New Balance FuelCell Rebel

Review Score
85%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Pro athlete users

+4
Mario WernsdörferChris BalestriniPaul NaveseyDavid Schönherr
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New Balance FuelCell Rebel: Review

“A lightweight shoe designed for speed and performance.”

Overview


The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a lightweight running shoe designed for speed and performance. This shoe is known for its responsive cushioning and sleek design.

Key Features:

  • FuelCell Technology: Provides a responsive and springy ride.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Offers excellent breathability and comfort.
  • Rocker Design: Enhances forward propulsion and smooth transitions.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness for speed training. Its lightweight construction offers a fast feel, making it suitable for short to medium-distance runs.

With an average review score of 85%, it's in the highest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the New Balance FuelCell Rebel


The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a standout choice for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive shoe for speed training. Its FuelCell midsole technology provides a springy and energetic ride, making it ideal for short to medium-distance runs. The engineered mesh upper ensures excellent breathability, keeping feet cool during intense workouts. However, the shoe's durability may be a concern for those looking to log high mileage, as it is not designed for long-distance runs. The outsole's traction on wet surfaces is also limited, which could be a drawback for some. Despite these limitations, the Rebel excels in providing a fast and comfortable experience for those focused on speed. Overall, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a great option for runners who value speed and responsiveness in their training.

Comparable Shoes


The ASICS Superblast is a great choice for runners who need more cushioning and stability. While the Superblast offers a plush ride for long distances, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is designed for speed and agility. The Rebel's lightweight design and responsive midsole make it perfect for short to medium-distance runs, whereas the Superblast is better suited for those seeking a more cushioned experience.

6 New Balance FuelCell Rebel Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Super light and responsive, ideal for speed training.
Excellent breathability with engineered mesh upper.
Comfortable fit with a secure lacing system.

3 Cons

Limited durability for long-distance running.
Traction on wet surfaces could be improved.
May not provide enough support for longer runs.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is crafted from engineered mesh, providing excellent breathability and comfort. This design allows for a sock-like fit, making it suitable for runners who prefer a snug feel. The trace fiber stitching adds support without compromising flexibility, ensuring a secure fit during speed workouts. The bootie construction enhances the overall comfort, allowing for a seamless experience even without socks.

Midsole

The midsole of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel features the innovative FuelCell technology, which is known for its responsive and springy nature. This nitrogen-infused TPU foam offers a soft and cushioned ride, ideal for runners who enjoy a lively and energetic feel. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a natural running gait, making it suitable for those with a fore/midfoot strike. The dual-density design ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, enhancing the overall running experience.

Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is designed with a thin layer of blown rubber strategically placed on the heel and forefoot. This setup provides adequate traction for road running, although it may not perform as well on wet surfaces. The outsole's design complements the shoe's lightweight nature, contributing to its overall speed-focused performance. However, the durability of the outsole could be improved for those seeking a longer-lasting shoe.

Size/fit

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel offers a snug fit, particularly in the heel and midfoot, with a more spacious toebox that allows for natural foot splay. This design caters to runners with high arches and those who prefer a secure lockdown during fast-paced runs. The shoe fits true to size, making it a reliable choice for those familiar with New Balance sizing.

Comfort

Comfort is a key feature of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel, thanks to its soft and breathable upper and responsive midsole. The shoe's lightweight construction adds to the overall comfort, making it suitable for workout training and short to medium-distance runs. The bootie design and trace fiber stitching provide a secure yet flexible fit, enhancing the comfort level during intense workouts.

Cushioning

The cushioning in the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is provided by the FuelCell midsole, which offers a soft and responsive feel. This cushioning is ideal for runners who enjoy a lively ride, as it provides excellent energy return and a smooth transition. The shoe's cushioning is best suited for short to medium-distance runs, as it may not provide enough support for longer distances.

Breathability

Breathability is a standout feature of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel, thanks to its engineered mesh upper. This design allows for excellent airflow, keeping feet cool and comfortable during intense runs. The combination of mesh and trace fiber stitching ensures that the shoe remains lightweight and breathable, making it a great choice for speed workouts in warm conditions.

Stability

While the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is primarily designed for speed, it offers a reasonable level of stability for a lightweight shoe. The trace fiber stitching and bootie construction provide a secure fit, helping to keep the foot in place during fast-paced runs. However, those seeking a shoe with more pronounced stability features may need to look elsewhere.

Durability

Durability is a potential concern with the New Balance FuelCell Rebel, particularly for those looking to log high mileage. The lightweight construction and focus on speed mean that the shoe may not withstand the wear and tear of long-distance running. The outsole's traction on wet surfaces is also limited, which could affect its longevity in certain conditions.

Grip

The grip of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is adequate for road running, with a thin layer of blown rubber on the heel and forefoot providing traction. However, the shoe's performance on wet surfaces is less impressive, which may be a consideration for those running in varied weather conditions.

Flex

Flexibility is a key characteristic of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel, making it suitable for runners who prefer a natural and unrestricted feel. The shoe's design allows for a smooth transition from heel to toe, enhancing the overall running experience. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for speed training, where a more dynamic range of motion is desired.

Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell Rebel?


Runners who are focused on speed training and short to medium-distance runs will find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel to be an excellent choice. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it ideal for those who prioritize speed and agility. The shoe's breathable upper and comfortable fit cater to runners who enjoy a snug yet flexible feel. Additionally, those with a fore/midfoot strike will appreciate the shoe's design, which promotes a natural running gait.

Who should not buy the New Balance FuelCell Rebel?


The New Balance FuelCell Rebel may not be the best choice for runners seeking a shoe for long-distance runs or those who require significant stability features. Its lightweight construction and focus on speed mean that it may not provide the necessary support for extended mileage. Additionally, runners who frequently encounter wet conditions may find the shoe's grip lacking. For those who need a more durable option, the Nike Pegasus or ASICS Superblast could be better alternatives.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel: What's it good for?


The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is well-suited for speed training and short to medium-distance runs. Its lightweight and responsive design make it ideal for speed workouts and tempo runs. The shoe's breathable upper ensures comfort during intense sessions, while the flexible construction allows for a natural range of motion. Runners looking to improve their pace will benefit from the shoe's energetic ride and smooth transitions.

5 New Balance FuelCell Rebel FAQs


What is the weight of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel?

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel weighs approximately 207 g (7.3 oz) for men and 176 g (6.2 oz) for women, making it a lightweight option for speed training.

Is the New Balance FuelCell Rebel suitable for long-distance running?

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is primarily designed for short to medium-distance runs and speed workouts. It may not provide the necessary support and durability for long-distance running.

How does the New Balance FuelCell Rebel perform on wet surfaces?

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel's outsole provides adequate traction for road running, but its performance on wet surfaces is limited. Runners may experience reduced grip in such conditions.

What type of runner is the New Balance FuelCell Rebel best suited for?

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is ideal for runners focused on speed training and short to medium-distance runs. Its lightweight and responsive design caters to those who prioritize speed and agility.

Does the New Balance FuelCell Rebel offer good breathability?

Yes, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel features an engineered mesh upper that provides excellent breathability, making it suitable for speed workouts in warm conditions.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel alternatives

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Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
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released
Released
Nov 2018
May 2021May 2018Jul 2019Jun 2024Dec 2023
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score












productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+6
Paul NaveseyDavid Schönherr

+10
Casper StornesIsabel King
Weight
Weight
M: 207 g
W: 176 g
261 g
247 g
252 g
M: 261 g
W: 221 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
18 mm
21 mm
28 mm
31 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
5 mm
10 mm
8 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
24 mm
26 mm
36 mm
37 mm
Usages
Usages
Speed training
Daily runningRacingSpeed trainingSpeed trainingSpeed trainingSpeed trainingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
New Balance
ASICSNikeNikeNew BalanceBrooks
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Lightweight
ComfortableLightweightLightweightComfortableMaximalistComfortableMaximalistComfortable
Breathable
Breathable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Techs
Techs
New Balance FuelCell
New Balance FuelCell
0

New Balance FuelCell Rebel: what the experts say (1 review)

New Balance FuelCell Rebel: 14 Expert video reviews

New Balance FuelCell Rebel: 1 Manufacturer video

New Balance FuelCell Rebel characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesSpeed training (+302)
BrandNew Balance (+128)
Support TypeNeutral (+1599)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1574)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1112)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1521)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+409)
FeaturesRocker (+177)
TechsNew Balance FuelCell (+25)
ColorwaysBlack / Green, Black / Orange, Black / Pink, Blue / Yellow, Gray / Green, Grey, Multicoloured, Orange / Red, Pink / Blue, Pink Rw
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Nov 2018
Measurements
Weight
M: 207 g
W: 176 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
24 mm
Forefoot
18 mm

8 pro athletes who've used New Balance FuelCell Rebel

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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