At a shade under 200 grams this is a racer trainer that was designed to be light and fast. No plate or other torsion device, just a super responsive midsole beneath a minimalist, cool looking comfortable mesh upper.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is essentially a modern day 'racing flat', except it's not flat, it's beautifully bouncy and more stable with a wider platform, but as light as ever. Many modern shoe designs have focused so much on forward propulsion and impact absorption that experienced runners who love to feel the ground beneath their feet have lost that sense of connection.
This shoe removes the gadgetry but delivers more comfort and shock absorption than most racing or speed work trainers. They were designed to be fun and fast.
Built on a midsole blend of FuelCell & PEBA foam provides maximum propulsion for a plateless shoe that you can really feel on the road, for all kinds of runs from speed sessions and racing to fun easy workouts - just not longer slower recovery runs, unless you're a tiny elite runner. The FuelCell midsole compound blended with PEBA has a 3mm higher stack height and wider soles, plus more outsole rubber than the V3 - making it both bouncier and more stable without losing the fun, connected feel of a lightweight non plated shoe. New Balance have kept the engineered upper light and minimalist with bold sublimated graphics in a shoe that suits wider feet.
The v4 is slighter higher stacked, which combined with the more stable nature of the landing and toe off platform, is made up for in playfulness by the increase in bouncy foam cushioning. The gusseted tongue delivers a secure fit and remarkably comfortable for a minimalist mesh upper. The updated colourway is uber stylish with mens in Heron Blue and ladies in Quarry Blue. They look and feel fast.
If you prefer the feel of non plated shoes and the joy of lightweight racing flats with quality cushioning & ground control for faster running, then this sweet looking, well priced shoe should suit you.
To purchase the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 click here
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