REVIEW: New Balance SC Road Range

Our SportsShoes ambassador, Jesús Duarte, tests 3 x New Balance road shoe models. Find out his favourite and why!

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Over the past three months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to train and compete with the New Balance Supercomp running shoes. After many training sessions and races, today I want to share my opinion on the three models I’ve tested.

If you're looking for your next running shoes and don’t know which one to choose, keep reading! Here, I’ll tell you all about my experience and what each model has to offer.

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1. New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3

The New Balance SC Trainer V3 is in my top 3 training shoes. I would never get tired of training with a shoe like this, as it offers everything an athlete needs: comfort, cushioning, lightness, softness, and stability.ㅤ

2. New Balance SuperComp Pacer V2

The SC Pacer V2 is essential for short interval sessions at fast paces. Although it feels slightly stiffer than the other two models, which made my adaptation a bit slower, I’m sure it will be ideal for my 10K and 21K races. Perfect for those seeking performance and stability in every stride.

3. New Balance SuperComp Elite V4

The New Balance SC Elite V4 is my favorite racing shoe. For me, it's the best choice for any race distance, from marathons to 5K. I love the stability it provides at high speeds, the softness of the fabric, it's ultra-smooth cushioning, and the incredible responsiveness in every stride. A true ally to help you give your best in every race!

Design and comfort

What distance is each shoe model designed for?

The SC Trainer V3 is designed for demanding training at high paces. It's carbon plate and light weight (250g in size 40.5) make it an exceptional shoe for both training and racing.

I’ve run half marathons with them, and their response is incredible. Perfect for long distances like 21K and 42K, it offers performance, comfort, and excellent cushioning in every stride.

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The FuelCell SC ELITE V4 is New Balance's gem, designed for athletes looking to break limits. With an impressive response at high paces, softness, cushioning, and surprising lightness (222g in size 40.5), it redefines performance and comfort.

Ideal for 10K, 21K, and especially 42K races, it’s the perfect shoe to conquer the pavement and your goals.

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The FuelCell SC Pacer V2 is New Balance's lightest shoe (190g in size 40.5), making it the ideal choice for interval training at high paces and races.

Perfect for fast distances like 5K and 10K, but also for 21K, this shoe offers the perfect balance of speed and comfort, helping you give your best in every race.

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Differences in the upper part of the shoe

All three models offer exceptional comfort thanks to their seamless design, preventing any rubbing or irritation.

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The NB SC TRAINER V3 stands out with the mesh upper, providing a greater sense of protection and keeping the foot warmer on cold days.

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On the other hand, the NB SC PACER V2 features a lighter mesh with perforations that enhance ventilation, making it ideal for keeping your feet cool on hot days.

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The NB SC ELITE V4 also features a very fine, almost transparent mesh upper, offering excellent breathability and freshness.

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Fit of each model

The New Balance SC Trainer V3 has a very comfortable fit. It gives me confidence during training as it wraps around the foot well, providing stability and trust.

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The New Balance SC ELITE V4 has a glove-like fit, wrapping the foot perfectly without pressing it, leaving enough space to avoid stressing the foot during the run. It feels like a top-tier shoe, and it's hard to take off because you always want to keep wearing it.

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The New Balance SC Pacer V2 has an amazing fit. It's slightly more snug than its sister models, so I feel the foot is more compressed in this one.

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Cushioning feel in intense races and training

The feeling I get when wearing the NB SC TRAINER V3 and the NB SC ELITE V4 is very similar, although I’m aware that the NB SC ELITE is lighter, and that difference is noticeable when running. In this regard, I highly highlight the cushioning and comfort of the NB SC ELITE V4, as it allows you to finish 30 km training sessions with no discomfort and less muscle fatigue compared to other shoes, like the PACER V2, for example.

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Cushioning feel in intense races and training

The sensation I get when wearing the NB SC TRAINER V3 and NB SC ELITE V4 is very similar, although I notice that the NB SC ELITE is lighter, and this makes a difference when running. In this regard, I particularly highlight the cushioning and comfort of the NB SC ELITE V4, as it allows me to complete 30 km training sessions without discomfort and with less muscle fatigue compared to other shoes, like the PACER V2, for example.

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On the other hand, the ELITE V4 is designed for long distances and varied training, providing comfort and reducing muscle fatigue thanks to the balance between cushioning and responsiveness.

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The SC TRAINER V3, on the other hand, features a revamped FuelCell that combines PEBA and EVA materials. This gives it greater versatility and durability, making it an excellent option for daily training and long distances.

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Each model offers specific solutions based on your needs and race type.

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Grip

In my opinion, the New Balance SC TRAINER V3, New Balance SC ELITE V4, and NB SC PACER V2 offer the same grip since the outsole is very similar, with only minimal differences. The NB SC PACER V2 raises some doubts on wet terrain, but it also has incredible grip on dry asphalt. Still, I lean towards the NB SC ELITE V4 because I’ve tested it over longer distances, dry asphalt, and wet asphalt, and in all cases, it provides great confidence. On the contrary, it's a shoe that gives a lot of security in this aspect.

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Propulsion and energy return

My favorite here is the New Balance Pacer V2, as the model is more explosive. However, all three models feature the Energy ARC technology, with a concave-shaped sole that absorbs energy very well, where the carbon plate is visible.

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Performance in long-distance races

Clearly, the New Balance SC ELITE V4 provided me with excellent performance during the Valencia Marathon this past December 1st. Muscularly, I was able to finish strong, with plenty of energy and almost no signs of overexertion. All of this is thanks to the shoe’s great cushioning, stability, and propulsion.

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Carbon plate position

In both the New Balance TRAINER V3, New Balance SC PACER V2, and New Balance SC ELITE V4, the carbon plate is positioned in the middle of the entire sole platform. The difference with the carbon plate is that in the New Balance Pacer V2, it’s slightly stiffer compared to the other two sibling models, offering a bit more flexibility.

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Outsole and material wear

In this category, the best option is the New Balance TRAINER V3, as the outsole is designed for greater durability thanks to the sole components (PEBA and EVA). In contrast, the outsole of the sibling models is made solely of PEBAX.

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Shoe lifespan

• New Balance SC Trainer V3 – This shoe can easily last around 600 km, making it a durable option.

• New Balance SC Elite V4 – As a competition shoe, its outsole tends to wear out faster, but it still offers a lifespan of over 400 km.

• New Balance SC Pacer V2 – Similar to the Elite V4, this model has a more aggressive design with greater cushioning. I would personally use it for a maximum of 500 km, as excessive wear could lead to discomfort or potential injuries.

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Recommendations and use

• New Balance SC TRAINER V3 – Without a doubt, ideal for both regular and elite runners. It’s a great daily training option for elite athletes preparing for half marathons or marathons. For regular runners, it’s an essential shoe to have, as it withstands high mileage and adapts to different paces.

• New Balance PACER V2 – Highly recommended for elite athletes competing in 10K races. It’s also suitable for experienced runners with good running technique, as it’s a very explosive shoe with a low profile, requiring refined technique to maximize performance.

• New Balance SC ELITE V4 – Perfect for elite athletes, especially those focusing on long distances like marathons. It’s also a great choice for runners looking for a lightweight racing shoe with excellent cushioning and responsiveness.

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Training options

Without a doubt, for training, I recommend the New Balance TRAINER V3, as its name suggests, it is a shoe specifically designed for training, although it can also be used for competition.

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Race day options

New Balance ÉLITE V4: For 21K and 42K.

New Balance SC PACER V2: For 5K and 10K, with the possibility of using it for 21K.

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Conclusion

Model to choose for the Marathon

Without a doubt, I would choose the New Balance Élite V4 because they perfectly meet all the competition needs (comfort, support, responsiveness, cushioning, grip...). For me, they are in the top 3 of ideal shoes for running a marathon, pending testing other brands in the same range.

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Shoe rotation

Many studies have shown the benefits of reducing injuries when using two or more pairs of shoes for training, alternating each day between models. This is because the shoe sole needs recovery time after a workout. That’s why I always rotate my shoes, ensuring I leave at least 24 hours between training sessions before using the same pair again.

For example, if I have the three shoes highlighted in this review, I would use the New Balance SC Trainer V3 for my weekly runs (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), the New Balance SC PACER V2 for interval days (Tuesday and Thursday), and the New Balance SC ÉLITE V4 for long intervals at race pace and long runs, over 20 km at race pace (Saturday).

It would also be a great idea to use a shoe for easy training, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14, and for shorter interval days or slightly faster runs, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 would be a good option, as it’s a very light shoe with a good response at high speeds.

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Main advantages of each model

• New Balance SC TRAINER V3: Designed for durability, this shoe is perfect for demanding training sessions and long distances.

• New Balance SC ÉLITE V4: The ideal choice for those seeking maximum responsiveness at high speeds, combining speed and comfort over long distances.

• New Balance SC PACER V2: Weighing under 200g, this ultra-light shoe is one of the lightest on the market, perfect for fast training and short competitions.

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Each model has a unique proposition, adapting to different styles and needs. Choose yours and take your performance to the next level!

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