Need a new race day shoe? Why not try the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3
The shoe
This shoe, as per its tagline, is ‘built for race day’. A peppy, propulsive racing shoe designed predominately for long-distance races – New Balance's FuelCell SC (which stands for ‘SuperComp’) Elite v3 is, dare we say it, even more energetic than its predecessor...
How is the FuelCell SC Elite v3 different to FuelCell RC Elite v2?
The FuelCell RC Elite v2 made a lot of noise when it launched in 2021 – a cushioned, carbon fibre-plated racing shoe aimed at those with PBs in mind. Some loved it and raved about how snappy and stable it was. The glittery purple aesthetic, with mismatched coloured outsoles and logo, meant they were real head-turners, too. But some runners found the RC Elite v2 a little stiff, while others said they caused bruising and blisters.
New Balance have seemed to address these issues with the FuelCell SC Elite v3 – which are, in our opinion, a lot more comfortable than the RC Elite v2. Why? The stretchy synthetic knit upper plays a part, or it could be the change in drop from 8mm to 4mm, or that the carbon plate seems relatively forgiving compared to other super-shoes. Either way, the SC Elite v3 feels comfortable and speedy.
FuelCell SC Elite v3 vs FuelCell RC Elite v2
Weight: 229g (M), 179g (W) vs 219g (M), 192g (W)
Drop: 4mm vs 8mm
Midsole material: Both have a FuelCell midsole and a full-length carbon fibre plate
Upper: Both have a mesh knit upper
What is the FuelCell SC Elite v3 like to run in?
We tested the FuelCell SC Elite v3 during training runs, race-pace sessions, the odd commute and at races (most recently the London Winter 10k – a flat and fast 10k loop around the capital) – and they impressed. Unlike some other super-shoes, the Elite 3 feels as close to a neutral shoe as something with a plate can. The 4mm drop plays a role here as you're not getting excessive shaping to the footbed or aggressive transitions from midfoot to toe-off. They're just a comfortable platform designed to make you run faster, regardless of how you run.
One detail to highlight this is the little patch of outsole placed on the carbon plate between the foam on the forefoot of the shoe (see below), recessed back so that when and however you land on the forefoot, the midsole foam compresses and this little patch of outsole rubber contacts the ground to some degree. Yes, it's there to protect the plate, but it also aids with traction and stability during toe-off – a small measure that helps the shoe feel more level, stable and connected.
Back to the fit, some runners won't necessarily like this lack of structure; some prefer a sense of being 'strapped into' a race shoe as you would be in a racing seat in a car. But for those who want the shoe to almost disappear on the foot, the SC Elite V3 delivers.
The ride is reactive and energetic. These are PB shoes that gently push you forward with a softer ride – and the FuelCell foam feels nicely balanced with the spring of the plate.
How does the FuelCell SC Elite v3 fit?
Fit-wise, like other New Balance running-specific trainers, we recommend going half a size bigger than your normal day-to-day shoes. Some testers found they were on the narrow side, too, although there’s plenty of room in the toe box. Our only gripe with these shoes is with the upper; it's unobtrusiveness almost comes across as slack (though it's not) and the laces do initially feel quite slippy and ineffective, but with a bit of fiddling around a secure fit can be found.
RW verdict
More energetic and faster than its previous version, FuelCell SC Elite v3 gets a firm nod of the head from Runner’s World. Those in search of a firmer, more aggressive ride should look elsewhere. But the FuelCell SC Elite v3 remains a great race-day option for those who want a balanced shoe with all the benefits that carbon plates bring.
The FuelCell SC Elite v3 is now available for men and women from New Balance retail, online stores and specialists running outlets for £220
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