Running shoes New Balance FUELCELL REBEL V5

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is a lightweight road running shoe designed as a versatile daily trainer for runners seeking a responsive yet cushioned ride. It works well across a range of paces from easy recovery runs through tempo efforts, making it suitable for everyday training miles and casual racing.

The midsole features FuelCell foam, a blend of PEBA and EVA that delivers a soft, bouncy ride with smooth transitions. With 35mm of stack in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 provides substantial cushioning while maintaining good ground contact and energy return. The foam offers a balanced character between plushness and responsiveness, performing best at easy to moderate paces. While the soft midsole excels during daily training and longer runs, it lacks the snap needed for fast interval work or threshold sessions.

The upper uses FantomFit engineered mesh that combines lightweight construction with breathability. A gusseted tongue with thin padding helps lock down the foot securely, while the heel collar features improved padding for Achilles comfort. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 fits true to size with a roomy toe box and is available in wide widths. Reflective elements on the tongue, toe box, and heel enhance visibility in low light conditions.

The outsole features a triangular herringbone pattern with increased rubber coverage compared to the previous version, providing reliable grip on both dry and wet road surfaces. The flexible forefoot and smooth rocker geometry support natural transitions, though some midsole remains exposed which can affect long-term durability. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is designed exclusively for road running and should not be used on trails.

Weight: 225g (EU 43)
Drop: 6mm
Stack: 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot
Terrain: Road