New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 Review

Upper

Kaleb: "The New Balance SuperComp Trainer v3's engineered mesh upper with FANTOMFIT technology worked well for my feet. The shoes were very secure, and I appreciated the gusseted tongue. There is a mix of performance and comfort elements, but what stood out to me was the lightweight feel and the padding around the heel collar.

In the first couple of runs, I experienced some pinching around the lateral side of my ankle, which made me concerned that version 3 would have the same collar irritation issue as version 1. Thankfully, after a few miles of breaking in the shoe, the irritation I was experiencing dissipated, and I had no issues after that."

Liz: "The SuperComp Trainer v3 features a much more dialed-in and speed-oriented engineered mesh upper than the previous version. The v2 upper was very roomy, especially in the forefoot, which worked for my wide feet, but it did not have the locked-in feel of an uptempo performance trainer. With version 3, the upper maintains a good level of comfort while being much more race-ready. The fit is foot-hugging while still accommodating my foot (and bunions). While this is less comfortable for me over long miles, it helps dial in the shoe's performance at faster speeds."

Midsole

Kaleb: "When I heard that New Balance was updating the SuperComp Trainer's midsole, I was admittedly apprehensive. Why, you ask? Because I loved version 2 with its soft feel and efficient, not overly aggressive plate. I used version 2 for practically every type of daily training run, and it was a staple in my shoe rotation.

I found version 3 firmer underfoot than version 2. Also, the updated carbon fiber plate feels more aggressive with a much more pronounced snap at toe-off. This helps create a more responsive ride that is much better suited for speed workouts, uptempo paces, and even races. Admittedly, I miss some of the smooth, easy-going transitions of v2, but v3 complements New Balance's FuelCell performance line much better, and I am confident there will be a lot of runners who appreciate version 3's speedier midsole."

Liz: "The SuperComp Trainer v3 now features the same PEBA-blend foam as one of my current favorites, the Rebel v4. This midsole foam offers a wonderful blend of softness, protection, and responsiveness underfoot. Some runners may be disappointed that the shoe is not as squishy and soft as version 2. Instead, NB has redesigned this shoe to be much more speed-oriented than its predecessor without losing its ability to keep the runner comfortable on long runs. Along with the more responsive foam, I noticed that the carbon plate in v3 feels stiffer and more aggressive as well. Where v2 felt good at slower paces, I think the stiffness of the plate in v3 feels best when my laces are locked down and I am up on my toes at faster paces."

Outsole

Kaleb: "The SuperComp's rubber outsole provided good traction on paved surfaces, and I had no issues cornering at speed, which is another area where version 3 has improved over previous models. Version 3 just feels more agile. I did not get a chance to test the outsole in wet road conditions, but given my experience in the shoe, I would not hesitate to take the SuperComp v3 out on wet roads. The outsole's durability appears solid, as I have not noticed abnormal signs of wear after 30-plus test miles."

Liz: "New Balance did a good job of keeping the shoe lightweight while offering enough outsole coverage to provide the durability needed in a training shoe. The outsole design is very flexible and does not interfere with the shoe's ride."

Comparable Shoes

NB SC Trainer v3 vs. NB SC Trainer v2

Kaleb: "As I said earlier in this review, I loved version 2 of the SC Trainer, and it was one of my favorite daily trainers for long runs, tempo runs, and an assortment of other daily efforts. That said, version 3 is a faster shoe, and we at Running Warehouse agree that it is a better representation of what the SuperComp Trainer should be within the FuelCell line. As Liz mentions, if you loved version 2, then version 3 may not be the replacement you are looking for."

Liz: "New Balance did a great job of listening to critiques about the v2's stability, loose fit, and lack of speediness, and the SuperComp Trainer v3 is now a great representation of a highly cushioned super trainer that offers both protection and speed.

Because of these changes, fans of version 2 may not love version 3. As a slower runner myself, version 2 is one of my favorite long-run and daily training shoes because of its comfort and smoothness at a variety of paces. While I think version 3 is more in line with what the SC Trainer is supposed to be in relation to the FuelCell line, it is a bit too speed-oriented to fit in this slower runner's regular long-run rotation."

NB SC Trainer v3 vs. NB Rebel v4

Kaleb: "The SC Trainer and Rebel are both excellent options within New Balance's FuelCell line, and I think New Balance has made some great changes in both models this year. The Rebel v4 is much more adept at long runs but retains its ability to crush nearly any daily run. The updated SuperComp Trainer has been charged up with a new level of speed, which better complements fast training efforts and even race-day efforts."

Liz: "The SuperComp Trainer v3 is a wonderful fast-day complement to those doing most of their daily training in the Rebel v4. The Rebel feels smoother underfoot at a wider variety of paces because of its lack of a midsole plate, and it is a better option for daily runs. Meanwhile, the SC Trainer offers the same foam but with the snappiness of the carbon plate at faster paces, making it ideal for faster training runs including fartleks, intervals, and long tempo runs."

NB SC Trainer v3 vs. Mizuno Neo Vista

Kaleb: "If you are looking for a replacement for your SC Trainer v2, then the Neo Vista is my answer! It is soft and efficient, making every daily run a delight. Like version 2 of the SC Trainer, the Neo Vista is not a true speed-day super trainer, which is where the SC Trainer v3 steps in. If you are preparing for a race and need a shoe to complement your faster paces, then the SC Trainer v3 is a better option. If you want more comfort with a fun bounce, then the Neo Vista has you covered."