| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Bouncy and propulsive + Great value + Lightweight + Versatile + Can race in | – Narrow upper |
New Balance describes the SC Rebel as a “lightweight and responsive trainer engineered to bring race-inspired performance to everyday running.” But with a shoe this propulsive, you could say it also brings race-inspired performance to occasional racing. Because the SC Rebel isn’t much of a downgrade (if any) from New Balance’s true racing shoe, the SC Elite v6. Both have a carbon fiber plate, featherlight weights, and both share a version of the new Infinion foam. I detail my experience with the pair through 60+ miles of marathon training, in this New Balance SC Rebel v1 review.
New Balance SC Rebel v1
The past couple editions of the lightweight and speedy FuelCell Rebel have been among my favorite pairs from New Balance, or any brand. The moderately stacked shoe offers a nice alternative to the plethora of max cushioned pairs clogging the roads these days. Of course, the beefy shoe trend shows no signs of slowing down, so New Balance raises the stakes with a complete transformation of the Rebel. Raising the stack to a formidable 40 mm in the heel and 36 mm in the forefoot, adding a carbon plate and, oh by the way, introducing a whole new foam from the regular version. The result looks less like a Rebel, and more like a super shoe that’s in the running for best of the year.
Ride
“This feels like a more stable super shoe at a fraction of the cost.” That was the first thought I had during my maiden voyage with the SC Rebel. It truly is that propulsive and light. While there are lighter racing shoes, the weight of 7.7oz (218g) for a men’s size 9.5 and 6.1 oz (174g) for a women’s size 7 isn’t too far off from super shoes like New Balance SC Elite v6 or Saucony Endorphin Pro. And the 40/36 mm stack height makes it one of the most cushioned super shoes on the market while staying within the legal limit set by World Athletics–which is only applicable to the pros, but hey, a guy can dream.
Those who prefer lower drops will appreciate the SC Rebel’s 4 mm drop, a nice alternative to the 8 mm drop found in the vast majority of super shoes, including the SC Elite v6. Fellow heel strikers fear not: the 4 mm drop doesn’t feel as low as it might suggest and the pronounced forefoot rocker geometry enables smooth transitions from heel to toe.
The Infinion foam delivers a very soft and bouncy underfoot feel buoyed by the carbon plate. New Balance’s best foam, Infinion is a TPEE-based (thermoplastic polyester elastomer) infused with roughly 20% EVA. Earlier this year, Infinion debuted in the 1080v15 midsole after 14 editions with Fresh Foam. I have to imagine the SC Rebel’s version of the foam is an upgraded version as the level of energy return feels even greater.
Uses
The SC Rebel is predominantly a tempo super trainer, easily tackling speed workouts of all lengths and intensities. I used the SC Rebel for multiple lactate threshold workouts, consisting of runs of 10-12 miles, with 5-7 miles at 15k pace, around 6:15/mile pace. The SC Rebel was easily up to the challenge, helping me hit my target pace despite the hot and humid Virginia summer. The shoe offers great rebound and rolls me easily into my next stride at a variety of paces.
The SC Rebel can even tackle 5k pace; after excelling in the lactate thresholds, I decided to test it out for a VO2 max workout consisting of 5 x 600 meters (0.37 mile) at 5k pace (5:50/mile pace). I was thinking I’d have to work a bit harder to reach the intended pace, but I found myself at times running closer to 5:40/mile pace. New Balance really has something here with the combo of the forefoot rocker, Infinion midsole, and carbon plate.
I typically only tackle tougher speed workouts like these in true super shoes, but the SC Rebel is the one trainer that emulates that race day feel, making it an excellent “budget” option for race day. In fact, this is one of the only trainers I would ever consider racing in due to the featherlight weight and carbon plate. Would I choose it to race my next marathon in? No. But for a shorter race that’s part of my marathon training? It proved to me it’s up to the challenge.
And if you’re looking to turn it down a notch, slower paces are much more manageable in the SC Rebel compared to other carbon plated racers. Easy runs don’t feel like you’re fighting against the shoe as they so often do in pairs designed to go fast.
Upper
The lightweight Fantomfit upper (engineered mesh) offers a comfortable “barely there” feel, but the toebox is low volume and more narrow. While I didn’t have any issues with fit, those who prefer a little extra wiggle room should consider the wide version. Ironically, I found New Balance’s designated racing pair, the SC Elite v6, has a more accommodating and wider toebox. Despite the extra snug fit, there’s excellent breathability.
This is a much more substantial upper than the minimal racing uppers that often feel flimsy. There’s a supportive heel collar with decent padding and a gusseted tongue with light padding that does an excellent job keeping my feet secure.
Price
You might think $200 doesn’t classify as “budget” when it comes to running shoes, but it is substantially less than the range of $250-$300 carbon plated racers, including the $275 SC Elite v6. Frankly, the SC Rebel is a better all-around, more versatile shoe than every other $200 pair. Unplated max cushioned shoes like the $200 Brooks Glycerin Max or even the $230 Nike Vomero Premium are rather one-dimensional as mostly easy day pairs without much “tech.” The SC Rebel is the antithesis of those and is the much better buy.
Conclusion
The best shoe New Balance has released in some time and one of the best of the year, the SC Rebel v1 is more than a tempo trainer for speed workouts; it’s a shoe many will reach for in the hopes to set a PR come race day. Propulsive without sacrificing stability, the SC Rebel offers a super shoe feel at a super trainer price.
The SuperComp Rebel is now available on New Balance’s website.
New Balance graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this New Balance SC Rebel review and New Balance didn’t get an opportunity to see this review before I published.
