New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 Review: The best daily trainer without a plate?

The New Balance Rebel v3 is a light, bouncy trainer that can handle a wide range of paces. It’s a lot of fun to run in, and if you’re looking to avoid using a plated shoe for your fast training in particular, the Rebel v3 is one of the best options on the market.
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00​​​​ - Intro
00:13 - Design & Key Stats
01:52 - How’s The Fit?
02:30 - The Run Test
06:28 - Verdict & Alternatives
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[@Vikram-es2vw]

Such a fun shoe indeed this . Thanks for the great review Nick. I got the Rebel v3 on a sale and wasn't sure what to expect as had never used a new balance before let alone previous versions of the rebel. Very poppy, nimble , bouncy and feels so sprightly. Found it to be better than the novablast 3 on long runs too. Much better turn over on the rebel v3 when accelerating to faster speeds when compared to the novablast. Glad to have gotten the run testers endorsement on this :)

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Vikram and glad you're enjoying the shoe!

[@mattbeier]

Great review. I have 80 miles on my Rebel V3’s and absolutely love them. I’ve taken them up to a mile long run and did not feel like it bottomed out. You have to watch your footing because of the midsole compression of the FuelCell, but an overall fun and enjoyable shoe so far.

[@gokiwi2642]

Hi, I just ordered a pair of Rebel v3 really liked the Rebel v2, I ran 4 marathons in my Rebel v2 & got a marathon pb in 3 of those races, really like the liked the v2 on recovery days as well, thanks for the review

[@brianflath9037]

Roughly 50 miles on my Rebel v.3 & really liking them!

[@thetruebrit85]

Tremendous all bases covered review! Very honest & no bull. Thank you kindly.

[@leenew1982]

Cheers for the review of the v3. I'm enjoying the v2, although find that it bottoms out after about 10-12km after 400km. Changed from using it as a shoe for longer interval sessions to just for shorter easy runs. The outsole on the v2 is still going strong, but the exposed midsole is getting pretty gnarly.

[@vincewarne228]

I got a pair of Kinvara 13 on the cheap and I've been liking it for not being plated, simpler, lighter. So I think I'd like this. I still use plated shoes in rotation but it is nice to mix it up.

[@aaronscott2256]

On to my 3rd pair of the Rebel v3. Put 600+Km into each of the previous pairs. Such a fun shoe to head out in. I do find the bounce flattens out for me in anything longer than about 16km. Still prefer it to my plated shoes for all my daily runs and shorter workouts

[@Bodhished]

I love the Rebel v3... It's actually on a par with the speed 3 for me and more fun. Has similar bounce to the invincible 2, but is breathable which is great for the hot runs here in Australia atm.

[@sachakopa7964]

Rebel 3s my favourite shoe. It beats out the Speed 3 for me…might be because I’m a mid/for foot striker and I feel like you get more performance out of the speed 3 if you land further back on it… that and the rebel material and fit works better for my foot. The first speed had a better fit than the speed 3, was a stretchier material from what I can remember. Plus I like my foot telling the shoe what to do and not the other way around. May buy a 2nd and 3rd pair of the rebel3s if it looks like they’ll change it next iteration.

[@klipk7296]

They are my favourite shoes as well, but I have to admit I don't run as efficiently in them as I do with speed 3 or really any of my other running shoes

[@andrewstearns9276]

Thanks for the review. The $120-$140 daily trainers are quickly becoming extinct for higher price points. I thought the V2 was pretty good, so I’m hoping to try these out

[@paddydowney6269]

I love the V2, I’m on my second pair, but in addition to interval/repeats sessions, I’ve found them great for 8-10k easy/recovery runs with some stride finishers. I previously used the More 4 on easy days and really didn’t like them, I know you guys are big fans! I use endorphin speeds for Long and tempo days and vaporflys for racing

[@Burps___]

I'm just like you, Paddy. I adore the Rebel V1 (bootie power!) and Rebel V2 and use them exactly as you describe. I also find the NB More 3 and 4 "dead" feeling, with high stack and little rocker. I enjoy 1080s for my long runs (since they are rockered), but can go 10K in the FC Rebels no issue. I do not like the Rebel V3; it has added foam so become more of a "daily trainer", which is a crowded market already. I liked the light and spry V1 and V2 much better.

[@ryanmiskin8925]

@@Burps___ I believe the V3 only has 1mm more stack than the V2. I have both and love them both.

[@Gary2329]

Good review Nick. I used the Rebel v2 last year in my rotation and found it limited. Great for fast/speed sessions but anything more and it wasn't comfortable. This year I'm using the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, a much more versatile shoe for tempo/speed and can easily transition to long runs. So I'm uneasy at returning to the Rebel although I like the look of it, definitely an improvement on the v2.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks! The Rebel is great fun, but if you're happy in the Speed 3 I would say that's a better shoe really

[@seeleftyrun]

I just bought them for $100. Figured it’s worth a try at that price. They are $69 on Joe’s NewBalance Outlet, but I don’t love the Barney purple, so I spent a bit more.

[@Joe_Souza]

As a stability shoe wearer I thought I’d give this a try. Only 20 miles in and they are good for the speed work and no pain yet. You’re right about going up 1/2 a size.

[@FredJai]

Same thought...! Just got this and definitely shouldve gotten a 1/2 size up. Buyers beware!

[@luffymadinatulsiddiq6336]

​@@FredJai really? is the rebel v3 not good for flat foot?

[@helenjohnson5802]

How are you finding this now? Would you say it’s stable enough for someone with mild stability needs?

[@Joe_Souza]

@@helenjohnson5802 yes, but I’m only wearing it once per week since I’ve gotten newer shoes.

[@grantmckay7014]

​@@helenjohnson5802- it is not very stable. Quite bouncy.

[@pbnotj1]

Love the ability to order wide and dial in the fit with new balance . I have these now (in USA) and am concerned the midsole is compressing quite a bit already after about a 100-200 miles.I am over 6’1 and 200 lbs so might just be my weight. I love the fact that less firm and flexible shoe like the rebel can help feet and ankles be strengthened while training. However compared to a glycerin or triumph where you get 400-600 miles at least before they break down these are expensive per mile .

[@sachakopa7964]

They are a bit but I’d rather lose a little bit of durability to gain a nice light shoe.

[@vanguyen]

Great video, many thanks. Quick question, would you think the upper is too hot for warmer weather? Thanks!

[@dallob1]

Would be good to put the Topo Cyclone 2 up against these when they release! Low stacks, premium foams, plateless, versatile trainers!

[@robertw4918]

If I really like the Liberate Nitro, is there any point to try the Rebel v3?

[@faisalshah5130]

I just picked up a pair of Rebel V3 in black for just £54. Looking forward to the run. Used the V2 for a year so iam nterested to see how it compares to the old one and my current daily favourite, the Velocity Nitro V2.

[@davidfigg]

how are you finding the v3 ? thanks

[@waderogers5066]

Hi @nickharrisfry . Im new into running... curently using the pegasus 39 for all my running. I generally do light trails / a bit of road... average around 5km to 10km per run. Im stuck between the rebel v3 and the velocity nitro 2 for my next pair of shoes.... which would you recommend? Cheers

[@marceloago9862]

I think it is important to have a non platted version of a daily trainer...after trying rebel v3 and mach 5 I decided for the mach because I think it is more stable...but the rebel seems to be very good too

[@eddierobbertse8957]

How's the wear on your Mach 5's. The lack of an outsole has me weary of purchasing the Mach 5. But it seems like a fantastic shoe that I really want to purchase ...

[@marceloago9862]

@@eddierobbertse8957 it is just perfect, reading my comment now that I have 300km with mach 5, it is my favorite daily trainer...and it seems will go more than 500km....I am almost buying a second pair...we never know if the 6 will be as good as the 5...

[@eddierobbertse8957]

@@marceloago9862 Wow, what's not to like I guess! Sounds like a shoe I'm buying soon, thanks ...

[@Nalleye]

does training with plated shoes really good for you, i mean use them on race days but during training you should make your feet stronger

[@SuperAloeFresh]

I have the permafrost version and near the pinky toe there’s a reinforcement under the upper that absolutely kills my pinky toe. I’m gonna have to wrap my toe or something or just use the shoe for casual use because it hurts like hell. Other than that tho, it’s a good shoe

[@TheRunTesters]

Ah that's a shame!

[@AnimeCentral-v9z]

Can i use this shoe for track work or speed workout?

[@mondy6750]

Are these shoes better than nike invincibles run 2?

[@timlaporte5231]

Nick, will you be reviewing the Puma Liberate Nitro 2? Comes out soon I'm told.

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Tim, yep I plan too when it's possible.

[@luffymadinatulsiddiq6336]

is the rebel v3 good for flatfoot?

[@bestom1]

This feels like a slightly lower stack Nike Invincible? Which sounds very interesting after the bad reviews of the Invincible V3.

[@ashishdayal6640]

The mach 5 causes recovery issues for me, the rebel is just great but watch out for sizing ;)

[@parrotbrand2782]

Overall a very decent pair of running shoes. Biggest disadvantage is the outsole grip is below par for wet inclined roads. Every step seems to slip 1-2cm. Do not use on rainy days or slippery paths. Having said that I have the 1080, Rebel and Propel. None of these NB shoes have any good traction on wet roads.

[@kayebee1705]

Is this shoe suitable for walking too?

[@davidtfrederick]

Really want to try these out but am nervous about the instability in the foam

[@TheRunTesters]

They aren't notably unstable for me, because the stack is a bit lower than many shoes, but tricky to gauge!

[@sachakopa7964]

I had no issues in the V2s. Loved them. They added a slightly wider platform in the V3s for more stability so I think you’re good!

[@q20a08]

Depends on who you are. I got mildly excited when I spotted an extraordinary clearance deal in my size (length). But I was quickly reminded that my wide, flat feet have some very significant stability needs. I mean 4E wide flat foot. I was riding the medial edge of that outsole (& very soft midsole) like a newbie ice skater. Great bargain for somebody else.

[@andriekal]

Would you consider velocity nitro 2 as its alternative as well?

[@TheRunTesters]

The Velocity 2 is a bit more cushioned and heavier, but yeah it does do a similar job. The Rebel is better for speed stuff but the Velocity better for longer runs and easy plods

[@academic83]

@@TheRunTesters I've got the Rebel v3 mainly for speed work and park runs and was looking for a more cushioned daily trainer for easy plods and was leaning towards the velocity nitro 2. Would these 2 work well in a rotation.

[@madfemurfast]

I enjoyed the V2 but by 400 km the midsole was dead.

[@chpagnepel]

Comparing to novablast3 what would you say?

[@davidfigg]

rebel v3

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

Better than the Mach 5..? Mach 5 is a gem!

[@TheRunTesters]

Planning a video on that topic soon! Might depend a bit on the kind of ride you like/distances you tend to run.

[@ondamixtape]

Can t chose for daily runs between : -hoka : Mach 5 (drop 5, 232g) L -Puma : velocity 2 (drop 8, 260g) -asics Novablast 3 (drop 8, 250g). Cant wait for ur article :)

[@ericguqin]

Is anyone feeling uncomfortable that the tongue keep folding and sticking into the feet, or is it just me? when running or walking it's acceptable but if you are trying to do any training (e.g. plank) that requires bending your feet. That tongue is getting even worse. I bought both v3 and v3 permafrost. The permafrost version feels a bit better though.

[@fletch9210]

"I had a higher cadence, lower vertical oscillation" 🤔 "you get that fun boingy feeling" 😀

[@TheRunTesters]

Haha

[@garymathe9863]

Great vid, love the shoe, PS: ASICS is supposed to be pronounced A6, not Essex... damn Brits ;)

[@Reggy9]

Got a pair of the v3 for 75 quid couple of days ago. My v2 now can retire after 600k in them. 😂

[@yusreeabas1872]

Why are you speaking so fast? I had to put playback speed to 0.75 to fully understand and not feel rushed 😆