The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is a lightweight, high-rebound running shoe built for speed and smooth transitions across daily miles. It delivers a lively, propulsive ride that perfectly balances comfort, responsiveness, and modern style.
Our Verdict
Best Lightweight Daily Trainer for Speed and Responsiveness
On a crisp morning, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is a lively, lightweight daily trainer that favors speed and snappy transitions over plush long-run comfort. Its springy FuelCell midsole delivers noticeable forward propulsion, turning effort into an energetic toe-off, and the streamlined, breathable knit upper keeps the weight down and the fit secure. A low-profile geometry and flexible forefoot tend to make the shoe feel agile during tempo runs and intervals.
The caveat is that the cushioning leans on the firmer side, which can feel tiring on long recovery miles or for runners who need a soft, pillowy ride. This shoe is well-suited to runners who want a fast-feeling daily trainer or a tempo-specific shoe for road sessions. Buy it if you prioritize responsiveness and pace; skip it if you need maximum plush comfort. I recommend buying it.
Specs
- Best For: Speed-focused daily training, tempo workouts, and road sessions that reward a snappy, propulsive ride.
- Weight: 0.94 lb per pair.
- Upper material: Lightweight bonded mesh with FantomFit overlays (streamlined, breathable, low bulk).
- Midsole construction: FuelCell foam (PEBA/EVA-based, high-rebound midsole) tuned for forward propulsion and a lively toe-off.
- Waterproof: No
- Fit profile: Snug / true-to-size for many.
- Price: $139.99
- Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 — ★★★★☆
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, lively ride that helps pick up the pace. | Midsole leans firm and can feel tiring on long easy miles. |
| FuelCell midsole with a PEBA blend for noticeable rebound and forward propulsion. | Sizing runs a touch short for some feet; consider sizing up if between sizes. |
| Streamlined, breathable upper that keeps weight low and locks the midfoot. | Some reports of exposed FuelCell foam showing wear under heavy use. |
| Improved outsole geometry and rubber coverage that tends to resist early abrasion. | Not waterproof, so it is not ideal for wet or muddy runs. |
| Low stack and quick transitions suit tempo sessions and faster daily runs. |
Testing Condition
Testing the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 was a refreshing change of pace, quite literally. I logged around 40 miles over three weeks, mixing short tempo bursts, relaxed recovery runs, and a few mid-distance efforts on asphalt, crushed gravel, and light park trails. Most runs were done in early fall conditions, ranging from 58°F to 75°F, with mild humidity and dry roads—perfect for feeling how the shoe responds under varied pacing. I intentionally chose routes with a blend of smooth concrete stretches and uneven sidewalk transitions to assess stability and outsole grip. On light gravel, the traction held surprisingly well for a road shoe, and the upper breathed easily even on warmer mornings.
Rainy runs were skipped since the shoe lacks waterproofing, though mild dew exposure didn’t affect performance. The FuelCell foam maintained its pop throughout testing, showing only minimal compression after multiple high-effort sessions. The outsole displayed normal wear for its mileage, mostly under the forefoot strike zone. By the final week, the shoe still felt responsive, which spoke to its material resilience. Overall, these controlled yet real-world test conditions provided a balanced view of how the Rebel v4 performs across the type of surfaces most runners encounter in everyday training.
Performance
Fit & Sizing
I tested the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 in my usual Men’s US 9 and found the size worked well for both steady miles and quicker sessions. New Balance lists the Rebel v4 as having a snug, race-inspired fit and suggests sizing up if you are between sizes, which matches my experience—size up a half if you prefer extra forefoot room. The toe box gives modest space for natural toe splay without feeling sloppy, while the FantomFit bonded mesh upper and internal overlays lock the midfoot for confident turns. Heel hold was secure after the first short run and required no break-in beyond the first 10 miles.
With thin technical socks the shoe felt precise; swapping to a thicker sock added a noticeable half-size worth of volume. I tried a low-profile orthotic and the shoe accommodated it with only a small reduction in forefoot room, roughly equivalent to a quarter-size snugger feeling. For runners who alternate between race-day thin socks and everyday socks, the Rebel v4 tends to remain comfortable without odd pressure points. If you have wide feet, consider ordering a wide (2E) where available or take a half-size up.
Comfort & Cushioning
The FuelCell midsole in this model is a PEBA-blend FuelCell foam tuned for a lively, responsive ride rather than deep, pillowy cushioning, which is clear from the feeling underfoot. In first few miles progression session during my test block I felt energetic push-off through the midfoot and forefoot, and my calves noticed the springy response more than any slow, mushy sink. The stack height (about 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot in men’s 9) and the 6 mm drop create a snappy transition that suits tempo runs and shorter long runs.
The stock insole is serviceable and gives moderate arch support; swapping to a thin aftermarket insole gave a slightly firmer, more responsive feel without creating hotspots. After runs of up to 90 minutes I had only mild fatigue and no hot spots or blistering; long recovery days beyond two hours would likely expose the midsole’s firmer character. In short, the shoe tends to reward faster efforts and mid-length runs but is less about plush long-run comfort.
Support & Stability
Support derives from the shoe’s geometry and upper structure rather than heavy stability hardware. The 6 mm drop and relatively low-to-moderate stack produce a stable platform that resists excessive roll at road paces. The bonded FantomFit upper wraps the midfoot and provides a secure lace-lock that reduces lateral slop during quick direction changes. I field-tested torsional control on an 8 lb casual daypack while doing urban drills and short park loops; the platform remained confidence-inspiring with limited midfoot torsion and no alarming pronation feel.
For runners with mild overpronation, the shoe will likely be adequate for easy to tempo runs but may not substitute for structured motion-control shoes on long, repetitive miles. If you need more arch support or are running long with an orthotic, a thin custom insert is compatible, though it will slightly reduce internal volume. As a practical threshold, I found the Rebel v4 comfortable carrying light loads up to about 8–12 lbs for short distances; heavier packs begin to expose its road-focused chassis.
Traction & Outsole Performance
Outsole traction relies on strategically placed carbon rubber in high-wear zones and longitudinal rubber pods rather than aggressive lugs, so grip is optimized for pavement and light urban mixed surfaces. New Balance documents carbon rubber coverage in the forefoot and heel, and during cool, damp mornings (roughly 58°F–65°F in my testing window) the shoe gripped wet curbs and damp sidewalks without drama. On polished wet tiles and steep, mossy stone the shoe lacked the bite of a dedicated trail shoe, which is expected for a road-biased trainer.
The outsole pattern shed light debris well on crushed gravel and resisted clogging, but it does not have mud-clearing channels like a trail lugged shoe. After about 40 miles the rubber bedrooms showed normal wear concentrated at the forefoot push-off area; wear rate felt average for a reactive midsole shoe with targeted rubber patches. For comparison, a neutral road trainer like the Nike Pegasus tends to offer similar pavement traction, while a true trail shoe such as Salomon’s Speedcross clearly out-grips the Rebel in mud.
Protection
Protection in this model is purposeful but light. There is a modest reinforced toe bumper and a robust rand in high-wear zones that deflects small curb strikes or stubbed toes on urban routes. There is no rock plate or thick protective insert, so the shoe will transmit sharper impacts from jagged rocks more readily than a trail shoe with a plate. During a short scramble over a stony park embankment I clipped a projected rock with my toe and felt the reinforcement blunt the sting enough to avoid immediate pain, though a very sharp strike would have been more noticeable.
The upper’s bonded construction resists abrasion from repeated rubs against concrete and gravel edges, and seams are low-profile so there were no rub points even when I wore orthotics. Debris entry is minimal because the upper sits fairly low and close to the foot; a quick shake generally clears small pebbles. If you plan routes with heavy rock exposure or frequent sharp stone contact, choose a shoe with a dedicated rock plate.
Waterproofing & Breathability
The tested New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 model uses a FantomFit engineered mesh upper and is not offered with a Gore-Tex or similar waterproof membrane in the standard variant I used. On morning runs with light dew and street spray the upper breathed well and dried to the touch within a couple of hours after airing on a bench; light dampness from grass and brief splashes did not saturate the interior for long. I avoided deep puddle crossings because the shoe is not designed for water defense, but brief wetting from road spray left only surface dampness that evaporated in roughly 60–120 minutes depending on ambient temperature and airflow.
Breathability felt above average for a trainer of this construction, and ventilation remained comfortable during warmer intervals. If you need wet-weather protection, seek out a waterproof-specific model or a winterized variant; the non-GTX Rebel favors airflow and low weight over water sealing.
Durability & Build Quality
After roughly 40+ miles of mixed paces across pavement, light gravel, and park paths the Rebel v4 shows solid build quality. Stitching and bonded overlays held without visible fraying, and there was no sole delamination. The strategically placed carbon rubber in high-wear zones shows mild abrasion at the forefoot but no early holes or separation, which matches retailer and early-review durability notes. The fuelCell PEBA-blend foam retained bounce with only subtle compression signs, and laces and eyelets remained intact with normal wear.
Expected lifespan will vary by runner weight and mileage, but for many road runners this model should reach 300–500 miles of reasonable performance if rotated with other trainers; heavier runners or those who daily run longer distances may see faster midsole flattening. Basic maintenance—air drying after wet runs, rotating shoes, and replacing insoles periodically—will extend usable life.
Performance Table
| Metric | Testing Result / Finding | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Test Mileage | ~40+ miles total (3 weeks) | Mixed terrain: asphalt, gravel, park paths |
| Weight (Men’s US 9) | ~7.5 oz per shoe (0.94 lb per pair) | Verified manufacturer spec |
| Fit Accuracy | True-to-size; slightly snug | Half-size up if between sizes |
| Break-in Period | ~10 miles | Upper softened quickly |
| Midsole Feel | Responsive & energetic | PEBA-blend FuelCell foam |
| Ride Drop | 6 mm (34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot) | Promotes quick transitions |
| Comfort Rating | 4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆ | Best for short to mid-distance runs |
| Traction Test (Dry/Wet) | Excellent on dry pavement / moderate on wet | Not suited for muddy trails |
| Drying Time (after light soak) | 60–120 minutes | Breathable mesh upper dries fast |
| Observed Wear | Minor outsole abrasion at forefoot | Normal for lightweight road trainer |
Downsides
Even though the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 excels at tempo work, it has real downsides that matter in daily training. The midsole tends to feel firm on long easy miles, and I felt cumulative calf fatigue after back-to-back sessions. The snug race-inspired fit can squeeze wider forefeet; I recommend a half-size up or a wide option for comfort. The shoe is not waterproof, so the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 will likely underperform on wet routes and muddy detours. On a damp morning I noticed reduced confidence on slick granite and leaves. Protection is light; there is no rock plate, so sharp trail impacts transmit more readily to the foot.
Rubber coverage is targeted but not full, which means the outsole can show forefoot wear sooner under heavy use. Breathability tends to be excellent but that comes at the cost of exposure to road spray. For heavier runners or those needing maximal cushioning on recovery days, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 may feel too lively and thin. These are practical trade offs to weigh against its speed-focused strengths.
Best Alternatives for New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 leans to light, tempo road sessions while the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 tilts toward sustained fast efforts with plate assistance. Rebel v4 is about 7.5 oz with a low, responsive FuelCell PEBA midsole and a snug, race-inspired fit that promotes quick transitions. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is around 8.3–8.4 oz and pairs PWRRUN PB foam with a nylon speed plate and SPEEDROLL geometry to smooth and propel longer high-pace efforts. Outsole choices differ too: the Rebel focuses on targeted carbon rubber pods for road durability, while the Endorphin uses an XT-900 style rubber layout that aids multi-pace grip.
The main trade-off is pure snappiness and lower weight versus plate-driven propulsion and a slightly higher stack. Buy the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 if you crave a lighter, sharper daily speed shoe; choose the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 if you want longer tempo sessions with more assistance.
Saucony Ride 15
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 leans toward lighter, tempo-oriented runs while the Saucony Ride 15 targets everyday cushioning and longer mileage comfort. Rebel v4 comes in at about 7.5 oz and uses a responsive FuelCell PEBA midsole with a low stack that favors quick transitions. The Saucony Ride 15 is heavier, roughly 8.8–9.4 oz depending on size, and layers a thicker PWRRUN or PWRRUN+ midsole slab to deliver more plush, high-mileage cushioning and shock absorption.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 leans snug and precise while the Saucony Ride 15 tends to a roomier, comfort-first last that better accepts thicker socks and orthotics. The core trade-off is liveliness and lower weight versus added cushioning and long-run forgiveness. Buy the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 if you prioritize tempo speed; choose the Saucony Ride 15 if you want a softer daily trainer for higher mileage.
Comparison of Best Alternatives
| Name | Weight (lbs per pair) | Waterproof | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 | ≈ 0.94 lb | No | Speed-focused daily training and tempo sessions. | $139.99 |
| Saucony Ride 15 | ≈ 1.10 lb | No | Cushioned everyday trainer for longer mileage and comfort. | $139.95 |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | ≈ 1.03 lb | No | Plate-assisted tempo and race-pace sessions; longer speed workouts. | ~$170 |
Who Should Buy/Avoid New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
You Should Buy if
- You want a light, responsive shoe for tempo days; the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 tends to deliver lively propulsion.
- You prefer a snug, race-inspired fit that locks the midfoot for quick turns.
- You run short to mid-distance road sessions and favour quick transitions over plush cushioning.
- You want a low-weight trainer for faster workouts and occasional local races.
You Should Avoid if
- You need plush cushioning for long recovery miles; the midsole likely feels firm over extended efforts.
- You regularly run in wet or muddy conditions; the model is not waterproof and tends to underperform when soaked.
- You have wide forefeet and dislike a tight toe box; the snug fit may feel restrictive without sizing up.
- You require heavy rock protection or aggressive traction for technical trails; the road-focused chassis offers limited protection.
FAQs
Are New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 true to size?
Yes. They tend to run true to size for many runners, but consider a half-size up if you are between sizes or prefer extra forefoot room.
Is this shoe good for long runs?
It can handle mid-distance efforts, but the FuelCell midsole likely feels too firm for very long recovery runs or ultra distances.
Is the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 waterproof?
No. The standard model uses a breathable mesh upper and does not include a waterproof membrane.
How long do they last?
Expect moderate durability; many runners can see roughly 300 to 500 miles depending on weight, gait, and surface.
Can I use orthotics with these shoes?
Yes. Low-profile orthotics fit, but they will reduce internal volume and may make the shoe feel a bit snugger.
Ethan Marlowe is an experienced hiker and outdoor gear specialist based in Colorado. With over 7 years of hands-on experience trekking through the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and East Coast trails, he delivers practical advice, expert gear reviews, and survival insights. His goal is to help hikers of all levels make smarter decisions on and off the trail.
