Co-founder of Superhero Runners and Group Fitness Instructor Nelson Wong is next up in our running shoes review, as he shares with host John Yeong his thoughts on the versatile New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Singapore's premier running specialty iRun Singapore, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators, Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
Designed as a neutral running shoe that is suitable for a variety of distances and trainings, from short and fast to longer, slower runs, the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4's most notable feature is its TPU plate, a plastic plate that sets it apart from other daily trainers of the same bracket.
Measuring 31mm in the rearfoot and 25mm in the forefoot, the New Balance FuelCell Propel V4 has an overall heel-to-toe drop of 6mm which keeps it within the average range of other shoes of the same bracket. Having rolled out the hugely popular SuperComp Trainer in 2022 that was widely well-received, there was much hope and anticipation in the FuelCell Propel V4.
Given the amount of features and New Balance technology packed into this budget trainer, we would say while it hasn't quite measured up to the SuperComp Trainer, it is still pretty value-for-money.
As with all our shoe review episodes, we first share the shoe's specs and latest upgrades, and then bring in every day runners for an honest opinion about what they like and dislike about each of the shoes we feature.
Key Highlights & Specifications
So what's cool about the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4 and are the updates significant enough and worth your money to get an upgrade?
1. FuelCell Technology
The new foam formulation in the V4 provides a more responsive and energetic feel for the runner. The midsole FuelCell foam is a higher grade as compared to the Fresh Foam as it delivers a propulsive feel to help runners drive forward. The pair’s plastic TPU plate does not give the shoe a very strong spring but instead adds more stability for long runs.
2. Breathable Upper
Provides better breathability and a more secure fit. The upper features a no-sew construction for a sleek fit. It is also designed with fewer overlays to reduce weight and improve comfort.
3. Ground Contact EVA Outsole
The New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4 is made from a lightweight EVA material that provides traction and durability. This makes it ideal for runners who intend to use the shoe to run in wet conditions or even on different terrains.
4. Internal Heel Counter
Has a decently padded internal heel counter which does not slip as much, providing better support and a more secure fit.
5. Molded Footbed
The shoe has a molded footbed that provides additional comfort and support to the foot.
Nelson Wong’s Experience Running in the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4
How much mileage have you clocked in the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4?
I’ve run around 40 kilometres in this shoe. I think it’s really important that the 6mm drop of this shoe did not put undue stress on my calves, which is something I sometimes face. I usually land mid-foot to front foot for my strides during my runs and I love that I do not feel any discomfort after running distances beyond 10km in this pair of shoes.
What kind of conditions have you worn these shoes out for?
I didn't really try the shoes for wet weather as it has been pretty dry for the past two weeks. However, the pair works fine for dry weather.
What do you like about shoes?
Firstly, I like this pair of shoes because it is light. Secondly, they are also a stable pair that I feel is quite versatile. Not only can I use them for normal 6-10 km recovery runs, I can also use them for longer runs. Moreover, the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4 allows me the flexibility of runs of higher tempo with ease, without putting in too much effort.
What would you like to see changed in future iterations of this shoe?
For the next version of this pair of shoes, it would be great if the upper of the shoes can be a bit more breathable. As for the heels of the shoe, I do not have any problems with it, but it would be nice for the overall feel if more material can be removed from the collar.
Who would you recommend this shoe to?
I would recommend the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4 for different types of runners ranging from beginners to elite marathoners due to its versatility. Besides the speedwork, this pair is a daily trainer that fits into all kinds of runs, even up to marathon-distance.
Overall Shoe Rating
Comfort: 4.5/5
Stability: 4/5
Responsiveness: 4/5
Grippiness: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Taking all this into consideration, Nelson Wong would give the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4 an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 soles.
The New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4 is currently going for S$179 and can be purchased from any iRun Singapore store or online.