New Balance FuelCell Propel
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Overview
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is a running shoe designed to offer a balance of comfort and performance. This shoe is part of the New Balance FuelCell Propel family, known for its innovative FuelCell technology that provides high energy return and cushioning.
Key Features:
- FuelCell Midsole: Offers high energy return and cushioning for a comfortable ride.
- Embroidered Mesh Upper: Provides breathability and support.
- Carbon Rubber Outsole: Ensures durability and excellent grip.
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort for daily running. Its FuelCell midsole offers a soft ride, making it suitable for easy runs and everyday training.
With an average review score of 82%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the New Balance FuelCell Propel
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is a solid choice for runners seeking a cushioned and comfortable shoe for daily running. The shoe excels in providing a soft and smooth ride, making it ideal for easy runs. The FuelCell midsole offers high energy return, although some reviewers noted that it may not be the best for speed workouts. The embroidered mesh upper provides good breathability and support, while the carbon rubber outsole ensures durability and excellent grip. However, the shoe's softness may limit its versatility for faster runs. Overall, the New Balance FuelCell Propel is praised for its value for money, making it a great option for budget-conscious runners. It is an excellent daily trainer for easy runs but may not be suitable for those seeking a versatile shoe for speed miles.
Comparable Shoes
The ASICS Cumulus 21 is a good alternative to the New Balance FuelCell Propel for runners seeking a soft and comfortable ride. Both shoes offer excellent cushioning, but the Cumulus 21 provides a slightly firmer feel, making it more versatile for different types of runs. The Cumulus 21 also features a more traditional upper design, which some runners may prefer for its familiar fit and feel.
The adidas Solar Drive 19 offers a firmer and more responsive ride compared to the New Balance FuelCell Propel. While both shoes provide good cushioning, the Solar Drive 19 is better suited for runners seeking a more versatile shoe for various paces. The Solar Drive 19 also features a durable outsole and a supportive upper, making it a reliable option for daily running.
The Reebok Forever Floatride Energy is another excellent alternative to the New Balance FuelCell Propel. Both shoes offer a soft and comfortable ride, but the Floatride Energy provides a more responsive feel, making it suitable for faster runs. The Floatride Energy also features a lightweight design and a breathable upper, making it a versatile option for various running conditions.
The ASICS Roadhawk FF2 is a versatile running shoe that offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. Compared to the New Balance FuelCell Propel, the Roadhawk FF2 provides a firmer ride, making it suitable for both easy runs and faster workouts. The Roadhawk FF2 also features a lightweight design and a breathable upper, making it a good option for runners seeking a versatile shoe for various paces.
The Nike Odyssey React offers a firmer and more stable ride compared to the New Balance FuelCell Propel. While both shoes provide good cushioning, the Odyssey React is better suited for runners seeking a more versatile shoe for various paces. The Odyssey React also features a lightweight design and a supportive upper, making it a reliable option for daily running.
Special versions of New Balance FuelCell Propel
The New Balance FuelCell Propel RMX is a special version of the FuelCell Propel that offers additional features for enhanced performance. The RMX version includes a more advanced upper design with improved breathability and support. It also features a modified midsole with a higher energy return, making it suitable for runners seeking a more responsive ride. The outsole of the RMX version is designed for better traction and durability, making it a versatile option for various running conditions.
10 New Balance FuelCell Propel Pros & Cons
5 Pros
5 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the New Balance FuelCell Propel is made from embroidered mesh, which provides a balance of breathability and support. This material helps keep the foot cool during runs, making it a good option for those who prioritize breathability. The synthetic leather toe-bumper adds durability, although some reviewers found it to be a potential irritant. The upper's design ensures a roomy fit, which is beneficial for runners with a medium toe box.
Midsole
The midsole of the New Balance FuelCell Propel features the brand's FuelCell foam, known for its high energy return and cushioning. This single-density foam provides a soft and comfortable ride, making it ideal for daily running. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop offers a balanced feel, suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers. However, the softness of the midsole may not be ideal for those seeking a firmer ride for speed workouts.
Outsole
The outsole of the New Balance FuelCell Propel is made from carbon rubber, which ensures durability and excellent grip. This material provides reliable traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for road running. The outsole's design also contributes to the shoe's overall stability, ensuring an even spread of cushioning and traction during runs.
Size/fit
The New Balance FuelCell Propel offers a roomy fit, particularly in the toe box area. This design is beneficial for runners with a medium toe box, providing ample space for natural foot movement. The shoe is available in multiple widths, including regular and wide, ensuring a comfortable fit for various foot shapes. However, some reviewers noted that the upper's design might feel too spacious for those with narrower feet.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the New Balance FuelCell Propel. The FuelCell midsole provides a soft and cushioned ride, making it ideal for easy runs and everyday training. The embroidered mesh upper adds to the overall comfort by offering breathability and support. However, the shoe's softness may not be suitable for those seeking a firmer ride for speed workouts.
Cushioning
The New Balance FuelCell Propel excels in cushioning, thanks to its FuelCell midsole. This foam provides a soft and comfortable ride, making it ideal for daily running. The cushioning is particularly beneficial for midfoot and forefoot strikers, offering a plush feel during runs. However, the softness of the midsole may not be ideal for those seeking a firmer ride for speed workouts.
Breathability
The New Balance FuelCell Propel features an embroidered mesh upper that provides good breathability. This material helps keep the foot cool during runs, making it a good option for those who prioritize breathability. While the upper may not have obvious ventilation holes, it still offers adequate airflow, particularly in the midfoot area.
Stability
The New Balance FuelCell Propel offers moderate stability, thanks to its wide midsole design and carbon rubber outsole. The shoe's geometry ensures an even spread of cushioning and traction, providing a stable ride for daily running. However, the softness of the midsole may not be ideal for those seeking a firmer and more stable ride for speed workouts.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the New Balance FuelCell Propel, particularly in the outsole. The carbon rubber material ensures long-lasting traction and wear resistance, making it suitable for daily running. The embroidered mesh upper also adds to the shoe's durability, although some reviewers noted that the synthetic leather toe-bumper could be a potential irritant.
Grip
The New Balance FuelCell Propel offers excellent grip, thanks to its carbon rubber outsole. This material provides reliable traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for road running. The outsole's design ensures an even spread of cushioning and traction, contributing to the shoe's overall stability during runs.
Flex
The New Balance FuelCell Propel offers moderate flexibility, thanks to its FuelCell midsole and embroidered mesh upper. The shoe's design allows for natural foot movement, making it suitable for daily running. However, the TPU plate in the midsole adds some rigidity, which may not be ideal for those seeking a highly flexible shoe for speed workouts.
Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell Propel?
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is ideal for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort for daily running. It is a great choice for those who prefer a soft and smooth ride, making it suitable for easy runs and everyday training. Midfoot and forefoot strikers will particularly benefit from the FuelCell midsole's high energy return. Budget-conscious runners will appreciate the shoe's value for money, as it offers premium features at an affordable price.
Who should not buy the New Balance FuelCell Propel?
Runners who prefer a firmer and more stable ride may not find the New Balance FuelCell Propel suitable. The shoe's softness may limit its versatility for speed workouts, making it less ideal for those seeking a versatile shoe for various paces. Heel strikers may also find the shoe less accommodating due to its design. Alternatives like the Saucony Tempus or the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 may be better options for those seeking a firmer and more stable ride.
New Balance FuelCell Propel: What's it good for?
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is well-suited for daily running and easy runs. Its soft and cushioned ride makes it ideal for runners who prioritize comfort during their workouts. The shoe's design is also suitable for road running, providing reliable traction and stability on various surfaces. Additionally, the FuelCell midsole offers high energy return, making it a good option for speed workouts.
5 New Balance FuelCell Propel FAQs
Is the New Balance FuelCell Propel suitable for daily running?
Yes, the New Balance FuelCell Propel is designed for daily running. Its FuelCell midsole provides a soft and comfortable ride, making it ideal for easy runs and everyday training.
What type of runner is the New Balance FuelCell Propel best for?
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is best for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort. It is particularly suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers who prefer a soft ride.
How does the New Balance FuelCell Propel perform in terms of breathability?
The New Balance FuelCell Propel features an embroidered mesh upper that provides good breathability. While it may not have obvious ventilation holes, it still offers adequate airflow, particularly in the midfoot area.
Is the New Balance FuelCell Propel durable?
Yes, the New Balance FuelCell Propel is durable, particularly in the outsole. The carbon rubber material ensures long-lasting traction and wear resistance, making it suitable for daily running.
Can the New Balance FuelCell Propel be used for speed workouts?
While the New Balance FuelCell Propel offers good cushioning and comfort, its softness may limit its versatility for speed workouts. Runners seeking a firmer ride for faster runs may want to consider other options.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedJun 2019 | Nov 2015 | Apr 2017 | Jun 2016 | May 2017 | Jul 2014 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 261 g W: 201 g | M: 249 g W: 207 g | M: 238 g W: 190 g | M: 269 g W: 241 g | M: 238 g W: 196 g | M: 213 g W: 179 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot21 mm | 20 mm | M: 20 mm W: 18 mm | 22 mm | 20 mm | 17 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 4 mm | 8 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel | Heel27 mm | 24 mm | M: 28 mm W: 26 mm | 26 mm | 23 mm | 23 mm |
| Brand | BrandNew Balance | Nike | Nike | Saucony | Topo Athletic | Nike |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | LightweightLow drop | Lightweight | Low drop | LightweightLow drop | Lightweight |
| Techs | TechsNew Balance FuelCell | Nike Flyknit | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningSpeed trainingNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
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