New Balance FuelCell TC
Buy New Balance FuelCell TC at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The New Balance FuelCell TC is a running shoe designed to offer a unique blend of comfort and performance. This shoe is known for its innovative use of a carbon-fiber plate (a lightweight, strong material used to enhance propulsion) combined with a plush FuelCell midsole (a type of foam that provides a bouncy and responsive ride).
Key Features:
- FuelCell Midsole: Provides a bouncy and responsive ride.
- Carbon-Fiber Plate: Enhances propulsion and energy return.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: Ensures lightweight comfort and ventilation.
The New Balance FuelCell TC is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize cushioning and propulsion for both training and racing. Its carbon-fiber plate offers a propulsive feel, making it suitable for speed training and long-distance races.
With an average review score of 84%, it's in the highest rated 40% of similar running shoes. 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 TC
The New Balance FuelCell TC is a well-regarded shoe in the running community, praised for its combination of cushioning and propulsion. The FuelCell midsole provides a soft yet responsive ride, making it suitable for both training and racing. The carbon-fiber plate adds stiffness, enhancing energy return and making the shoe feel lively at higher speeds. However, some users have noted that the shoe can feel unstable, particularly when cornering, due to its narrow midfoot and heel. The upper is comfortable and breathable, though the non-gusseted tongue can slide during runs. Despite these minor drawbacks, the FuelCell TC is considered a strong contender in the carbon-plated shoe market, offering a unique ride that many runners appreciate. Overall, the New Balance FuelCell TC is a solid choice for those seeking a cushioned yet propulsive shoe for road running.
Comparable Shoes
The Nike Zoom Fly 3 is a good alternative for those seeking a carbon-plated shoe. While both shoes are designed for speed, the FuelCell TC offers a softer and more stable ride compared to the Zoom Fly 3's firmer feel. The Zoom Fly 3's upper is bulkier, which may not be as breathable as the FuelCell TC's mesh. However, the Zoom Fly 3 might be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer racing shoe feel.
The Hoka Carbon X is another carbon-plated option, known for its firm racing shoe feel. While the FuelCell TC provides a softer ride, the Carbon X offers a smooth transition with its rocker design. The Carbon X's upper is more structured, which may appeal to those seeking additional support. However, the FuelCell TC's cushioning might be more suitable for long-distance comfort.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro is a top choice for racing, offering a lightweight and responsive ride. While the FuelCell TC is heavier, it provides more cushioning, making it suitable for marathon training. The Endorphin Pro's speed roll technology enhances propulsion, similar to the FuelCell TC's carbon-fiber plate. Runners seeking a lighter shoe for racing might prefer the Endorphin Pro.
6 New Balance FuelCell TC Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the New Balance FuelCell TC is crafted from a lightweight mesh, providing excellent breathability and comfort. This design ensures that the shoe remains airy, making it suitable for long runs. The mesh is translucent, adding a modern aesthetic to the shoe. However, the non-gusseted tongue can slide down during runs, which might require occasional adjustment. The upper fits true to size and offers a roomy toe box, accommodating various foot shapes.
Midsole
The midsole of the FuelCell TC is a standout feature, utilizing New Balance's FuelCell foam for a bouncy and responsive ride. This foam is designed to provide high energy return, making the shoe feel lively and propulsive. The inclusion of a carbon-fiber plate adds stiffness, enhancing the shoe's performance during speed training. This combination makes the midsole suitable for both everyday training and racing.
Outsole
The outsole of the FuelCell TC is designed for road running, featuring a generous layer of rubber in the forefoot for enhanced grip and durability. This design caters to forefoot strikers, providing stability and traction on various surfaces. The rubber extends slightly down the lateral side, mimicking the pressure map used in the shoe's design. While the outsole performs well on roads, its durability on rugged terrain is uncertain due to exposed foam areas.
Size/fit
The New Balance FuelCell TC fits true to size, offering a comfortable and accommodating fit. The upper's mesh material provides a snug yet breathable feel, while the roomy toe box allows for natural toe splay. The internal heel counter ensures a secure fit, preventing slippage during runs. However, the non-gusseted tongue may require occasional adjustment to maintain comfort.
Comfort
Comfort is a key feature of the FuelCell TC, thanks to its plush midsole and breathable upper. The FuelCell foam provides a cushioned ride, absorbing impact and reducing fatigue during long runs. The shoe's design ensures that it remains comfortable even during extended wear, making it suitable for marathon training. The upper's mesh material adds to the overall comfort by keeping the foot cool and dry.
Cushioning
The FuelCell TC offers excellent cushioning, with its FuelCell midsole providing a soft yet responsive feel. This cushioning is ideal for long-distance running, as it absorbs impact and reduces strain on the feet. The shoe's design ensures that the cushioning remains consistent across different paces, making it versatile for various types of runs.
Breathability
Breathability is a strong point of the FuelCell TC, thanks to its lightweight mesh upper. This material allows for ample airflow, keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. The mesh is also translucent, adding a modern aesthetic to the shoe. This breathability makes the FuelCell TC suitable for warm weather running and long-distance training.
Stability
Stability is a mixed aspect of the FuelCell TC. While the shoe provides a stable ride on straight paths, its narrow midfoot and heel can lead to instability when cornering. The forefoot is wide and stable, but the overall design may not be suitable for runners who require additional support. The shoe's stability is best suited for straight routes and road running.
Durability
The durability of the FuelCell TC is average, with the midsole and outsole designed to withstand regular use. The rubber outsole provides good traction and wear resistance on roads, but the exposed foam areas may be prone to wear on rugged terrain. The mesh upper, while breathable, may not be as durable as other materials, potentially affecting the shoe's longevity.
Grip
The FuelCell TC offers good grip on road surfaces, thanks to its rubber outsole. The forefoot is covered in a generous layer of rubber, providing traction and stability for forefoot strikers. This design ensures that the shoe performs well in both wet and dry conditions, making it suitable for various weather scenarios.
Flex
Flexibility is moderate in the FuelCell TC, with the carbon-fiber plate adding stiffness to the midsole. This design enhances propulsion and energy return, making the shoe feel lively at higher speeds. While the shoe is not overly flexible, it provides a smooth transition during runs, catering to both forefoot and heel strikers.
Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell TC?
Runners who are looking for a shoe that combines cushioning and propulsion will find the New Balance FuelCell TC appealing. It's ideal for those who engage in speed training and racing, thanks to its carbon-fiber plate and responsive midsole. The shoe's design is suitable for road running, making it a great choice for marathon training and long-distance events.
Who should not buy the New Balance FuelCell TC?
Runners who require high stability might find the FuelCell TC less suitable due to its narrow midfoot and heel. Those who prefer a shoe with a gusseted tongue may also want to consider other options, as the non-gusseted tongue can slide during runs. If durability on rugged terrain is a priority, this shoe may not be the best choice due to its exposed foam areas. Alternatives like the Hoka Carbon X or Saucony Endorphin Pro might be worth exploring for those seeking more stability or a different fit.
New Balance FuelCell TC: What's it good for?
The New Balance FuelCell TC is well-suited for road running and speed training. Its carbon-fiber plate and FuelCell midsole make it ideal for racing and long-distance events. The shoe's design caters to both forefoot and heel strikers, providing a smooth transition and responsive ride. It's a great option for runners looking to improve their pace and performance during training and competition.
5 New Balance FuelCell TC FAQs
What makes the New Balance FuelCell TC suitable for racing?
The FuelCell TC features a carbon-fiber plate and FuelCell midsole, providing a propulsive and responsive ride ideal for racing.
Is the New Balance FuelCell TC good for long-distance running?
Yes, the FuelCell TC's cushioning and breathable upper make it suitable for long-distance running and marathon training.
How does the FuelCell TC perform on different terrains?
The FuelCell TC is designed for road running, offering good traction on pavement but may not be ideal for rugged terrain.
Does the FuelCell TC fit true to size?
Yes, the FuelCell TC fits true to size, with a roomy toe box and secure heel fit.
What is the weight of the New Balance FuelCell TC?
The FuelCell TC weighs approximately 264 g (M) and 207 g (W), making it a lightweight option for racing and training.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedApr 2020 | May 2024 | Sep 2024 | Feb 2025 | Jul 2017 | Apr 2025 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users   | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 264 g W: 207 g | M: 232 g W: 196 g | M: 210 g W: 181 g | M: 207 g W: 176 g | M: 184 g W: 164 g | M: 145 g W: 116 g |
| Forefoot | ForefootM: 20 mm W: 26 mm | 38 mm | 27 mm | 32 mm | 29 mm | 23 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 2 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel | HeelM: 30 mm W: 36 mm | 40 mm | 35 mm | 40 mm | 35 mm | 27 mm |
| Brand | BrandNew Balance | Under Armour | New Balance | Brooks | Nike | Nike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableLightweight | LightweightMaximalist | Lightweight | LightweightLow drop |
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | TechsNew Balance FuelCell | New Balance FuelCell | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadRacingSpeed trainingNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
