New Balance Rebel v5 vs 1080v15
FuelCell Rebel v5 or 1080v15? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a light, springy everyday trainer? Get the FuelCell Rebel v5.
Want the softest cushion we carry, in a light package? Get the 1080v15.
Get the FuelCell Rebel v5 if
- You’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
- You need a roomier fit
- You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
Get the 1080v15 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
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.
1080v15: The softest, lightest max cushion. A big change. New Balance’s new foam is the softest of any shoe here in lab tests, noticeably bouncy and much lighter than the v14. That softness can feel a little unstable for runners who need support.
Specs side by side
| FuelCell Rebel v5 | 1080v15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 (was $144.99) | $169.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 35 / 29mm* | 40 / 34mm* |
| Drop | 6mm | 6mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8 oz | 9.2 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 6.2 oz | 7.3 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| 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.
1080v15. True to size. Reviewers disagree on width, with some calling it roomy and others narrow, so try it on. The heel can slip on turns.
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 v5 · Shop the 1080v15 · Compare other running shoes