The Different Types of New Balance Fuel Cell Foam in Every Road Running Shoe in 2025
FuelCell is New Balance's comfort-oriented PEBA-based foam found in their daily trainers and race day shoes. The FuelCell that is featured in the SC Elite v4, the upcoming SC Elite v5 and the SC Pacer v2 is a soft, not super aggressive race foam. A more comfortable version appears in models like the Rebel v4 and v5, the SC Trainer v3, and the Propel v5. Here, we break down the different versions of FuelCell foam and their applications in 2025.
It’s time for some Foamwork. Today, we’re diving into New Balance FuelCell: A foam compound that has been modified throughout the years for different categories of shoe but may have peaked back in 2023. Here’s where you’ll find it across New Balance’s road running lineup in 2025. Lace up—class is back in session.
Race Day FuelCell
New Balance is all about comfort. While they have Fresh Foam as their soft training foam designed for relaxed miles, FuelCell is also one of the most comfortable foams out there. In their race shoes, FuelCell is a 100% PEBA-based compound with a pleasant squish and fun bounce. It’s not particularly lively or energetic compared to other race foams out there, but in the SC Elite it’s become a fan favorite for 4 hour marathons. For those seeking a speedier New Balance race shoe, the Pacer has a lower stack of it in a more streamlined construction.
- SC Elite v4
- SC Elite v5 (coming soon in 2025)
- SC Pacer v2
New Balance SC Pacer v2
Daily Trainer FuelCell
The version of FuelCell in the Rebel v4 and SC Trainer v3 uses a mix of 80% EVA and 20% PEBA. This results in a foam that’s decently comfortable but just okay for running fast. The SC Trainer v3 is an excellent long run shoe for comfort cruising with the tall stack and carbon plate, but it lacks the oomph of competitors. The Rebel v5 has a revised version of this foam that is both softer and bouncier but with durability concerns. The Propel, an excellent value shoe, pairs a Bio EVA version of FuelCell with a plastic plate, delivering a comfortable and smooth ride.
- Rebel v4
- Rebel v5
- SC Trainer v3
- Propel v5
New Balance Rebel v5
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New Balance SC Trainer v3
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
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Bonus: OG FuelCell
This is our favorite version of FuelCell. Soft and bouncy, this compound—found in the Rebel v3—was a supercritical TPU and EVA blend that was ahead of its time. It struck the right balance between comfort and speed, appropriately squishy and peppy. Unfortunately in 2024, New Balance jumped ship from TPU in favor of PEBA, which is ironic since brands like Salomon, Puma and Mizuno have been crushing it with TPU-based foams—and PEBA seems to be fading away. A hobby jogger can only dream that New Balance goes back to TPU.
To see Yowana's comparison of the new Rebel v5 and the ASICS Novablast 5, watch the YouTube video below:
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