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Welcome to my review of the New Balance SuperComp Trainer that are an 'illegal' pair of running shoes! Well, not illegal to own them or use them for training, but you sure can't use them for World Athletics races - sad times.
In this review, I list 5 things I really like about the shoes and 3 I think could be improved, plus, give you a bit of advice whether you should buy the shoes or not.
To confirm, New Balance sent me the shoes for review, but they haven't got a say in what I include in (or omit from) the video. These are all my thoughts, for better or worse. :D
\\details
Price - $180/£210 - what price difference!
Availability - Available both in the US and UK
Weight - 11.6oz/329g (men’s US 11/UK 10.5) - heavy AF
Drop - 8 mm (47mm heel/39mm forefoot) - total cray cray
\\what’s the New Balance SuperComp Trainer?
NB’s ‘most advanced’ daily training shoe, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer features a FuelCell midsole with Energy Arc technology for ‘superior energy return’. The sleek engineered knit upper features no-sew construction with a gusseted tongue for a ‘snug feel’. Energy Arc technology is the embedded carbon plate which is visible on the sole.
\\Why is the SuperComp Trainer illegal?
Currently, World Athletics limits stack height in track running shoes to a maximum of 20-25mm, while the mark is limited to 40mm for road shoes, meaning you can’t use the SuperComp Trainer on official races. Maybe you can, but your time won’t be valid.
\\5 things I like
Stack height - soooo soft under the heels, it’s unbelievable. It’s like jumping on a trampoline; kinda reminded me of the ASICS Novablast series, but even those are not as bouncy as the Supercomp Trainer.
Energy Arc/carbon plate - just like the Bondi x, the SuperComp Trainer brings the carbon plate to the masses. Basically, you can have a carbon plated shoe that’s also stable and can be used for training, and that’s excellent.
Energy Arc is a propriety technology that features a cambered carbon plate that is paired with a midsole void that is focused around additional compression, energy storage and ultimately higher energy returns - New Balance's description of the technology.
Understated design - shoes work well as chunky sneakers. It’s not quite in your face as much as the FuelCell RC Elite v2 (I love those shoes nevertheless), but has a clearly distinguishable appearance. I’d totally wear them as part of an athleisure outfit. I must say, NB has made most their recent running shoes quite sexy, and I love it.
Comfortable heel area - sock-like fit feels great on the heels, especially because there is also so much foam underfoot. My heels never felt more pampered when in the SuperComp Trainer. Yas, queen!
The engineered mesh no-sew upper fits really well in the midsection, too. The seamless upper, combined with the knit gusseted tongue secures the foot well without putting too much pressure in any one area.
\\3 things I could live without
Price - same price as the FuelCell RC Elite v2 in the UK? Can’t even use them for racing due to stack height. It's a bit tricky to justify the price for training shoes.
Weight - Despite providing good energy returns, the SuperComp Trainer’s weight will tire the legs out over long distances. Less so than non-plated shoes, but still. Not sure what’s so heavy, though, as the FuelCell RC Elite v2 that uses the same foam is way lighter.
Tight forefoot reinforcement - the shoes are comfortable to wear, but the reinforced bit at the front pushes against the toes slightly. Maybe use a different material that’s strong but not quite as stiff?
\\links
US - www.newbalance...
UK - www.newbalance...
Thanks for watching!
#newbalance #runningshoes #review