Article by Nils Scharff and Markus Zinkl
New Balance - FuelCell SC Elite v5 ($250/ 280,00 €)
Editor's Note: Translated with assistance of Deepl.com from Nils and Markus' s SC Elite v5 review in German. Our earlier multi tester review of the v5 by 3 US based testers s here
Markus: It's hard to ignore: in the world of carbon competition shoes, the name "SC Elite" from New Balance is a household name. While many of my RTR colleagues, including Nils, have already had the opportunity to test the predecessor, I have never had the pleasure. That changes today! The brand-new New Balance SC Elite v5 is my very first from this series, and I was incredibly excited to see what awaited me. Can the shoe live up to the hype and win me over right away? I put it through its paces for you.
Nils: Unlike Markus, I've had the pleasure of testing the last two generations of New Balance's SC Elite. And while the SC Elite has changed significantly from version to version, the conclusion has often been similar: a good (training) shoe, but not something I would consider for serious competition. Since the new SC Elite v5 has almost nothing in common with its predecessor, I am very curious to see if this conclusion will change this time around.
Pros:
- Excellent support & breathability
- Soft, comfortable cushioning
- Very light on the foot
- Comfortable heel
- Flexible, forgiving plate
- Offers high stability despite its narrow platform design
Cons:
- Tight fit
- Not quite at the performance level of top competition shoes
- Relatively stiff carbon plate
- Heavier than competing models
Tester:
Markus Zinkl is 35 years old and lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. He started running just to support his main sport, soccer. Since he stopped playing soccer, running has become his main sport to stay fit. He now runs 5-6 times a week, covering between 60 and 80 kilometers. Apart from a local relay race, he rarely runs in competitions. Markus runs both on trails and on roads and is an absolute gear geek. In addition to running, he spends most of his free time hiking, especially in the mountains, where his interest in gear also comes into play.
Nils Scharff
I am 35 years young, originally from Kassel, and have been running around Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I have been involved in all kinds of sports my whole life, often 5-7 times a week. In addition to running, climbing and bouldering have been my sports of choice for several years now. My "running career" began with a company run, which I didn't want to start completely unprepared. From that point on, I just never stopped running. I now cover a good 4000 km a year – thanks to RoadTrailRun, always in different shoes. What's important to me during all these kilometers, whether on trails or roads, is above all switching off and exercising in nature. You'll rarely find me on a treadmill or wearing headphones. I have now run twelve marathons and recently set a PB of 2:40:05 in Berlin. In competitions, I generally run all distances from 5km (16:15min) and 10km (33:09min) to half marathons (1:15:29h) and marathons.
Stats
Weight
Official: 202 g (Herren EU 42 / US 8,5)
Samples: 226 g (men's EU 44,5 / US 10,5) // 225 g (men's EU 44,5 / US 10,5)
Stack Height: 40 mm / 32 mm (8 mm)
Available now $250 / 280,00 €
First impressions, fit, and upper
Markus: I was impressed as soon as I opened the box. The SC Elite v5 looks incredibly fast—aggressive, sleek, and with a design that clearly says, "I want to run!" It also feels surprisingly light in hand.
The sporty impression is confirmed when you slip it on for the first time. This is not a comfortable training shoe, but a thoroughbred racer. The fit is rather narrow and encloses the foot very securely. If you have wider feet, you should definitely try it on in the store. With my rather narrow feet, however, I find the support perfect.
The upper material, which New Balance calls "FantomFit," is absolutely amazing. It is super thin, extremely breathable, and feels almost like a second skin.
The tongue is very thin, but by no means uncomfortable. I had no problems with the tongue in combination with the rather thin laces. The tongue is side-stitched.
I am particularly impressed by the heel construction. It is soft, flexible, and holds my heel firmly in place without causing even the slightest bit of friction. You can immediately feel the high quality and well-thought-out construction. Unlike many other racing shoes, the heel is also well padded, which rounds off the overall impression of comfort for a competition shoe.
Nils: I am extremely impressed with the upper material of the New Balance SC Elite v5! The single-layer Fantom Fit mesh material has a slight stretch, which makes it extremely comfortable. At the same time, it is super thin and breathable. Only the slightly rubberized New Balance "N" provides some reinforcement in the midfoot area.
The thin tongue made of a suede-like material is lightly padded in just the right place, so that the slightly stretchy laces do not cause any uncomfortable pressure.
Nevertheless, the support is very, very good, which is particularly due to the well-padded back of the shoe. The internal heel cup is neither particularly high, wide, nor stiff. The highlight here is the heel section, which is extended upwards by padding, providing particularly good yet gentle support for the area around the Achilles.
The upper material of the SC Elite v5 is so well made that I consider it an insider tip, especially for triathletes: you can run barefoot in this model with a clear conscience!
Midsole
Markus: The heart of every super shoe is the midsole, and the SC Elite v5 has a lot to offer in this regard. It features the well-known PEBA foam called "FuelCell," which is designed to provide high energy return.
Combined with a full-length carbon fiber plate and an 8 mm drop, the setup is clearly designed on paper for propulsion. When running, the midsole feels firm and direct.
The carbon fiber plate is very noticeable here due to the otherwise very soft foam. However, the combination of the two works very well here. The SC Elite v5 provides very clear feedback from the ground and feels extremely responsive. You can really feel how the carbon plate works with every step and pushes you forward.
Nils: The midsole of the SC Elite v5 is made from the same FuelCell material as its predecessor. According to New Balance, this is a PEBA compound. While other brands are moving away from PEBA in favor of A-TPU, New Balance continues to rely on the positive properties of the original "super foam." The compound used here is relatively soft, yet feels very energetic underfoot.
Unlike its predecessor, the SC Elite v5 is significantly narrower in the midfoot (20 mm) and heel (13 mm). In addition, the stack height under the forefoot has been reduced by 2 mm (32/40 mm stack height for an 8 mm drop), resulting in significantly less foam underfoot than before. This is also the main reason for the significant weight savings from v4 to v5: the SC Elite v5 weighs a full 37 grams less than its predecessor (225g vs. 262g).
In terms of geometry, I find the placement of the fairly stiff carbon fiber plate exciting. While other brands place the plate either high (e.g., Alphafly, Metaspeed Sky) or low (e.g., Vaporfly, Metaspeed Edge), the SC Elite's plate is positioned relatively centrally. Whether this represents the famous "golden mean" or is rather "neither one thing nor the other" will be revealed in the chapter on running feel.
Outsole
Markus: A quick look at the sole reveals generous rubber coating, especially in the forefoot area. This gives me a good feeling about durability and grip. My test runs confirmed this: whether on dry or wet asphalt, traction was always excellent. I never felt like I was slipping and was able to concentrate fully on my run. So, for a pure competition shoe, the sole also seems robust enough for some fast training sessions.
Nils: The outsole of the SC Elite v5 is easy to explain. Two rubber inserts are placed under the heel, to the right and left of the long guide groove. They protect the midsole there.
The midfoot is recessed and only the FuelCell material is also provided with a sole pattern there. In addition, the carbon plate is exposed at this point, and New Balance prominently promotes the so-called Energy Arc there. This is the area that is given to the material for compression.
A large area of rubber is then used under the forefoot. During my test runs, this provided good grip in all conditions and, thanks to the triangular studs, is even suitable for light trails, field paths, and park paths. After 74 test kilometers, I see moderate signs of wear, and since the rubber is quite thick across the entire surface, one can assume that it will be durable compared to other competition shoes.
Running feel and summary
Markus: Now for the most important question: how does it perform? My first impression: incredibly efficient. The shoe rolls incredibly smoothly and encourages you to increase your pace. Despite the soft midsole foam, it also feels surprisingly stable, which is a big advantage, especially over longer distances when your legs get tired.
As already described for the midsole, the running feel is rather direct and controlled. It is not the bounciest shoe on the market. Those who love that extreme trampoline feeling may find a little more pop in other brands. Instead, the SC Elite v5 focuses on very smooth and energy-saving propulsion. I particularly liked this during long, fast endurance runs and tempo sessions. You feel like you could keep running forever.
I'm really impressed! The New Balance SC Elite v5 is an excellent competition shoe that has won me over with its fantastic fit, direct running feel, and efficiency. It is the perfect choice for all runners looking for a lightweight, stable, and fast shoe for their competitions from 5 km to marathon distances. Especially if you prefer a rather firm and direct running feel to a super soft one, you might find your new favorite shoe here. For me, it is an absolute recommendation and for me a more than successful entry into the SC Elite world!
Markus’ Score: 9,05/10
Ride: 9 - Fit: 9 - Value: 9 - Style: 10
Nils: Due to the SC Elite's history as "better training shoes," as mentioned at the beginning, I was a little skeptical at the start of my test runs, especially regarding the performance of the New Balance SC Elite v5.
But after the first run, I was completely impressed by the upper material. New Balance has managed to combine the confidence-inspiring and comfortable feel of a fast training shoe with an absolutely competitive super shoe. The SC Elite v5 is the most comfortable fitting of all the competition shoes I have tested so far—and that's quite a few.
But it also has nothing to hide when it comes to running feel and performance. My first training session in the SC Elite v5 was a long tempo change program between approx. marathon pace (3:45-50 min/km) and brisk base pace (approx. 4:20 min/km). And at both speeds, I was able to cruise along wonderfully efficiently in the SC Elite. But even during faster sessions, such as 300m intervals at around 3:00 min/km, the shoe performed very well. At these speeds, the relatively stiff carbon fiber plate comes into its own, and you can really feel its activation and propulsion. The aggressive "squish" feeling of the soft FuelCell foam also came into its own during these sessions, adding an extra touch of aggressiveness.
Across all speeds, the SC Elite also scored points for its exceptionally high stability—again thanks to the stiff plate. The significantly narrower platform design is therefore by no means a drawback.
So, does that sound like the perfect "balance"? Almost! Although the SC Elite v5 performs well across a wide range of paces, it unfortunately lacks the bounce and running enjoyment of some competing models, nor is it (for me personally) as efficient. It is very good—but not outstanding. Last year, it would have been one of the best super shoes of the year. However, compared to the competition, many which now use A-TPU foams and which can reduce the weight of their shoes at similar stack heights to well below 200 grams, New Balance seems to be lagging a generation behind in the foam at the top end racer game .
I can still give it a recommendation, though: for all athletes who are looking for a slightly more moderate, slightly more stable super shoe. The New Balance SC Elite v5 offers a better version of this than ever before in the line. Anyone who wants to run in a super shoe for the first time should take a closer look at the SC Elite v5.
Nils Score: 9/10
Ride: 9 - Fit: 10 - Value: 7 - Style: 9
8 Comparisons
SC Elite v4 (RTR Review)
Nils:I have already discussed this comparison at length. The new SC Elite v5 has a significantly modified geometry (8 vs. 6 mm drop), is considerably narrower, and weighs a full 37 grams less. It is less bouncy than its predecessor, but in terms of performance and efficiency, it has moved significantly closer to the competition. For me, it's a successful update and upgrade. Both sized at EUR 44.50.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (RTR Review)
Markus: When directly comparing the Adidas Adios Pro 4, you can feel two completely different racing philosophies. The Adios Pro 4 forces you into a forward rolling motion with its extreme rocker geometry and firm Lightstrike foam, which feels highly efficient but also very controlling. In contrast, the New Balance SC Elite v5 is significantly more comfortable and flexible. It feels much softer on the foot, with its carbon plate noticeably more forgiving and requiring less force. So while the Adidas is an uncompromising efficiency machine, the New Balance scores points with a more forgiving, softer, and more adaptable running feel.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2
Markus: The Fast-R 2 is a force to be reckoned with: its solid construction makes it feel heavier, but it rewards you with an explosive, vertical bounce generated by its rock-hard carbon plate in the high forefoot. This shoe wants and needs to be run with a lot of power to unleash its potential. The SC Elite v5 is the complete opposite and feels feather-light in comparison. Its running feel is significantly softer, the plate is much more flexible, and the overall experience is much less strenuous on the foot. So the choice here is clear: raw, explosive bounce versus feather-light, soft comfort.
Markus: The comparison between the SC Elite v5 and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a little more nuanced than for the Fast-R. The Deviate 3 feels more direct and closer to the ground, generating strong forward propulsion in a very light and effective way. It is a fantastic all-rounder that provides a very clear running feel. The SC Elite v5 offers a similarly directed roll, but is a lot softer and more cushioned. You sink noticeably into the foam, and the more flexible plate makes it more accessible. It's a choice between the direct, propulsive ground feel of the Puma and the softly cushioned yet fast glide of the New Balance.
Kiprun KD900X LD+ (RTR Review)
Markus: Comparing the SC Elite v5 with the Kiprun KD900X LD+ is a clash of philosophies: premium comfort versus long-distance workhorse. The KD900X LD+ offers a rather firm, controlled, and very predictable ride, making it an extremely reliable partner for countless training miles and long competitions.
In contrast, the SC Elite v5 stands out with its feather-light weight and soft cushioning. It feels more agile and significantly more comfortable on the foot and aims to provide maximum comfort and speed for race day. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing between the Kiprun's price-performance ratio and the New Balance's first-class, soft, and feather-light feel.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris (RTR Review)
Nils: The Edge Paris was one of the lightest shoe in last year's super shoe class. It impresses with very fast transitions in a rolling motion and is therefore better suited than other super shoes for shorter competition distances. Its carbon fiber plate sits significantly lower than that of the NB, resulting in a more rolling running feel. The Edge Paris is significantly more aggressive and less comfortable than the NB, which is why I would prefer the SC Elite for longer distances. Both 44.5 EU.
Nike Alphafly 3 (RTR Review)
Nils: The Alphafly has been my shoe of choice for marathons. As a forefoot runner, I can enjoy the maximum energy return of the Air Zoom units. It's a feeling that is unique, but also described by many as too mechanical. The SC Elite can't match the immense energy return of the Alphafly, but in return it feels much more "natural." It is particularly more suitable for more heel striking runners. Both shoes are true to size in EUR 44.5.
Nike Vaporfly 3 (RTR Review)
Nils: The Vaporfly 3 was not very popular among many Vaporfly fans, as it was the least aggressive version of Nike's classic to date. But that's precisely what makes it a good comparison for the SC Elite v5. Both are relatively "friendly" for beginners in the world of super shoes and offer a good balance of bounce and roll. The SC Elite is slightly heavier than the VF, but also significantly more stable and its upper material is considerably more comfortable on the foot. For me, this makes it the better choice, especially for marathon distances. Both are true to size EUR 44.5.
Our Other SC Elite v5 RTR Multi Tester Review with 4 more testers' perspectives.
The FuelCell SC Elite 5 will be available August 2025
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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