New Balance Rebel Trail vs Rebel v5
FuelCell Rebel Trail or FuelCell Rebel v5? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want an agile trail shoe with Vibram grip? Get the FuelCell Rebel Trail.
Want a light, springy everyday trainer? Get the FuelCell Rebel v5.
Get the FuelCell Rebel Trail if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You’re heading off-road
Get the FuelCell Rebel v5 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more bounce and energy back
- It’s mostly for easy days
- Long runs are your thing
On the run
FuelCell Rebel Trail: The agile, grippy trail shoe. Agile and flexible on a compact platform, with solid Vibram Megagrip traction. Firmer and less bouncy than the road Rebel, and best for midfoot and forefoot strikers.
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.
Specs side by side
| FuelCell Rebel Trail | FuelCell Rebel v5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $139.99 (was $144.99) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 33 / 27mm* | 35 / 29mm* |
| Drop | 6mm* | 6mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.2 oz* | 8 oz |
| Weight, women’s | Not listed by New Balance | 6.2 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Trails, Tempo & workouts | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 250–350 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 Trail. True to size with a breathable upper that doesn’t resist abrasion well.
FuelCell Rebel v5. True to size with a roomy toebox. The midfoot is wide, so some feet slide on sharp turns. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the FuelCell Rebel Trail · Shop the FuelCell Rebel v5 · Compare other running shoes