New Balance

Tried and tested:New Balance’s FuelCell SC Elite v4

New Balance’s special edition London Marathon pack has arrived! Get ready for a test-drive of the iconic FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 super shoe and a full breakdown of the collection.

By Julia Carevic

27 April 2025 · 3 min read

Marathon season brings a shift in mindset — one that starts long before race day. It’s about building endurance, patience, and confidence with every training session, whether you’re chasing a new PB or simply aiming to cross that finish line. And the gear you choose? It becomes part of your story — not just tools for performance, but symbols of your dedication, and emotion poured into every kilometre.

Honouring that journey, New Balance introduces its limited-edition London Marathon pack: two pairs of running shoes and a range of apparel for men and women. At the centre of it all? The iconic FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 — race-day shoes built for the moments when every second counts. To put them to the test, we followed two runners, Peter and Hong, as they laced up for their training sessions. Watch the video for their verdict, then scroll on for the full collection breakdown.

The test

Now that the running shoes have hit the pavement, it’s time to take a closer look at New Balance’s London Marathon pack. From the race-day-ready FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 to the everyday reliability of the Fresh Foam X 1080v14 — plus the full apparel lineup — here’s everything you need to know.

BUILT FOR RACE DAY

From the carbon fibre plate to its featherlight build, every detail of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is engineered for one thing: helping runners chase down their fastest time.

BUILT FOR RACE DAY

From the carbon fibre plate to its featherlight build, every detail of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is engineered for one thing: helping runners chase down their fastest time.

The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4

New Balance’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is what you lace up when you’re serious about performance. As the brand’s flagship carbon-plated race day shoe, it’s built to deliver maximum energy return, speed, and efficiency over long distances. Lightweight and propulsive, it’s become a go-to among competitive runners and pros alike. No wonder triathlete and Olympic medalist Alex Yee calls them his “perfect shoes for race day.”

This special edition, created in honour of the legendary London Marathon, takes things a step further. With race-inspired colours and bold branding, it looks just as sharp as it runs.

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Quick facts

Let’s get into the details. Here’s a breakdown of what makes New Balance’s race day shoe stand out:

Lightweight construction: Weighing just 179.8 grams for women and 241 grams for men, this shoe is made for speed.

FuelCell Midsole: Made with PEBA foam, the midsole delivers a propulsive feel that keeps you moving forward.

Energy Arc Technology: A carbon fibre-plate, engineered with sport-specific geometry and paired with strategic midsole voids, maximises energy return when it matters the most.

Rocker Profile: Designed for a smooth, natural transition from heel to toe.

Solid Rubber Outsole: Durable and grippy — built to handle race conditions.

FantomFit upper: The bonded upper cuts down on fabric weight, offering an ultra-light feel and an extra sleek look.

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The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14

Another standout from New Balance’s London Marathon pack? The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 in a sleek limited-edition design. Combining reliable comfort with high performance, this shoe offers the versatility you need for your daily runs, making it one of the most dependable companions in your running lineup.

With its soft yet responsive midsole, the 1080v14 delivers smooth transitions from landing to toe-off. It features a triple jacquard mesh upper for enhanced breathability, an updated outsole for a more propulsive feel, added rubber to boost durability, and a rocker profile for a smoother ride. Weighing 303 grams, it’s a touch more substantial than the race-day shoe, but still light enough to carry you through your toughest runs.

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The apparel

Completing the collection is a range of apparel for men and women. Think race-ready shorts, fast-drying t-shirts and singlets, and lightweight wind-protective jackets, all featuring special-edition London Marathon designs. One standout? The distraction-free RC shorts, designed to feel like they’re barely there. The internal brief features seamless constructed fabric, minimising seams while offering all the support and function you need — including fast-drying technology, multiple pockets, and reflective details.

Together with the running shoes, this collection has everything you need for both training and race days. As you train for your next marathon, make this pack part of the journey — unlocking your full potential and turning your gear into lasting memories woven into your running story.