Sometimes it takes a few editions for a running shoe to find its stride. That’s never been more evident than with the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4. The main update? The addition of a TPU plate sandwiched in between the ever-reliable FuelCell midsole. The v4 is my first Propel; I was never interested in trying the shoe until the addition of the plate. It’s always been a budget shoe, and budget shoes are priced lower for a reason – they’re minimally composed and typically provide a dull, uninspiring ride. Not the Propel v4. Budget shoes tend to be for beginners, but running newcomers and veterans alike will enjoy the ride of this shoe. It’s one of the best budget running shoes (and New Balance running shoes), but how does the shoe stack up against other plated shoes? Find out in my New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 review.
New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 Review
Weight: 10.7 oz, 302 g (US M9), 9.6 oz, 272 g (US W8).
Stack Height: 31mm/25 mm (6 mm drop)
Price: $110
Ride
The Propel v4 delivers a nice and dependable ride at a fraction of the cost of other shoes. There was no break-in period needed and the soft ride feels good 80 miles later. While it’s not the most exciting shoe, there’s enough energy return to keep the ride lively. Though it has a plate, you have to temper your expectations when comparing it to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 or other higher-priced plated shoes.
Midsole
I typically prefer shoes with a higher drop than 6mm, but it delivers a similar ride to 8mm shoes. There’s plenty of FuelCell foam to use for longer efforts and the TPU plate makes it suitable for light speed work like strides. I took them for a 14-mile run and had no issues.
Upper
You’ve got a redesigned, engineered synthetic/mesh upper up top, and while it’s comfortable enough, it’s not very breathable. And with my all-black upper, hot and sunny days are not too kind to my size 15 feet. But I’ve tried far worse uppers and I’ll take comfort over breathability any day of the running week.
Outsole
The fourth edition of the Propel adds more rubber coverage on the outsole, which increases durability but also likely contributes to the higher weight.
Weight
As mentioned, with the heavy upper and additional rubber on the outsole, the shoe’s weight comes in a bit high for a plated shoe. However, it almost seems like there’s a typo on the New Balance website that lists it at 10.7 oz, 302 g (US M9), 9.6 oz, 272 g (US W8). While it’s heavier than most speedy, plated shoes, I have a hard time believing it weighs nearly 11 oz for a size 9. It certainly doesn’t feel that heavy.
Appearance
I chose the “Black with dragonfly” colorway because I’m a sucker for black and red shoes. It’s simply my favorite shoe color combo. Heck, I’d buy a pair of running shoes made of cardboard if they were available in red and black. Maybe it’s because they’re the colors Michael Jordan donned as he dominated the NBA with the Chicago Bulls. Or perhaps it’s due to Darth Maul’s [spoiler alert!] “domination” of Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Though widely considered one of the worst films in the series, my 9-year-old self was never more pumped in a movie theater. Anyway, red, orange, and yellow (ROY) are always delightful when paired with black; ASICS NOVABLAST 3 expertly utilizes the ROY, of ROY G BIV fame, with black.
Price
Originally priced at $110 upon its release, the shoe can currently be purchased for an absolute steal of $87. Talk about “grand theft running shoe!” That sounds like it’d be a sick video game. Instead of robbing people of their cars and beating them, you visit running stores, pay a fair price for a good pair of running shoes and then shake the sales rep’s hand. And you don’t take a joyride in a stolen Lamborghini, you go for a cruise in the shoes during a nice run. I’m sure it would catch on. Come to think of it, why are there no running video games?
Your word is “Propel”
Propel is defined by Merriam Webster as “to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion.” There are certainly better (and more expensive) plated shoes to “propel” you forward, but the Propel v4 delivers a solid enough boost to hit your stride on a variety of runs. While it’s my first Propel, it certainly won’t be my last.
I purchased the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 with my money and New Balance had no input or influence on what I wrote.
