8.8Staff pick
Nike
Alphafly 4
$280ZoomX LT foam, a wider Flyplate and quieter Air pods, about 10 grams lighter than before.
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Race Day · New Balance
FuelCell SC Elite v5
A snug, secure racer with an Energy Arc plate and a heel that lands softly.
8.0 Strong
Runsletter Score out of 10. Excellent, with a trade-off or two worth knowing.
Buy it if
- Stable, forgiving ride for a super shoe
- Soft heel landing suits heel strikers
- Padded heel collar holds the foot securely
Skip it if
- Less pop than the bounciest race shoes
- Heavier than the lightest racers here
- Toe box can feel tight for some runners
$265
List price; often discounted in seasonal sales
Check price at retailers ↗When does it go on sale?We may earn a commission
- Weight
- 215 g
- Stack
- 40 mm
- Drop
- 8 mm
The verdict
The SC Elite v5 is one of the friendlier super shoes for runners who land on their heels. A PEBA-based FuelCell midsole and a curved Energy Arc carbon plate give it a stable, rolling ride, and the heel is soft enough to take the sting out of landing late in a race.
It suits marathoners at a wide range of paces, including runners chasing their first sub-four rather than a podium. This version has a stiffer forefoot and a higher 8mm drop than the v4.
It isn't as bouncy as the Alphafly 4 or as light as the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, but it is calmer and more forgiving than both. In spirit it sits closest to the Endorphin Elite 2. The fit is snug and secure, with a padded heel collar; some runners find the toe box a little tight, so try it on if you are between sizes.
“The super shoe for heel strikers who want to finish the marathon upright.”
Specs
| Weight | 215 g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Cushion | 4 / 5 |
| Plate | carbon |
| Support | Neutral |
| Surface | road |
| Best for | race, long |
| Midsole | PEBA-based FuelCell race foam |
| Plate detail | Curved full-length Energy Arc carbon plate, stiffer in the forefoot than the v4 |
| Upper | Lightweight FantomFit engineered mesh |
| Outsole | Rubber across the main contact zones |
| Fit | Snug and secure; toe box can feel tight |
| Widths | Standard only |
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. Scores are sample editorial data.
How it stacks up
Compare side by side →| Product | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 · this one | 8.0 Strong | $265 |
| Nike Alphafly 4 | 8.8 Elite | $280 |
| Nike Alphafly 3 | 8.6 Elite | $285 |
| Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 | 8.4 Strong | $250 |
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