New Balance has spent the last few years building a reputation for making running exciting again. They have moved away from boring, stiff shoes and embraced soft foams and bold geometries. The Rebel line has always been the “rebel” of the family. It ignores the industry trend of putting carbon plates in everything and instead focuses on a pure, lightweight foam experience.
In this review, we are taking a deep dive into the New Balance Rebel v5. This shoe sits in a very interesting spot in the New Balance lineup. It is lighter and faster than the max-cushion New Balance 1080v15, but it is much more relaxed and affordable than their top-tier marathon racer, the New Balance SC Elite v4.
If you are looking for a shoe that can handle your daily miles but still pick up the pace for a workout, the Rebel v5 might be the versatile option you need. Let us break down the details to see if it deserves a spot on your shoe rack.
Key specifications:
Brand: New Balance
Model: FuelCell Rebel v5
Weight: 9.8 oz. (277 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 35 mm
Toe: 29 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Carbon plate: No plate
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Daily Trainer
Price of New Balance Rebel v4?
Price: $140 USD
What is new compared to the Rebel v4?
If you ran in the the New Balance Rebel v4, you will notice some immediate changes. The Rebel v5 has grown up a little bit.
- More Cushion: The stack height has increased. You now have about 5mm more foam under your foot compared to the previous version. This makes the shoe feel more protective for longer runs.
- Better Fit: The upper on the v4 was known for being a bit baggy and loose. The v5 has tightened this up for a more secure lockdown.
- Slight Weight Gain: Because of the extra foam and structured upper, it has gained about 17 grams (0.6 oz). However, it is still considered very lightweight for a daily trainer.
- Softer Ride: While the v4 felt like a low-to-the-ground speed shoe, the v5 feels softer and more substantial, leaning slightly more toward being a daily trainer than a pure racing flat.
Upper
The upper is often the make-or-break point for a running shoe. New Balance uses a lightweight mesh here that they call FantomFit.
When you slide your foot in, the first thing you notice is the comfort. The tongue is gusseted, meaning it is attached to the sides of the shoe so it does not slide around while you run. It has just enough thin padding to prevent the laces from digging into the top of your foot.
Regarding the fit, it runs true to size for most runners. There is decent room in the toe box, which is great for letting your toes splay out naturally. However, the lockdown is much improved over the previous version. You do not have to strangle the laces to keep your heel secure.
One minor critique is breathability. While it is not a sauna, the mesh is a bit dense. If you are running in very hot summer conditions, you might wish for a bit more airflow. However, for most of the year, it works perfectly fine. It also features reflective elements on the logos and toes, which is a nice safety bonus for evening runners.
Midsole
This is the engine of the shoe. The New Balance Rebel v5 uses a FuelCell midsole. This is not just standard foam. It is a blend of PEBA and EVA.
To explain that simply: PEBA is the high-performance “super foam” found in race shoes like the New Balance SC Elite v4 that gives you a lot of bounce. EVA is the standard foam used in most daily trainers for durability. By blending them, New Balance tries to give you a bouncy ride that lasts longer than a race shoe.
The ride is incredibly soft. With 35mm of foam in the heel, you feel very protected from the pavement. It is a fun, squishy sensation. It does not have a plastic or carbon plate inside, so the shoe remains very flexible. This allows your foot to move naturally rather than being forced into a rigid motion.
The energy return is lively. It feels great at easy paces, but if you decide to sprint, the foam compresses and rebounds well. Just be aware that because the foam is so soft, it might lose that initial “superhero bounce” after 150 miles or so. It will still cushion you, but the snappy pop tends to settle down over time.
Outsole
New Balance has placed rubber strategically on the bottom of the shoe. You will find rubber coverage on the heel and the forefoot, which are the high-wear areas. However, to keep the weight down, there is a lot of exposed foam in the middle of the outsole. If you run on gravel or rough roads, you might see this exposed foam getting chewed up or scraped. This is cosmetic and usually does not affect how the shoe runs, but it is something to be aware of. The traction is solid on dry roads. On wet pavement, the grip is acceptable, though it is not the stickiest rubber on the market. Unless you are taking tight corners at maximum speed in the rain, you should feel secure.
Who is this shoe for?
- The Plate-Hater: Some runners find carbon plates too stiff or harsh. The Rebel v5 gives you speed without the stiffness.
- The Rotation Runner: This is a perfect partner to a max-cushion shoe like the New Balance 1080v15. You use the 1080 for your long, slow recovery runs, and you grab the Rebel v5 for your tempo runs or days when you just want to feel fast.
- The Fun-Seeker: If you are tired of heavy, clunky trainers and want something that makes running feel light and playful.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight for the amount of cushion provided
- The FuelCell foam is fun, soft, and energetic
- Great value at $140 compared to other super shoes
- Improved upper fits much better than the previous version
Cons
- The soft foam can feel unstable if you have severe overpronation (inward rolling of the ankle)
- Exposed midsole foam on the bottom shows wear and tear quickly
Verdict
The New Balance Rebel v5 is a fantastic update to a fan-favorite series. It has successfully matured from a niche speed shoe into a versatile daily trainer that almost anyone can enjoy. It balances the excitement of a race shoe with the comfort required for daily training. While it lacks the aggressive snap of a carbon-plated racer like the New Balance SC Elite v4, it offers a more natural and flexible ride that strengthens your feet. If you are looking for one shoe that can handle your Tuesday track workout and your Thursday easy jog, the Rebel v5 is one of the best options on the market right now.