New Balance Rebel v5 vs HOKA Mach 7
FuelCell Rebel v5 or Mach 7? 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 light and quick without a plate? Get the Mach 7.
Get the FuelCell Rebel v5 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You need a roomier fit
Get the Mach 7 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
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.
Mach 7: The light, nimble do-it-all. Firm, springy and low to the ground for a HOKA. It feels fast when you pick up the pace and still works for everyday miles, though the foam firms up noticeably in real cold.
Specs side by side
| FuelCell Rebel v5 | Mach 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 (was $144.99) | $145 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 35 / 29mm* | 37 / 32mm* |
| Drop | 6mm | 5mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8 oz | 8.37 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 6.2 oz | 7.15 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs |
| 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.
Mach 7. Runs slightly short and close-fitting, with a new gusseted tongue that locks the midfoot in. If you’re between sizes, go up a half. Wide feet should try the wide.
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 Mach 7 · Compare other running shoes