The Details
- Stiffer forefoot carbon fiber plate
- 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole
- Updated outsole rubber
- Updated rocker geometry
- Single-layer mesh upper
ON THE RUN
Joe: When it comes to race day, every second counts—and the New Balance SuperComp Elite v5 makes sure you don’t waste a single one. From the moment you lace them up, this shoe makes a statement. It doesn’t just whisper speed—it shouts it from the pavement.
Running in the SC Elite v5 is, in a word, incredible. From the first stride, the smooth and efficient ride is impossible to ignore. In fact, I instantly shaved 30 seconds per mile off my easy pace without even trying. It feels like you're being propelled forward, as if Tom Cruise’s Maverick voiceover is in your head saying, “I feel the need—the need for speed.”
New Balance’s 2025 motto, “Fast is more than a feeling,” rings true here. In the SC Elite v5, fast isn’t just a sensation—it’s reality.
Keith: In my mind, New Balance made the most comfortable supershoe ever when they gave us the SC Elite v2. It just didn’t stack up to the big dogs on pure performance and lightweight bounce. For me, it became a long-run favorite—fast enough, but not quite race-ready. Later versions got lighter but sacrificed durability or comfort. They were onto something, but the full package wasn’t there.
The SC Elite v4 was close—comfortable, bouncy, but also wide and a bit clunky. Then New Balance made us wait, and wait some more. But the payoff? The SC Elite v5 is absolutely worth it. This is the shoe that finally catapults New Balance into race-day royalty.
First Impressions
My debut run was a fartlek around the neighborhood—flat, open roads to really test the gears. Flashbacks of the v2 came rushing back. That same unmatched comfort was there, but now paired with performance.
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Weight reduction from earlier versions
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FuelCell foam now 100% PEBA-based for max rebound
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EnergyArc carbon plate tuned to spring you forward while keeping the foam soft underfoot
The combo makes for a fun, fast, and comfortable ride. And let’s be honest—going fast is fun, but going fast comfortably is even better.
Race Test: The CRIM 5-Mile
My second run doubled as a test drive at the CRIM 5-Mile Race in Flint, MI. The rolling hills and big crowd energy were the perfect setting. The SC Elite v5, with its huge energy, carried me to my first-ever Master’s award—a bittersweet reminder that I’m now officially in the over-40 bracket, but I’ll take it.
This shoe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation for race day, no matter the distance.
THE FIT
Joe: The fit is spot-on—true to size and dialed in for performance. The upper features a single-layer mesh built with FANTOMFIT technology, offering lightweight breathability and a secure wrap around the foot. The gusseted tongue and additional padding in the heel collar create a premium fit that balances comfort and lockdown.
It’s a rare blend: a race day shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for weight. The heel felt secure throughout the run, and the gusseted tongue held my midfoot firmly without pressure. Unlike earlier versions, which featured a flimsy tongue, version 5 feels thoughtfully engineered—supportive, streamlined, and dialed for speed.
Keith: The SC Elite v5 is the best-fitting race shoe New Balance has delivered to date. Touch points around the ankle collar and tongue feel plush, adding a surprising level of comfort for a plated racer. The updated midfoot is noticeably narrower than the v4, creating a more secure, supportive hug through the arch without being restrictive.
The engineered mesh upper strikes a nice balance—it’s highly breathable yet substantial enough that it doesn’t look fragile or “see-through.” That gives me confidence it’ll hold up beyond just a couple of races.
Length runs true to size—a win, since some past New Balance models have felt slightly short. This consistency makes it easy to pick your race-day size with confidence.
THE FEEL
Joe: Beneath your feet, New Balance delivers a finely tuned underfoot experience. The SC Elite v5 uses 100% PEBA-based FuelCell foam, which provides elite-level energy return and softness without feeling mushy. It’s paired with the Energy Arc system: a strategically shaped carbon fiber plate and voided midsole geometry that maximizes propulsion and snap.
Compared to other supershoes I’ve tested, this shoe hits a sweet spot. It’s not overly soft, but forgiving enough to eat up marathon miles. Toe-offs feel sharper and snappier, likely thanks to the stiffer forefoot tuning in the plate. The ride is responsive and agile—a leaner, meaner marathon machine. The new outsole (1.7mm thick) adds improved traction without adding weight.
Keith: Soft, springy, light, and comfortable—the SC Elite v5 checks all the boxes that really matter. The updated FuelCell foam finally feels on par with the best supershoe foams out there, no longer weighed down by the heavier TPU blend, and firmer feel of earlier versions. Underfoot, the super-thin but surprisingly grippy forefoot rubber inspires confidence, even on wet corners, while thicker heel impact rubber adds durability.
The EnergyArc carbon plate doesn’t just provide propulsion—it also nestles into the arch, creating a supportive feel rarely found in a racer. Combined with the lightweight, breathable upper, the SC Elite v5 delivers the full package: speed, comfort, and security, ready to take New Balance into the supershoe conversation for real.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Joe: Make no mistake: this is a racing shoe through and through. It’s ideal for race day, especially for distances half marathon and up. I wouldn’t burn it out during daily training runs—you’ll want to keep them fresh for when it counts. Maybe 1–2 key workouts during a race build, but otherwise save them for the big effort.
Though I didn’t run in previous SC Elite versions, I have tested Nike’s Vaporfly 4 earlier this year—and I’d give the edge to the SC Elite v5. It feels more stable, more refined, and better cushioned over long distances, while still delivering that super shoe snap.
Keith: I don’t have much to complain about here. The next step for New Balance would be to shave weight without sacrificing the plush comfort they’ve finally nailed in the SC Elite v5. With some supershoes dipping under 6.5 oz, the Elite isn’t exactly a featherweight. Still, if that extra ounce is the cost of keeping this level of comfort and support, it’s a trade-off most runners will be happy to make.
THE RUNDOWN
Joe: The SC Elite v5 has rocketed to the top of my super shoe list. The upgrades enhance the experience rather than overcomplicating it. It’s everything a modern racing shoe should be: light, responsive, fast, and surprisingly comfortable.
If you're looking for your next race day weapon, especially for distances 10K and up, this is it. Put a pair on your feet and discover for yourself that fast is more than a feeling—it’s your new reality.
Keith: Going back to my experience in the SC Elite v2, I felt all the comfort and possibility—only to be let down by the actual race-day performance. The SC Elite v5 is exactly what I was hoping for back then. It brings everything together in one package that finally maximizes what New Balance can offer. From the fit to the ride, everything feels intentional and tuned for speed. I get genuinely excited to lace these up on race day, and every time I do, I’m rewarded with a premium, confidence-boosting experience. For me, the SC Elite v5 isn’t just another update—it’s the moment New Balance joined the party on the top of the supershoe podium!
Meet the Reviewers
