New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3

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New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3: Review

β€œA top-tier racing shoe for elite-level speed and energy return.”

Overview


The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is a cutting-edge racing shoe designed for maximum performance. It's part of New Balance's elite racing shoe line, known for its focus on speed and efficiency. This model incorporates New Balance's FuelCell technology, providing a responsive and cushioned ride while remaining lightweight. The shoe features a streamlined and breathable upper, promoting aerodynamics for racing.

The FuelCell SC Elite v3 is optimized for race-day use and is ideal for competitive runners seeking an edge in their performance. Its emphasis on speed and minimal weight make it suitable for shorter distances, such as 5k and 10k races. If you're looking for a high-performance racing shoe with advanced technology and a focus on speed, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is a great choice.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3


The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is a standout shoe in the racing category. It combines the latest FuelCell technology with a carbon fiber plate to deliver a shoe that's not only lightweight but also highly responsive. The shoe's design is sleek and aerodynamic, making it perfect for competitive runners. The outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces, making it a versatile choice for different running conditions. However, the shoe's standout feature is its energy return, which is among the best in the market. In our experience, we've found that the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is a top choice for runners aiming for speed and performance.

Comparable Shoes


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The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 and the Nike Next% Vaporfly 2 are both top-tier racing shoes. Both shoes offer hyper-responsive midsole foams paired with snappy carbon-fiber plates and lightweight uppers. However, reviewers noted that the SC Elite v3 is softer than the Vaporfly 2, providing a more comfortable ride.

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The ASICSMetaspeed Sky+ and the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 both offer springy rides with comparable weights and heel-to-toe drops. However, the Metaspeed Sky+ has a lower stack height than the SC Elite v3, making it feel a bit more stable.

6 New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

High energy return thanks to the FuelCell technology.
Lightweight and aerodynamic design for speed and performance.
Good grip and traction on various surfaces.

3 Cons

May wear down faster than your everyday trainer due to less rubber covering on the outsole.
Fit might be too snug for some runners.
Not the best option for off-road running as the outsole doesn't offer reliable traction on these surfaces.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is made of a one-piece engineered knit material that feels silky smooth against your foot. This lightweight upper design contributes to the shoe's overall speed and performance. The lacing system is held together by a thick string woven into the fabric of the upper, making it easy to lock down the fit. The shoe offers a snug, race-day fit, eliminating movement within the shoe for efficient running.

Midsole

The midsole of the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 features the brand's FuelCell foam, which provides the highest energy return in the New Balance lineup. This foam is sandwiched between two layers of a carbon fiber plate, creating an ultra-smooth, responsive ride. The FuelCell midsole is hollowed out in the middle, increasing energy return. This unique midsole geometry, known as Energy Arc technology, makes the shoe highly efficient for fast running.

Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 offers good grip and traction on different surfaces. However, it doesn't have as much rubber covering as your average trainer, which means the shoes may wear down faster. Despite this, the outsole's performance on the road is excellent, making it a great choice for road running.

Size/fit

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 offers a snug, race-day fit. The one-piece upper and effective lacing system ensure a secure fit, eliminating movement within the shoe for efficient running. However, the shoe's fit might be too snug for some runners, so it's recommended to try them on before purchasing.

Comfort

Despite being a racing shoe, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 doesn't compromise on comfort. The FuelCell foam provides a soft and springy ride, while the one-piece knit upper feels silky smooth against your foot. The shoe's comfort combined with its performance features makes it a great choice for competitive runners.

Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3?


The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is best suited for competitive runners aiming to break records in distances ranging from 10K to marathon. It's also a great choice for runners who prefer a snug, race-day fit and a shoe with high energy return. If you're a runner with good running technique and you're looking for a shoe that can help you achieve your speed goals, the FuelCell SC Elite v3 could be the perfect fit for you.

Who should not buy the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3?


The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a more relaxed fit or those who need more stability in their running shoes. It's also not the best option for runners who primarily run on trails or other off-road surfaces, as the outsole doesn't offer reliable traction on these surfaces. If you're a beginner runner or you're not focused on speed, you might find other shoes more suitable.

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3: What's it good for?


Racing, road running, and speed work are the areas where the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 truly shines. Its lightweight design, high energy return, and efficient geometry make it a top choice for these activities.

4 New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 FAQs


Is the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 good for long-distance running?

Yes, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is designed for long-distance running. It's a great choice for races ranging from 10K to marathon distances.

What type of runners is the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 best for?

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is best suited for competitive runners aiming for speed and performance. It's also a good choice for runners with good running technique.

How does the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 compare to other racing shoes?

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 compares favorably to other top-tier racing shoes. It offers a high energy return, a carbon fiber plate for propulsion, and a new geometry for efficiency. However, it's softer than some other racing shoes, providing a more comfortable ride.

Is the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 durable?

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is designed to be as lightweight as possible, so it doesn't have as much rubber covering the outsole as your average trainer. This means the shoes may wear down faster than your everyday trainer. However, it's an excellent shoe for chasing fast times on the road.

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 alternatives

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priceBand
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released
Released
Apr 2020Oct 2019Feb 2017
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Expert Review Score
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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Lenny RamseyPhilipp Reinhardt
Weight
Weight
227 g
M: 221 g
W: 193 g
M: 244 g
W: 207 g
M: 232 g
W: 198 g
M: 215 g
W: 184 g
M: 184 g
W: 164 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
36 mm
24 mm
25 mm
17 mm
14 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
2 mm
6 mm
3 mm
6 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
40 mm
30 mm
28 mm
23 mm
18 mm
Usages
Usages
Racing
RacingRacingRacingRacingSpeed trainingRacing
Brand
Brand
New Balance
NewtonSkechersNewtonNew BalanceSaucony
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
New Balance FuelCell
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New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Measurements
Weight
227 g
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
Heel
40 mm
Forefoot
36 mm

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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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