New Balance launches its newest carbon-plated racer, FuelCell SC Elite v4
After years of research, New Balance has released their fastest and highest-cushioned racing shoe to date
Photo by:
New Balance Canada
While New Balance doesn’t have a huge presence in triathlon’s pro ranks (of the top world championship finishers in Kona and Nice last year, only Laura Philipp wore the brand’s shoes), you’ll see lots of the company’s shoes amongst the age group ranks. You’re likely to see a lot more New Balance shoes in transition this year, too, now that the company has released a new version of the shoe Philipp used to take third on the Big Island last year. It’s a carbon-plate speedster with lots of cushioning that’s sure to be popular for triathletes looking for some added speed and enough cushioning to give their legs a break through the final leg of their next triathlon.
The new FuelCell SC Elite v4 from New Balance is a shoe that triathletes will like because it combines the propulsive sensation of FuelCell foam with a thin carbon-fibre plate to deliver next-level energy return and comfort on race day. What’s even better is it’s designed to get you through an entire race season – many of the carbon-plate wonders on the market aren’t exactly renowned for their durability.
This racing shoe represents a complete redesign of the previous version (SC Elite v3), also enhancing some of the key grassroots features of the SC Elite v2. The brand went back to the lab, adding additional heel stack for more cushioning, and drew inspiration from their 1400 racing series for a sleek lightweight upper design. Let’s delve into some of the specs.
Price: CA$330/ US$250
Category: Neutral racing
Weight: Men’s 237 grams (8.4 oz.), Women’s 187 grams (6.6 oz.)
Drop: 4 mm (40 mm heel stack)
Sizing: Fits true to size
Release Date: Feb. 1, 2024
According to New Balance, years of research with some of the fastest runners in the world helped them build their best race day shoe to date. The combination of the foam FuelCell (PEBA) midsole with a full-length carbon plate ensures that every stride feels bouncy and fast.
Some of the game-changing key features include, first, the complete rubberized outsole for improved durability. (The issue with many top-end racing shoes these days is that they lack durability, but the SC Elite v4 is built to last your entire racing season.)
The heel stack, which has been increased to the maximum legal limit of 40 mm, adds cushioning to the shoe, making the SC Elite v4’s midsole the brand’s cushiest racing shoe to date. The midsole, made of 100 per cent FuelCell PEBA foam, offers high energy return and a responsive ride. The upper boasts lightweight mesh construction and a seamless design in the forefoot, prioritizing comfort on race day. If you’ve previously worn a racing shoe in the brand’s 1400 series, the SC Elite v4’s upper mirrors the design, feel and comfort of those models (but with a lot more cushioning).
@canadianrunningmag Hello Tiktok, meet the newest trendy-fast racing shoe from New Balance— the SC Elite V4! Come on a run with @Marley D as he gives you a BTS look 👟 #fyp #CapCut #newbalance #scelite #running #newshoes #marathon
The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4 is not just an upgrade; it’s a revolutionary product in race-day footwear, promising improved cushioning, durability and comfort to help you crush your 2024 racing goals. Check it out at a running store near you.
