New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is built for the marathon

For more than a century, New Balance has stood out in the running world by putting every runner first, whatever their level or ambitions. True to its values of accessibility, innovation and performance, the American brand has unveiled the fifth generation of its carbon-plated shoe: the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5. Developed specifically for the marathon with input from elite athletes, including British triathlete Alex Yee, this new model showcases the very best of New Balance expertise.

A shoe built to break records

Designed to help ambitious runners chase their fastest marathon times, the SuperComp Elite v5 has been radically reworked to be lighter, more dynamic and just as comfortable. Weighing 214 grams (men’s EU size 42.5) and featuring an 8 mm drop, it delivers explosive energy return through a midsole made entirely from PEBA FuelCell foam, the lightest and most responsive foam the brand has ever used.

A stiffer carbon plate in the forefoot, combined with 100% PEBA foam, gives the shoe a forward-propelling feel that is ideal for holding a fast pace over the marathon distance. The outsole has also been redesigned, with a new, lighter compound offering better grip across all types of surfaces, whatever the race-day conditions.

Every part of the shoe has been designed for pure performance: the tongue and collar have been carefully refined to ensure a smooth, comfortable transition from training shoe to racing shoe. The goal is to avoid disrupting the runner’s biomechanics when it matters most: on race day.

New Balance pays tribute to marathon history

Although the Elite v5 is clearly looking to the future, it has not forgotten the brand’s roots. The shoe’s design pays tribute to a historic marathon figure: Khalid Khannouchi. The Moroccan athlete, who later became an American citizen, won the Chicago Marathon in 1999 in a heroic effort, setting a world record of 2:05:42 in a pair of New Balance RC110s. The landmark performance prompted the brand to rename the model RC205WR, in tribute to Khannouchi’s achievement.

Developed in collaboration with Olympic champion Alex Yee

Elite triathlete and Olympic champion, Alex Yee played an active role in developing the Elite v5. The British athlete wore it for his first-ever marathon in London, finishing in 2:11:08, demonstrating the shoe’s ability to deliver on its performance promise all the way to the finish.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Boston research lab several times since it opened in 2022. I feel very privileged to be able to test and contribute, even in a small way, to the development of their performance running shoes, now including the SC ELITE V5. I tested it last year and knew as soon as I put it on that it represented a step forward. It’s incredibly responsive and allows me to run naturally, efficiently and quickly.
Alex Yee, New Balance athlete

At New Balance, this kind of feedback from the field is essential: “Alex is just as meticulous as our development team,” says senior product manager Chris Morfesi. “He helped turn this v5 into a finely tuned product for race day.”

Recommended use : racing: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon
Price : €280
Weight : 214 g (men’s EU size 42.5) / 165 g (women’s EU size 38)
Stack height : 40 mm (heel) / 32 mm (forefoot), World Athletics approved
Drop : 8 mm
Foam : 100% PEBA FuelCell
Ride : Neutral
Runner weight : Up to 80 kg
Plate : carbon, stiff in the forefoot
Grip : reinforced outsole

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 will be available from July 7, 2025, for €280 on the official New Balance website.

With the SuperComp Elite v5, New Balance has created a shoe built for fast times and big race-day goals. Inspired by the past and engineered for performance, it is a serious ally for anyone chasing a personal best.