New Balance Rebel v5 vs Rebel v4
FuelCell Rebel v5 or FuelCell Rebel v4? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The FuelCell Rebel v5 replaced the FuelCell Rebel v4.
About 5mm more foam, a more secure heel and midfoot, and a smoother roll.
What changed
- Foam: Still a FuelCell blend of PEBA and EVA.
- Shape: 5mm more stack, same 6mm drop.
- Upper: Narrower engineered mesh, a thicker gusseted tongue and more heel padding for better lockdown.
- On the run: Feels about the same.
- Measured: 0.3 oz heavier and 5mm more foam under the heel. Drop about the same.
On the run
FuelCell Rebel v5: Light and springy fun. Soft, springy and light, with a flexible forefoot. It’s a fun shoe for easy and moderate runs, though it can start to feel mushy deep into a long one.
FuelCell Rebel v4: Light, flexible and fun. Light, flexible and fun, with a soft, springy midsole. The wider base makes it steadier but a little less agile than the Rebel v3.
Specs side by side
| FuelCell Rebel v5 | FuelCell Rebel v4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 (was $144.99) | $139.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 35 / 29mm* | 30 / 24mm* |
| Drop | 6mm | 6mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 8 oz | 7.7 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 6.2 oz | New Balance no longer lists it |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Race day |
| Expected life | 250–350 miles | 300–400 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
FuelCell Rebel v5. True to size with a roomy toebox. The midfoot is wide, so some feet slide on sharp turns. Wide available.
FuelCell Rebel v4. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. It’s wide, so narrow feet may feel loose, and the heel hold could be better.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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