With this new model, New Balance seems to be orienting the popular Rebel towards versatility. Even so, they have not lost that special character, which offers comfort if you run calmly but is able to make you fly, even though they don’t have a carbon plate in the sole! They maintain the essence of a light and agile shoe, but incorporate significant improvements in cushioning and stability. They can be excellent shoes to get into natural running as their profile is not very high but the combination of foams achieves a very natural feeling in the tread.
A mixed shoe that defies expectations
The Rebel’s name is still FuelCell, synonymous with propulsion and energy return, but now the compound has been updated with a new composition. The addition of 20% PEBA compound gives the EVA midsole some extra firmness, while still offering that super soft feel so characteristic of the Rebel. On the outside it has an angular and futuristic design that is simply spectacular, but the magic is on the inside, with that 20% PEBA that is noticeable above all in the tread, a little firmer than usual, and in the energy with which it propels us.
With a moderate 6 mm drop, the Rebel v4 invites to step with the midfoot, just where the midsole has a higher amount of foam. This makes it a good candidate for experimenting with the ‘natural running’ style. And by gaining almost a centimetre of width at the base, we have gained much needed stability in a shoe designed for rather fast paces.
Lightweight upper with excellent support
The wider base of these shoes and the external design of the midsole give them a strong look, which contrasts with the lightness suggested by the upper. Called FantomFit, New Balance features an ultra-lightweight, highly breathable mesh in the forefoot that becomes more consistent as you move towards the heel. In fact, the tongue is also very thin and not very long, without padding, independent from the rest of the upper except for a couple of quite wide strips, and yes, in mesh, to follow the lightness of the whole.
The heel collar area is open and minimalist, with minimal padding but it does its job perfectly, and at least in our case, without chafing from minute one. It is surprising that, despite its lightness and minimal volume, the upper supports so well in the midfoot area, where the New Balance logo and the higher density of the mesh provide a more secure fit.
NNew design for a high-grip outsole
The sole has received a radical overhaul, saying goodbye to the grated design of the v3 in three large pieces. Now the new version proposes a design with more pattern, a kind of mesh with triangular designs of different sizes, separated in three big strips in the midfoot and toe and two strips in the heel area. This arrangement, especially the central strip that extends to the centre of the shoe, protects the foam a little, which is exposed and will probably be marked, but not affected, if we run on gravel. The grip is now much better, which is a must for a ‘happy’ shoe like this one.
Balanced versatility
Although the new features of this fourth version of the New Balance Rebel seem to be directed towards more comfort, thanks to the wider and softer underfoot, the Rebel v4 has not lost any of its dynamic and lively character. They are still very light and agile, maybe a little bit less with that wider base that makes them more stable, but above all they have improved their capacity to return the energy of the footstep. We recommend them for runners with good technique who want to run at medium-high paces comfortably, but with excellent reactivity.
Pros
Versatility: comfort and dynamism.
Very light and fresh upper.
Very lightweight.
Cons
Foam on the sole is easily marked.
Data sheet
Brand
New Balance
Model
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
Description
Performance oriented shoes, with a medium profile and moderate drop, comfortable but very agile and with a very natural stride, ultralight upper and grippy outsole.
Fit system
Lace-up
Upper
Ultra-lightweight FantomFit mesh, with a thin, short tongue and great midfoot support.
Midsole
In PEBA composite foam (20%) and EVA (80%)
Sole
Composed of five separate pieces with a triangular mesh design in different sizes.
Drop
6 mm
Available sizes
From 36 to 51
Weight
212 g
Price
160€
Available colours
White-orange-blue, white black mint green, orange-black.
More information here (https://www.deporvillage.net/new-balance-fuelcell-rebel-v4-shoes-bright-orange-black)
