New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
Buy New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is a trail running shoe designed to offer a lightweight and responsive experience for runners. This shoe is known for its combination of advanced technology and trail-specific features.
Key Features:
- FuelCell Midsole: Provides a plush and soft cushioning experience.
- Vibram Megagrip Outsole: Ensures excellent traction on various terrains.
- Carbon Fiber Plate: Enhances propulsion and speed.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize lightweight design and cushioning for long-distance runs. Its Vibram outsole offers superior grip, making it suitable for diverse trail conditions.
Verdict
The consensus on the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is a promising entry into the trail running market, offering a lightweight and cushioned ride. The shoe's FuelCell midsole provides a soft feel, although it lacks the energy return seen in some high-performance models. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a standout feature, delivering excellent traction on various terrains. However, the shoe's narrow toe box and steep heel-to-toe drop may not suit all runners, particularly those with wider feet or a preference for forefoot striking. Despite these limitations, the shoe is priced competitively, making it an accessible option for many trail runners. Overall, the SuperComp Trail is a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight and cushioned trail shoe, but it may not fully satisfy those looking for a true supershoe experience. For runners who value a lightweight and cushioned trail shoe with excellent grip, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is a commendable option.
Comparable Shoes
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is a good alternative for those seeking more cushioning underfoot. It offers a medium fit in the forefoot and toe box, making it more accommodating for wider feet. The Endorphin Edge provides a plush feel and is suitable for longer distances, whereas the New Balance SC Trail is more nimble and better for faster paces.
The Hoka Tecton X 2 is similar to the Saucony Endorphin Edge in terms of cushioning and fit. It may be a better choice for those prioritizing comfort over speed. The New Balance SC Trail, however, is more nimble and suited for faster runs, making it a better option for those who want a lightweight and responsive shoe.
The Nike Ultrafly Trail is designed for long-distance ultra-marathons, offering a spacious fit compared to the New Balance SC Trail. While the Ultrafly Trail excels in covering long distances, it is less nimble and efficient over shorter distances. The SC Trail is a better choice for those seeking a fast and nimble shoe for technical terrain.
10 New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail Pros & Cons
5 Pros
5 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is designed with a focus on providing a secure and snug fit. Made from breathable mesh, it ensures good airflow, keeping the foot cool during long runs. However, the narrow toe box may limit toe splay, which could be uncomfortable for runners with wider feet. The upper's durability is commendable, showing minimal signs of wear even after extensive use. This design is ideal for those who prefer a close-fitting shoe that offers a race-ready feel.
Midsole
The midsole of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail features the brand's FuelCell technology, known for its plush cushioning. This provides a soft and comfortable ride, particularly beneficial for heel strikers. However, the midsole's responsiveness is not as high as some other high-performance trail shoes, which may affect energy return. The inclusion of a carbon fiber plate adds to the shoe's propulsion, making it suitable for faster paces.
Outsole
The Vibram Megagrip outsole of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is a highlight, offering excellent traction on a variety of terrains. This high-performance rubber compound is known for its grip and durability, making it ideal for trail running. The outsole's design ensures stability and confidence on both dry and rocky surfaces, although its durability may not be as high as some other models due to its lightweight focus.
Size/fit
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail offers a snug and secure fit, which is ideal for those who prefer a race-like feel. However, the narrow toe box may not accommodate runners with wider feet comfortably. Sizing up may help, but it might not fully resolve the issue for everyone. The shoe is true to size for those with narrow feet, providing a locked-in feel that enhances performance on trails.
Comfort
Comfort is a key feature of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail, thanks to its plush FuelCell midsole. The cushioning is soft, making it suitable for long-distance runs and ultra-marathons. However, the comfort may be compromised for those with wider feet due to the narrow toe box. The shoe's lightweight design adds to the overall comfort, making it feel barely there during runs.
Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail?
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is well-suited for trail runners who prioritize a lightweight and cushioned shoe for long-distance runs. Runners who appreciate a snug fit and excellent traction on various terrains will find this shoe appealing. It's particularly beneficial for heel strikers who need plush cushioning. Those who enjoy a race-ready feel and are looking for a shoe with a carbon fiber plate for added propulsion will also appreciate this model. Lightweight and breathable features make it ideal for competitive trail runners.
Who should not buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail?
Runners with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier toe box may find the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail uncomfortable. The narrow fit could limit toe splay, leading to discomfort during long runs. Midfoot and forefoot strikers might not enjoy the steep heel-to-toe drop, which is more suited for heel strikers. If stability is a priority, this shoe may not be the best choice due to its narrow and less stable build. Consider alternatives like the Saucony Endorphin Edge or HOKA Tecton X 2 for more cushioning and stability.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail: What's it good for?
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is good for trail running, especially on off-road terrains. Its lightweight design and plush cushioning make it suitable for long-distance runs and ultra-marathons. The shoe's excellent traction is ideal for technical trails, providing confidence on rocky and dry surfaces. Heel strikers will benefit from the substantial cushioning in the heel, while the carbon fiber plate aids in propulsion for faster paces. The shoe's breathable upper ensures comfort during extended runs.
5 New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail FAQs
Is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail suitable for wide feet?
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail has a narrow fit, particularly in the toe box, which may not be ideal for runners with wide feet. Sizing up might help, but it may not fully resolve the issue for everyone.
What type of runner benefits most from the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail?
This shoe is best suited for trail runners who prefer a lightweight and cushioned shoe with excellent traction. Heel strikers and those who enjoy a snug, race-ready fit will benefit most from this model.
How does the Vibram Megagrip outsole perform on trails?
The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on various terrains, making it ideal for trail running. It offers stability and confidence on both dry and rocky surfaces.
Does the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail have a removable insole?
Yes, the shoe features a removable insole, but the narrow toe box may make replacing it with a thicker option impractical.
Is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail good for ultra-marathons?
Yes, the shoe's lightweight design and plush cushioning make it suitable for long-distance runs and ultra-marathons, especially for heel strikers.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | ||
| released | Released | May 2020 | Apr 2024 | Dec 2024 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 249 g W: 227 g | 326 g | 343 g | M: 272 g W: 235 g | M: 269 g W: 230 g | 360 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot27 mm | 34 mm | 28 mm | |||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 12 mm | 7 mm | 6 mm | 12 mm | |
| Heel | Heel37 mm | 41 mm | 34 mm | |||
| Brand | BrandNew Balance | New Balance | PUMA | On | La Sportiva | PUMA |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Heel strike | Heel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Heel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | Maximalist | ||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | TechsNew Balance FuelCellVibram | OrthoLite | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | SustainableVegan Ⓥ | ||||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
