FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
Carbon-plated FuelCell race shoe for half and marathon race-day efforts.
Available in Men's and Women's sizing.
- Race
- Carbon Plate
- Neutral
- 8mm Drop
- 198g
- Best forSoft plated race ride.
- Runner typeNeutral gait
- SurfacesRoad
Overview
Carbon-plated FuelCell race shoe for half and marathon race-day efforts.
Kitletics notes particular strengths around soft plated race ride and strong marathon option.
- Soft plated race ride
- Strong marathon option
Kitletics Review · 8.6 Very Good
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a carbon race shoe. Carbon-plated FuelCell race shoe for half and marathon race-day efforts. I'd shortlist it for soft plated race ride. The trade-off is race-day only for most — Nike Vaporfly 4 is the cleaner compare when that is most of your week. It fits buyers who actually need a carbon race shoe, not a one-product rotation.
Read Kitletics Review →At a glance
- Weight
- 198 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- Heel Stack
- 40 mm
- Cushioning
- High
- Stability
- Neutral
- Terrain
- Road
- Plate
- Yes
- Category
- Running Shoes
- Best for
- Soft plated race ride
Pros & cons
Pros
- Soft plated race ride
- Strong marathon option
Cons
- Race-day only for most
- Premium price
Key technologies
FuelCell
FuelCell
Rubber
Rubber
carbon
Structured plate for stiffness and ride character.
Kitletics Review
A buying decision based on structured product data and evidence — not invented star ratings or fake user reviews.
Kitletics Review
Verdict
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a carbon race shoe. Carbon-plated FuelCell race shoe for half and marathon race-day efforts. I'd shortlist it for soft plated race ride. The trade-off is race-day only for most — Nike Vaporfly 4 is the cleaner compare when that is most of your week. It fits buyers who actually need a carbon race shoe, not a one-product rotation.
Pros
- high cushioning for the sessions it was built for
Cons / Trade-offs
- Not designed for technical trail terrain
Best for
- Soft plated race ride.
- Soft ride that still fits carbon race shoe sessions.
- Neutral carbon race shoe.
Not ideal for
- Those looking for race-day only for most.
- Those looking for soft easy-mile daily trainer.
- Those looking for Nike Vaporfly 4 when a carbon race shoe is not the weekly job.
- Those looking for a lightweight race-day shoe.
How it performs
What it is
Carbon-plated FuelCell race shoe for half and marathon race-day efforts. New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is built for a specific job in the category — use that job as your first filter. I'd shortlist it when you want soft plated race ride or strong marathon option. Skip.…
Key specs
Here are the numbers that matter for the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4: • Weight: 198 g • Drop: 8 mm • Heel Stack: 40 mm • Forefoot Stack: 32 mm • Cushion Level: high • Stability: neutral • Terrain: road • Width Options: standard • Grip: road • Plate: Yes • Plate.…
Fit & Comfort
If you already run in New Balance dailies, start with your usual length in the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and judge width and volume on an easy jog — not standing still in the shop. Width is standard only. That suits average-to-narrow feet who already like this.…
Cushioning
Cushioning is the point of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4: high and soft underfoot for easy, recovery and long road miles — not for tempo or race day. On the numbers: FuelCell foam, 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot, 8 mm drop. What you are buying: soft plated race ride.…
Key specs that matter
| Spec | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 198 g | Affects how lively or protective the shoe feels on easy miles. |
| Drop | 8 mm | Influences stance and load distribution — preference, not a quality score. |
| Heel Stack | 40 mm | Contributes to cushion depth under the heel on landings. |
| Forefoot Stack | 32 mm | Affects forefoot protection and how the toe-off feels. |
| Stability | Neutral | Indicates guidance geometry versus a pure neutral ride. |
| Terrain | Road | Defines primary surface suitability (road, trail, mixed). |
| Width Options | Standard | Official widths available — separate from subjective toe-box feel. |
Should you buy it?
Buy if
- You're looking for soft plated race ride.
- You want a soft ride that still fits carbon race shoe sessions.
- You prefer a neutral carbon race shoe.
- You want soft plated race ride.
Skip if
- You need to avoid race-day only for most.
- You're primarily looking for a soft easy-mile daily trainer.
- You prefer Nike Vaporfly 4 when a carbon race shoe is not the weekly job.
- You're primarily looking for the lightest race-day option.
Final verdict
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a carbon race shoe. Carbon-plated FuelCell race shoe for half and marathon race-day efforts. I'd shortlist it for soft plated race ride. The trade-off is race-day only for most — Nike Vaporfly 4 is the cleaner compare when that is most of your week. It fits buyers who actually need a carbon race shoe, not a one-product rotation.
Alternatives to consider
NikeVaporfly 4Why choose this instead: Want better value?
8.9 · Very GoodFrom € 245Compare →
SauconyEndorphin Pro 4Why choose this instead: Want better value?
8.7 · Very GoodFrom € 240Compare →
AdidasAdizero Adios Pro 4Why choose this instead: Want better value?
9.0 · ExcellentFrom € 250Compare →
Featured in
How we assessed it
How we assessed the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4: this is Expert Research. We used manufacturer specifications (198 weight, 8 mm drop, FuelCell), the published role as a carbon race shoe, and a comparison set (Vaporfly 4, Endorphin Pro 4, Adizero Adios Pro 4). We have not personally tested this product. Feel claims and scores are research-informed, not a wear diary.
Review type: Expert Research Review.
Read how we review products →
Specifications
- Weight
- 198g
- Drop
- 8mm
- Heel Stack
- 40mm
- Cushioning
- High
- Stability
- Neutral
- Terrain
- Road
- Plate
- Yes
Geometry
| Weight | 198 g |
|---|---|
| Heel Stack | 40 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 32 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm |
Ride
| Cushioning | High |
|---|---|
| Cushion Feel | Soft |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Energy Return | Very High |
| Flexibility | Stiff |
| Ride Character | Responsive |
Construction
| Upper | Synthetic / mesh race upper |
|---|---|
| Midsole | FuelCell |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Plate | Yes |
| Plate Material | Carbon |
Use
| Terrain | Road |
|---|---|
| Training Types | Race, Tempo |
| Recommended Distance | Half, Marathon |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Weather Suitability | Dry |
| Race Legal | Yes |
Fit
| Width Options | Standard |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Medium |
| Grip | Road |
| Durability | Low |
| Breathability | High |
Other
| Fit / Sizing | Men, Women |
|---|
Where to buy
Showing offers for Netherlands. Prices may change at the retailer.
Amazon.nl
in stockMarketplaceNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 250View on Amazon
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Sources & evidence
Transparency behind this Kitletics Review — not a substitute for the buying decision above.
Verified specification
Official product specifications
Used to verify identity, published measurements, materials and official features.
Verified 12 September 2026
Editorial research
Independent expert reviews & Kitletics editorial analysis
Used to cross-check ride, fit, category placement and buying trade-offs. Not a Kitletics personal wear-test.
Verified 12 September 2026
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Product data verified 12 September 2026. Prices checked 12 September 2026.
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