New Balance FuelCell Rebel

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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