Either running shoes have improved dramatically over the past few years or my continued growth as a runner has enabled me to enjoy running in more shoes than in the past. [Insert the “why not both” meme] The two statements aren’t mutually exclusive; both are true. Case in point: The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 was one of my least favorite running shoes in recent memory. I only racked up about 30 miles in the shoe before I racked the shoe on my shoe rack, or, rather, in the heaping pile of other shoes on my closet floor. What a difference a yearly update makes! Find out why v4 has become one of my favorites, in this New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 review.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Review
Weight: 7.5 oz / 212 g (US M9) | 5.9 oz / 168 g (US W8)
Stack height: 30/24 mm (6 mm drop)
Price: $140
You should never judge a shoe after a first run—that is, unless it flat-out sucks. There are just too many variables to account for in any given run. What feels flat and lifeless one day, can feel springy and lively another. It depends on how your body’s feeling, the type of run, distance, weather, etc. But after the first run with the Rebel v4, I already knew I loved the shoe. Alas, if only finding a soulmate was as easy as finding a solemate. (I’m happily married, but I know the struggle!)
To really set the mood, I hit play on David Bowie’s 1974 single “Rebel Rebel” during my first run with the pair. (Shouldn’t there be a comma after the first “Rebel?” I typically don’t sweat it out to the oldies, but, turns out, it’s actually not a bad running song.
Did you know, Bowie’s ballad includes the word “rebel” a whopping 18 times?! Additionally, did you know, according to Genius, the song deals openly with Bowie’s uncertain sexuality. Huh, and here I thought Bowie was bravely defying mainstream music by creating his own style of tunes. Not at all. In fact, according to Bowie’s guitarist Alan Parker, Bowie intentionally made the main guitar riff “Rolling Stonesy” in the hopes it would “piss Mick (Jagger) off a bit.” Go figure—I assumed only rappers had beefs. This has been Behind The Music, with your host, The Size 15 Runner.
Ride
While the Rebel v3 was soft, it felt a bit too mushy; my feet never got comfortable on the run. I’m not quite sure why, but it felt like my feet were constantly fighting against the shoe and my foot strike felt unnatural with each stride. v2 was more enjoyable than v3, for me.
I would never consider myself a rebel; I blindly follow authority and don’t try to rock the boat. But the v4 is a rebel I can get behind, or rather in. V4 has a more stable ride, a better-fitting upper, and an improved midsole, offering a much more propulsive and comfortable ride. With these updates, v4 serves as both an exceptional daily trainer and tempo shoe.
Midsole
Similar to most great shoes, the highlight of the Rebel v4 is the new midsole. No one actually cares about an upper unless it’s severely uncomfortable nor an outsole unless it’s slippery.) The geometric FuelCell midsole includes a blend of PEBA and EVA, and, let me tell you, it’s quite soft. Like I’ve said before, I’m a softie when it comes to running shoes. The road is already hard enough, why would I want to wear a firm shoe to pound unforgiving pavement with? Warning: Fans of firmer shoes may not like the Rebel v4. The shoe’s soft ride reminds me of New Balance’s excellent Fresh Foam 1080 v13, just with less foam/stack height.
I typically prefer shoes with higher stacks because I’m a bougie bitch, but the 30/24 mm stack height works really well in this shoe. And if the stack height were any higher, the shoe wouldn’t be as versatile as it is, as I figure it’d be harder to run faster.
Upper
The new and improved no-sew upper is made of an engineered mesh that utilizes NB’s FantomFit technology for added support. Despite the misspelling of phantom, I have no issues with the upper. It’s minimal, breathable, comfy, lightweight, and secure—what more could you want? It’s got everything you need and nothing you don’t. There’s a thin gusseted tongue that helps with a secure lockdown.
Outsole
The Rebel v4 features a partially exposed outsole, with some sections of foam uncovered. But there’s plenty of rubber in the highest impact areas, noticeably more rubber than v3 of the shoe. The main update to the bottom is the wider outsole platform. It’s a much more stable and comfortable ride than the very narrow v3.
Weight
V4 gained only an inconsequential tenth of an ounce from v3. You’re not going to find a lighter daily trainer than this. 7.5 oz for a men’s size 9 is a featherweight that won’t weigh your feet down. The shoe may not fare well against heavyweight max cushion shoes in a fight, but, to my knowledge, shoes don’t fight—unless they’re being pitted against each other in shoe review comparisons.
Design
You know a shoe is good-looking when you can’t decide between the colorways. Typically, there’s always one color combo of a shoe that catches my eye. This time, I found all three options quite pretty. I went with the “White with bleached lime glo and hot mango” mouthful of a colorway. Quick, try saying that five times fast! You can’t do it!
Price
$140 is a great value. Yes, $140 is still a lot of money, however, it’s become relatively “cheap” compared to all the $150 and $160 daily trainers out there. The Rebel v4 is a more versatile shoe than both the same-priced ASICS Novablast 4 and Saucony Ride 17, because it’s both a daily trainer and a shoe you can use for some speed work. Although, honestly, I do all my speed work in carbon fiber plated shoes. What can I say—similar to eating, it’s just easier with a plate! The shoe is available to purchase at New Balance or at Running Warehouse.
Conclusion
New Balance claims the Rebel v4 will be your go-to shoe for any kind of run. While you can never truly believe the marketing copy that companies spew out of their ass, this is one statement that rings true. With a wider outsole platform, new and improved midsole, and impossibly lightweight and comfy upper, New Balance wisely made v4 more suitable for a greater number of paces and runners. As a result, the Rebel v4 rises near the top of the early list of top 2024 shoes.
Whether you’re training for a spring race or just looking to go on some joy runs this spring, this pair will get the job done and leave you with a smile on your face long after you untie the pair. Please tell me you untie your shoes before removing them?!
I purchased the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 with my money and New Balance was not given the chance to see this review before I published. I was not compensated for this New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 review.
