shoe with its solid rubber outsole and lug-like traction. I have run on gravel and slightly wet road with no issues.
Peter: The outsole grips really well. Sort of has Nike waffle meets adidas adios (of old) vibes. I made sure to go through some pedals and some tight corners and the outsole gripped well. Wear looks minimal as I approach 50 miles in the SC Elite 5. I think these will wear well as trainers and not just as race shoes.
Sam: I concur with the others. A more substantial and solidly gripping outsole than usual on a super shoe.
Triangular front lugs grip really well on road and gravel while the thick hear heel pads help stabilize heel landings.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Courtney: I found the SC to be versatile across many paces. I was surprised to find myself hitting 5K workout paces up to marathon pace, but the question remains if I can sustain it for peak performance in a race.
There is so much to love about this shoe, but there is a flatness at the midfoot that takes extra energy to push through. It's a solid choice for a newer runner looking for a super shoe, or for someone looking for comfort and reliability over long distances. I don’t think I would choose this shoe if I was running with a PR in mind. It lacks the aggressiveness and propulsion but it's certainly a well-designed shoe I will wear consistently during training for its natural transitions and stable ride.
Courtney’s Score: 8.75 / 10
Road: Ride (50%):8 deduction for low energy return at forefoot
Fit (30%): 9.5 solid lockdown and fit. Comfortable
Value (15%):9.5 Good value and durability so far
Style (5%) : 9.5 Clean eye catching colors
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Peter: In a lot of ways the SC Elite 5 feels like a modernized and updated version of one of my favorite shoes ever–the NB RC 1400. If you added some stack, some more cushioning and a plate to the 1400 you just might have the SC Elite 5. The overall look and vibe feels reminiscent of the 1400 for sure.
The SC Elite feels like a great tempo trainer and possibly a decent marathon racer. It lacks the propulsiveness and energy return of some of my favorite plated super shoes. That said, I think it will hold up well for daily training and would be a strong contender for a shoe I’d take on a two week vacation where I had all sorts of different workouts. Overall a solid, well fitting, decently fun and versatile shoe from NB.
Peter’s Score 9.3/10
Ride (50%): 9 Fit (30%): 10 Value (15%): 9 Style (5%): 9.5
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Sam: The SC Elite v5 is clearly now a race worthy contender after the heavier, soft and I would say training focused v2, v3 and v4 editions and in some ways, yet with considerably more cushion stack, harkens back to the v1.
For v5 New Balance brought the weight down significantly to just over 7 oz, narrowed the platform, and brought the drop to 8mm. All the standard ingredients of a top super shoe.
The ride is notably and surprisingly stable for such a narrow platform or any supershoe. The carbon plate rear to midfoot location near the foot and stout heel counter and rear rubber as well as I imagine the design of the 3D Energy Arc combine to deliver the rear stability.
That said, I found the roll forward and plunge to a toe off impeded and not particularly exciting or snappy as the Pacer v2 is. While svelte and fast in appearance, the v5 is most effective for me at marathon to tempo paces. I would prefer a lower plate location and/or a softer and more energetic top layer of foam to give it some more speed pep. The PEBA FuelCell foam here is, while light and for sure delivering superb cushion, lacks some in excitement when wrapped around the overall geometry
The upper and look is superb! Prior SC and RC uppers were among the busiest, elaborate and heaviest of super shoes. Here we have a super simple thin and effective upper in all respects: weight, fit and breathability.
At $250 in 2025 value is strong if you seek a light racer that can also train and with a race focus on marathons and more consistent riding stability mile after mile than pure big smiles, excitement and explosive return.
Sam’s Score: 8.95 / 10
Ride (50%): 8.5 As a racer the ride lacks in excitement, a bit flat and rigid without enough roll. It’s as a high speed trainer its light weight and stability shine brightest
Fit (30%): 9.5 Simple, light and effective
Value (15%): 9 Expected durability and versatility for training (and racing) are strong
Style (5%): 10 Simple upper joins elegant and simple design
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8 Comparisons
New Balance FC SC Elite v4 (RTR Review)
Sam: Compared throughout. The far lighter v5 narrower platform is clearly a more race ready option with a superior upper and more agile feel although both share solid stability for a supershoe. If training is your focus, a v4 on sale is still a better value. If stable consistent long racing is your focus then clearly the v5.
New Balance FC SC Pacer v2 (RTR Review)
Sam: The considerably lower stack 32.8 mm heel / 24.8 mm forefoot Pacer v2 is the shorter distance speed racer in the NB line up with a snappy even somewhat flexible and agile ride to the v5 more steady Eddie consistent distance focus.
The v5 is a more friendly slower paces shoe. If you are not at tempo type paces the lower stack Pacer is comparatively harsh at the heel. It sits on a slightly broader platform and actually weighs the same in my US8.5, so clear weight to cushion height advantage to the v5. The v5 upper is more refined, less stiff, lighter and more comfortable while equally effective. Both true to size.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB (RTR Review)
182 grams/ 6.42 ounces US W9
Stack 40mm 32 forefoot 8mm drop
Courtney: Alternating these two shoes during a run was a great way to compare them as they read almost identical on paper. They have the same stack and drop and a similar narrow rear platform width, with the SC coming in wider at the forefoot. I found DNA GOLD PEBA foam to be the bouncier, more energetic foam whereas FuelCell PEBA s firmer and more stable.
HE 4 PB’s carbon SpeedVault plate has a lattice work design providing an even distribution of rigidity and stability. Unlike the SC Elite Energy Arc plate, the SpeedVault has a sharper curve upwards at the toe. I found the roll forward was easier with less energy expenditure. The Hyperion Elite 4 rolls through a bit more easily whereas I felt a bit of flatness in the medial forefoot in the SC.
The uppers are quite different as the HE PB has a wide-knit, porous upper with minimal padding at the heel. The SC is aimed more at comfort and stability with reinforced padding at the heel, and slightly more sole flare at the heel and forefoot.
On Cloudboom Strike (RTR Review)
Sam: The ON has an unusual slip in top midsole of soft foam that sits above its carbon plate. Without a layer of glue between plate and top layer of foam the On, is friendlier and easier to roll forward for me.I prefer its softer and more energetic ride. The v5 has a clear upper advantage over the ON as its roomy non-stretch upper is not as supportive or easy to dial in as the New Balance and overall is not as stable as the v5
Nike VaporFly 3 and 4 (RTR Review)
Peter: The NB SC Elite 5 and the VaporFly 4 are actually pretty similar even as the Vaporly is lower stack than the Elite. They’re both relatively firm for super shoes, they both have excellent and simple refined uppers, they’re both fast and are fun to run in. The Vaporfly may be a little more exciting–and to clarify the SC is fun, but not FUN! The Vaporfly is lighter and a little snappier overall. They are both excellent shoes. If forced to choose between them, I’d pick the Vaporfly to race in and the SC Elite more for uptempo training.
Sam: I agree with Peter on the Vaporfly 4 being similar in ride even as lower stack although I find the Elite v5 fun for training as it is light, so well cushioned and stable. But for racing not so much as it lacks impulse forward to toe off, as does in some ways also the Vaporfly 4, its earlier versions Next% 1-2 having plenty of that with their low plate locations. I would add that the Vaporfly 3 is closer to the v5 than the Elite v5 in overall ride and cushion although the New Balance is more heel stable.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 (RTR Review)
Courtney: The Pro is similar weight to the SC coming in at 196 grams vs the SC at 193 grams in my US women’s 9. Both shoes feature a firmer ride with the Pro’s dual layer foam (PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG), and the geometry of the cambered plate in the SC riding higher so closer to the forefoot. They have a similar stable feel with 8mm drops. The Pro 4 has a wider platform at the heel with sole flares on the medial and lateral sides. The Endorphin Pro 4 has less cushioning in the forefoot which contributed to some arch pain I experienced when I was training in them more often. Both shoes are not quite as snappy as competitors, but are a solid choice for training.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 (RTR Review)
Peter: The SC Elite 5 and the Endorphin Elite 2 are totally different shoes. The Endorphin is super soft, unbelievably bouncy, wild and unstable (in a fun way). The SC Elite 5 is firm, efficient and stable. The Endorphin falls out of any consideration for me because the upper makes my feet bleed and blister every time I put them on. Easy decision. SC Elite for the win
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (RTR Review)
Peter: My current marathon racer of choice is the Adios Pro 4. It’s so bouncy, turns over fast and leaves me feeling fresh at the end of long miles. The SC is firmer and not quite as much fun.
Sam: I agree with Peter. The Adios Pro 4 is more dynamic and faster for me at shorter distances. As with many comparisons here, while the Pro 4 upper is fine, clear upper win for the New Balance. Both true to size but might size down a half in the Adios.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The FuelCell SC Elite 5 will be available August 2025
Tester Profiles
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mother to her girls.
Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:21 half marathoner in recent years.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 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.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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