Short answer
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 represents a strategic shift toward high-performance racing, delivering a sleeker and more propulsive profile than its predecessors. Featuring a roomier-than-average toe box that encourages natural metatarsal splay, the v5 secures the foot with a narrower, tapered midfoot platform designed for aggressive lockdown.
Cross-sizing: what size to buy
Find a shoe you already own and read across to the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite V5 size to buy.
| Reference Shoe | US | EU | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your usual | Buy | Your usual | Buy | |
| Nike Vaporfly 3 | 10 | 10 | 44 | 44 |
| Adidas Samba | 10 | 10.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
| Nike Air Force 1 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 43 | 44.5 |
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 | 10 | 10.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
-
Nike Vaporfly 3
Your usual Buy US 10 10 EU 44 44 -
Adidas Samba
Your usual Buy US 10 10.5 EU 44 44.5 -
Nike Air Force 1
Your usual Buy US 9.5 10.5 EU 43 44.5 -
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Your usual Buy US 10 10.5 EU 44 44.5
Fit Notes
- Nike Vaporfly 3
- Both models function as performance-fit racers with comparable lengths. The SC Elite v5 offers a slightly roomier toe box, making it a direct TTS swap for those comfortable in the Nike racing last.
- Adidas Samba
- The Samba is a flat, narrow lifestyle model. Due to the v5's aggressive racing taper and increased heel padding which pushes the foot forward, a 0.5 size increase is recommended for equivalent comfort.
- Nike Air Force 1
- The AF1 runs notoriously large, often requiring users to size down in lifestyle contexts. To match the performance lockdown of the SC Elite v5, a full one-size jump from your AF1 size is necessary to achieve the correct technical length.
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
- While Saucony typically runs very true to size, users who find the Saucony toe box restrictive should size up 0.5 in the NB v5. This ensures sufficient volume for marathon-distance swelling.
Sizing FAQ
Does the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 run true to size?
The SC Elite v5 generally fits true to size (TTS) for standard performance use. However, because the redesigned heel padding pushes the foot forward and the midfoot is narrower than the v4, runners planning for a full marathon (42.2 km) are advised to size up by 0.5 to accommodate foot swelling.
Is the SC Elite v5 good for wide feet?
Yes, it is considered the best carbon-plated racing shoe for wide feet because it is the only high-end model currently offered in an optional 2E width. While the standard D-width version has a more aggressive midfoot taper, the 2E option provides the necessary volume for runners who find Nike or Adidas racers too restrictive.
How is the arch support on the SC Elite v5?
The shoe provides a neutral arch profile with no aggressive medial posting or sculpting, making it suitable for runners with flat feet or average arches. While the carbon plate and Energy Arc technology provide structural rigidity, the narrow midfoot platform may feel slightly unstable at walking speeds until the rocker geometry engages at faster paces.
Specs & Sizing
| Weight | 221 g |
|---|---|
| Retail price | $250 |
| Price on Amazon | $229–$275 |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Upper | FantomFit engineered mesh with bonded support overlays and midfoot cutout |
| Midsole | FuelCell foam with full-length carbon fiber plate and Energy Arc geometry |
| Outsole | Solid rubber for durability and dry-surface traction |
| Technologies | FuelCell foam, Full-length carbon plate, Energy Arc geometry, FantomFit upper |
| Fit & sizing | True to size for standard/narrow feet; those with wide feet may consider sizing up 0.5 |