Can shoes designed for maximum performance over medium and long distances also be versatile? This is probably what New Balance’s team wondered in the designing process of the new Elite V4, a shoe designed for marathon runners, comfortable on the ground and protecting the legs from fatigue, but it is also compatible with faster paces.
Queen of the popular marathon
Ultralight upper, spectacular midsole and outsole design, carbon plate in sight… now in your hands, these New Balance Elite V4 promise to be a warrior, and the truth is that they don’t disappoint and have barely any weak points. These shoes would be among the five most suitable for running a marathon, but they are also a good choice for a 10K or a half marathon.
The new midsole compound provides great comfort, while the full carbon plate, which also increases stiffness compared to version 3, has a curvature at the rear that helps the ‘take-off’ in the stride. In fact, the union of the new midsole materials, together with its geometric design and the carbon plate, has been baptised by New Balance as Energy Arc, to highlight the reactivity of the midsole-plate combination. Other new features are the sole design, which has been improved by increasing the forefoot area to improve traction, and a discreet but incredibly grippy tread pattern.
A new compound that improves energy return
One of the new features of this V4 compared to the V3 is the new midsole compound, now 100% PEBA. According to the brand, this new foam provides 87% of the energy return, compared to 83% for the V3 model. And this is achieved without any loss of comfort, in fact, you immediately notice its great elasticity and how well it compresses the foam. The shape it has been given also has an influence, as it has gained in volume without gaining hardly any weight, less than 10 grams! The base has been widened, but with polygonal shapes that allow the lines to be ‘cut’, including the indentation in the heel that then continues in the sole with a large opening that allows a large part of the carbon plate to be seen.
The compound is only part of the story, the curvature or ‘rocker’, without being one of the most pronounced, together with a moderate drop of 4 mm, orients the shoes towards performance without losing comfort. The curvature of the carbon plate and the foam covering along the plate define its versatility, as the forefoot feels stiffer, lighter and more reactive, while the rearfoot feels very comfortable. This combination, the Energy Arc, allows the shoe to return the maximum amount of energy at take-off.
The new sole design leaves the front part of the sole much more covered, leaving the carbon plate less visible. The structure is divided into five large plates, three at the front and two at the rear. The relief, rather than tread pattern, of this sole is minimal, but surprisingly effective, considering that it is only 1 mm deep.
Ultra-lightweight upper
The design of the upper is clearly oriented towards maximum lightness. Called FantomFit, it combines different layers of fabric depending on the area. It is made in one piece, seamless, very breathable and very transparent at the front, so the colour of the socks will show through. From the middle to the back, the density of the fabric is higher, and provides a very good fit. The heel has a very simple design, with hardly any padding, something to take into account if we usually suffer from chafing in this area. As for the laces and tongue, these require a more careful adjustment than in other models. The laces are narrow and the tongue, very minimalist as befits a racing shoe, is completely independent from the upper, so it is convenient to adjust everything carefully. This is something that we could appreciate immediately in the first outings, but it only requires a little more care when tying the laces and placing the tongue well, taking advantage of the fact that in its central part it has a pin for the laces.
Comfort makes you fast
The New Balance Elite V4 is recommended for medium to long distances for runners capable of medium to fast paces looking for that elusive combination of comfort and responsiveness. The more running experience and technique we have, the more we will get out of these super shoes. They fill an important niche in New Balance’s catalogue, which until now has not paid so much attention to long distances, an objective they have been perfecting with the successive versions of the FuelCell line. However, due to their competition-oriented design, they may not be the best alternative for daily training or runners who need more stability. In short, a safe bet for those looking for speed and efficiency in their races.
Pros
Updated 100% PEBA cushioning.
Redesigned carbon plate for increased reactivity.
Fast, light, responsive and comfortable.
Cons
Little cushioning in the heel area may cause rubbing.
Data sheet
Brand
New Balance
Model
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
Description
Racing shoes for long and medium distances, with 100% PEBA foam midsole and carbon plate that maximise energy return without losing comfort.
Fit system
Lace-up
Upper
Ultralight with variable density and minimalist tongue.
Midsole
100% PEBA foam, wide base, with carbon plate.
Sole
Divided into five panels, with shallow relief and great grip.
Drop
4 mm
Available sizes
From size 40 to 49
Weight
237 g
Price
280€
Available colours
white-orange-blue.
More information here (https://www.deporvillage.net/new-balance-fuelcell-supercomp-elite-v4-shoes-white-orange-blue)
