Running enthusiast and content creator Chermaine Zhou returns and shares her insights on the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 2, with host John Yeong in the latest episode of "Sole Mates"
"Sole Mates" is a series made by runners created for runners, and a SportPlus.sg initiative to help you find the right running footwear for you and your runs. As part of this series, 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.
In episode 16 of "Sole Mates", SportPlus.sg has teamed up with iRun Singapore, premier running store and Chermaine Zhou, to find out if these shoes are your perfect Sole Mate!
Featuring New Balance’s latest edition of the SuperComp Trainer series, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 ensures runners can benefit from the shoe's energy-return technology or use the pair as a high-mileage training shoe. Incorporating new Energy Arc technology, an arched carbon fibre plate, two layers of FuelCell cushioning, just how do these features impact one’s performance?
Furthermore, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 has a slightly lower stack height. The shoe’s stack height of 40mm in the heel and 34mm in the forefoot leads to an overall drop of 6mm. This is 2mm shorter than the stack height in the SuperComp v1, which measured 47mm in the heel and 39mm in the forefoot.
Now let’s check out the video below as both Chermaine Zhou and host John Yeong discuss various features of New Balance latest road-running shoes!
Previously, Chermaine was training for a half-marathon in Gold Coast and has managed to attain a personal best during the event. Currently training for another half-marathon, Chermaine is excited to see how the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 can aid her in her training.
Chermaine benefits from the ‘high roller’ effect that the shoe provides due to the rocker-like shape of the shoe. As a heel foot striker, Chermaine feels that the forefoot helps to push off when running, giving runners a good toe-off to increase their running speed.
“I really love the colourway, I think this is my first pair with such a bright orange!” adds Chermaine, regarding her first impressions of the shoe.
In this episode of "Sole Mates", Chermaine shares with us three key features of the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2, followed by her own personal running experience after clocking mileage with the pair. This can help runners like you, decide whether this shoe is the right fit for your next run!
Lighter FuelCell Formula
The FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2's midsole has been designed with a new formulation of FuelCell technology. The midsole of the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 is lighter and less dense than the previous version. This is where the majority of the weight loss comes from. This also complements the overall shape of the shoe that delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward.
“Weight is really important for the type of run you are going to wear it for. If you are going for a faster run, you would definitely want a lighter shoe and one that propels you forward.” adds Chermaine.
New Balance has shortened the stack height of the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 despite the previous version of the SuperComp Trainer being widely received by many. I believe that this shoe would cater better for faster runs due to its lightweight material. Shoes with very good stability generally have slightly more weight in them. However, the light weight of the shoe also will also help the shoe deliver its propulsive feel for runners.
New Engineered Mesh Upper
The mesh upper in the previous version had a sock-like fitting. From a thinly-padded internal rear cushion pillows with a high heel counter and a single material stretch knitted tongue, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 has gone through a redesign.
The pair now features a more traditional tongue as it has a lower, more conventional rear-padded collar and a thin conventional tongue with gusset. There is additional padding and structure around the heel and collar along with a more traditional gusseted tongue. This in turn gives users a breathable, flat knit upper with lock-in fit feeling.
“I felt that it is actually so breathable that you can see the colour of my socks!” adds Chermaine, regarding the newly-engineered upper.
If you’re someone who prefers a more locked-down feel for your feet when running, this could be the pair for you!
Energy Arc Technology
Featuring a new Energy Arc technology, an arched carbon fibre plate is incorporated into the midsole of the shoe. This plate is sandwiched between two layers of FuelCell foam cushioning, which is a higher end foam technology for New Balance. Thus, the foam leaves a hollow channel through the middle of the shoe.
Just how does this technology translate to better performance for runners?
“The plate is clearly visible, so it actually flattens when it’s in a resting state. But when you’re actually running, the plate bends and then pushes off” explains John.
The plate is flattened into the void with each foot strike. As it reshapes, energy is returned, creating a high rebound sense of propulsion.
One thing to take note is that the midsole feels a touch firmer but it still retains its trademark energy and spring which provides good impact absorption and bounce. This can be especially beneficial for training involving dynamic movements and quick transitions.
My Personal Running Experience
“When I first tried it on, I actually took the pair on a long run. During the long run, when I was trying to pick up speed, it was a very, very smooth energy transition! I could feel the energy return when I was picking up from a 6-minute pace to a 5-minute pace. The energy return was really well-received”.
“Due to the high cushion stack, I do think the stability is probably lacking as compared to more stable pairs of shoes. But I do think that it’s something that I am okay with, because of the high stack. I do prefer that max-cushion effect as well as the bounciness when I run.”
Host John Yeong questions whether Chermaine has any improvements for future iterations of the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2.
“Probably would be the upper toe box area. I did feel that after the 21km run, it was a little bit tight. For me personally I would prefer the toe box area to be slightly wider.”
Perhaps this is one aspect of the shoe New Balance can consider improving on for future versions and to possibly cater to an even wider range of runners.
Final Thoughts and Ratings
Ultimately, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 is a very good pair if you need that one go-to pair for various kinds of runs. Be it long runs, tempo runs or hill runs, this pair would be suitable. Moreover, if you are looking to try a carbon-plated shoe i would definitely recommend this shoe regardless whether you are an entry-level or seasoned runner.
I like the responsiveness of the shoe especially because of the carbon plate. It is quite rare to have a full carbon plate in a trainer shoe as well. Due to this feature, it really gives the energy
return especially for long runs. While not perfect, the shoe still has newly improved features that can improve the running experience for users.
Sole Mates Overall Shoe Rating:
Comfort - 4/5
Stability - 3.5/5
Responsiveness - 4/5
Grippiness - 3.5/5
Value for Money - 4/5
Taking all this into consideration I would give the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 an overall rating of 3.8 Soles.
You can purchase the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 which will be going for S$299 and you can purchase them from any IRUN store or online at irunsg.com.