Our verdict

New Balance’s first trail supershoe attempt shows promise but fades before crossing the finish line. We found that it delivers an ultra-soft, lightweight ride with a top-class Vibram outsole. However, the previous-gen, non-PEBA FuelCell foam left some energy return on the table. In our lab tests, the midsole felt plush but not as responsive as other high-performance trail shoes. Fortunately, the price reflects this, making it more accessible than most competitors. For us, it delivers speed and fun on trails, but still lacks true supershoe status.

salehe bembury x new balance 574 yurt navy Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Plush FuelCell foam
  • JJJJound New Balance 990v3 resell prediction
  • Breathable upper
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Priced below trail supershoes
  • Secure fit
  • Good durability

salehe bembury x new balance 574 yurt navy Cons

  • Lacks energy return
  • salehe bembury x new balance 574 yurt navy
  • New Balance Mujer Transform 7 8 NBSleek Tight Black
  • Jaden x New Balance Vision Racer ReWorked

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Who should buy

New Balance 426 Series Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers WL426LB1:

  • KITH × NEW BALANCE 990V2 CYCLADES.
  • Ultra-marathoners who heel strike and need a protective, plush-yet-grippy option for racing and training.
  • New Balance Shorts Bukser Impact Run 5.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un

Who should NOT buy

We think the SuperComp Trail isn’t the best choice for midfoot or forefoot strikers due to its steep drop. The cushioning is heavily concentrated in the heel, leaving the forefoot with significantly less protection. If you prefer a racing shoe better suited for a forward landing, we recommend the New Balance Alpha Flair 1 or the Saucony Endorphin Edge.

Additionally, the narrow toebox could be a deal-breaker for many runners. We’ve found that it restricts toe splay, making it a poor match for those with wider feet or anyone who values extra space for comfort. If that’s a concern, we suggest looking at the Nike Ultrafly or the New balance Ropa niños Calcetines, New balance ms327lc1.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un parts

salehe bembury x new balance 574 yurt navy | Cushioning

Heel stack

Runners seeking substantial heel cushioning will appreciate the las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un, which boasts a 34.7 mm stack height. This makes it a strong choice for heel strikers needing plush comfort, even for ultra distances.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Heel stack
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 34.7 mm
Average 32.0 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot felt much thinner than expected—New Balance listed it at 26.5 mm, but we measured only 21.7 mm. This lean platform results in noticeably lower cushioning, making it a less-than-ideal choice for non-heel-strikers seeking a protective ride.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Forefoot stack
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 21.7 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

That leaves us with a real heel-to-toe drop of 13.0 mm—an eye-opening difference that makes this shoe a strong choice for extreme heel strikers. However, we think that most midfoot and forefoot runners won't enjoy this shoe at all, it's too steep.

And why such a big difference? The midsole shape is undeniably unique, and New Balance likely measured the drop wherever it suited them. From our side, we tested it at World Athletics' official points—just like every other shoe we analyse here in our lab—to ensure precise-and-consistent results.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Drop
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 13.0 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 131 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

New Balance Sabates 500V1 Metallics New Balance thisisneverthat x 827 'Brown' Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers ML827KNT, FuelCell is known for its ultra-soft feel in most models, but we weren’t sure if New Balance would maintain that plush-and-bouncy sensation in a trail shoe. After testing, we discovered that they absolutely did.

We recorded an incredibly-low reading of 11.5 HA—about half the average! That’s shockingly-soft for a trail shoe, and we’re convinced many runners will feel that, out in the mountains, a firmer-and-stabler platform would provide better balance and security. On the other hand, for those who love ultra-soft running shoes and plan to stay on easy trails or gravel roads, this shoe could be a game-changer.

However, don’t expect top-tier energy return—this is the older TPU-based FuelCell from the new balance 999 grey red, not the PEBA-powered version found in the Salehe Bembury x New Balance Water Be The Guide 2002R. That upgrade will have to wait for version 2.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Midsole softness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 11.5 HA
Average 22.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 108 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

salehe bembury x new balance 574 yurt navy | Midsole softness in cold (%)

Not being the Pebax version brings another drawback—its performance in cold temperatures. After just 20 minutes in the freezer, it lost 30% of its softness, making it noticeably firmer and less responsive.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 30%
Average 26%
Compared to 108 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

Insole thickness

The insole in this shoe is similar to those in New Balance’s road supershoes—ultra-thin at just 2.4 mm!

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Insole thickness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 2.4 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 131 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

Those expecting a rockered ride will find it here, which aligns with New Balance’s current design approach.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un rocker side

The heel features a slight curvature to ease transitions for heel strikers, while the forefoot has a moderate toe spring. We found that it starts early and rises just 4 cm, avoiding the exaggerated lift seen in some road shoes. x New Balance CM878 Grey Gull.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Rocker

Plate

New Balance’s effort to create a trail supershoe had to include a carbon plate, and it delivers. The plate follows the usual shape until the forefoot, where it disappears in our video and splits in two—a design choice seen in other high-performance trail shoes.

This forked design enhances torsional flexibility while preserving the plate’s propulsive benefits and added stability.

Size and fit

Size

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Tecnologias New balance Cap Performance 5P?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large

X New Balance 1300

The SuperComp Trail measures a slim 93.5 mm, favouring a race-ready, locked-in fit rather than a roomy feel. That’s expected for high-performance shoes, so it didn’t come as a surprise here in the lab.

We found that this shoe best suits runners with narrow to average foot widths. Despite being a New Balance (known for offering wide sizes even in niche models) this one is only available in a standard width.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un X New Balance 1300
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 93.6 mm
Average 96.3 mm
Compared to 39 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
92.2 mm
X New Balance 1300
99.9 mm

New Balance 608 trainers in white MX608WT

Our second measurement confirmed a fit better suited for those with smaller feet, as the big toe area offers just 71.0 mm of clearance. That’s the complete opposite of the spacious, toe-shaped toebox from Altra or Topo!

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un New Balance 608 trainers in white MX608WT
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 71.0 mm
Average 75.0 mm
Compared to 39 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
69.8 mm
New Balance 608 trainers in white MX608WT
84.2 mm

Toebox height

We found a striking contrast between the snug forefoot and the average vertical space, which measures 27.4 mm.

new balance m1500bwb made in england.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Toebox height
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 27.4 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 39 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
31.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If you need a stable yet fast trail shoe, this isn’t the right pick.

The ride is undeniably exhilarating and fun, but the SC Trail’s narrow-and-unstable build, paired with its ultra-soft foam, makes it risky on moderate and technical terrain. As expected, it’s best suited for neutral runners.

Torsional rigidity

Even with its forked plate and outsole grooves designed to enhance torsional flexibility, the SuperComp Trail still earned a max 5/5 in our test.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 5
Average 3.6
Compared to 126 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

gray outfit ideas editors style guide new balance acne studios maison margiela New Balance ha visto el filón, striking a balance between stiffness and comfort. It was an unexpected feature in a shoe designed primarily for competition.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 124 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

New Balance Mujer 500v1 in Gris

We previously mentioned the shoe’s narrow build, but now we have the numbers to back it up. Measuring 109.3 mm at its widest forefoot point, it’s designed for those who dislike the oversized designs of recent years.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un New Balance Mujer 500v1 in Gris
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 109.3 mm
Average 112.4 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
102.1 mm
New Balance Mujer 500v1 in Gris
124.3 mm

Where To Buy The Joe Freshgoods New Balance 2002R Conversations Amongst Us

At 88.3 mm, the heel is also narrower than average, though not as extreme as the forefoot. This matters because, with the significant heel-to-toe drop we measured, the shoe is best suited for runners who land rearfoot-first.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Where To Buy The Joe Freshgoods New Balance 2002R Conversations Amongst Us
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 88.3 mm
Average 89.7 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
77.2 mm
Where To Buy The Joe Freshgoods New Balance 2002R Conversations Amongst Us
106.0 mm

zapatillas de running New Balance asfalto apoyo talón entre 60 y 100

This shoe offers little flexibility. In our 90-degree bend test, we applied 38.6N of force to reach the target angle—a result that didn’t surprise us given the SuperComp carbon plate tucked into the midsole.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 38.6N
Average 27.2N
New Balance Damen 574 Weiß Schwarz.
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
10.5N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

Weight

If there’s one thing that truly impressed us about the SuperComp Trail, it’s how incredibly light it feels underfoot. At just 8.75 oz or 248g, it delivers a barely-there sensation that's amazing at faster paces.

Beyond just weight, we found that its streamlined design amplifies that nimble feel. In our view, this is the standout feature of this shoe.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Weight
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 8.75 oz (248g)
Average 10.26 oz (291g)
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

When unboxing the FuelCell SuperComp Trail, we immediately noticed its design aimed at balancing airflow and durability.

After connecting our smoke machine to the SC Trail, we concluded that it was a 4/5 score for us. This is quite an improvement over many competitors, although, to be fair, at the high price of this shoe, we were expecting top-tier materials throughout.

We moved the upper over a LED light and discovered that, despite sharing the same mesh riddled with ventilation holes, those are only effective in the toebox, as the rest of the shoe has a thicker layer beneath for improved structure and stability.

Another subtle and premium touch comes from the insole. Instead of using a regular one, New Balance inserted a thin, perforated footbed that improves airflow.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un microscope

Sometimes, trail shoes come without ventilation holes to improve durability, but it was not the case of the SuperComp Trail. We will find pretty soon if that's a good idea or not in terms of wear resistance.

Finally, the upper doesn't come with tonnes of padding, but we can't forget that this is a shoe made for racing, so it makes sense. What it does feature is the usual Toe Protect design from New Balance to prevent early wear and protect the toes (hence the name) from hard impacts.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 109 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

In terms of toebox durability, a 3/5 score is an average result. However, for a shoe with numerous ventilation holes and excellent airflow, it’s quite impressive.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 89 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding scored another 3/5 in durability, which we found acceptable. While a higher rating would be ideal, it’s reassuring to know there’s no need to worry about excessive wear here.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 87 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The outsole is one of the most intriguing aspects of the SuperComp Trail, as it features Vibram Megagrip Litebase—arguably one of the best high-performance rubbers for trail running. If not the best.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un outsole design
Maybe the rock-trapping central cutout was an unnecessary design choice.

It delivers excellent traction, and despite featuring low-profile lugs that we’ll discuss shortly, we found that it grips remarkably well even on moderate terrain. However, its true strength lies in fast-and-smooth trails. That said, there’s more exposed midsole than we typically see, which could raise concerns for some runners.

For hardness, we measured 86.0 HC—right in the average range. Based on our findings, this should provide solid longevity while maintaining the outstanding grip we experienced on the trails.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Outsole hardness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 86.0 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
75.5 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Since this is the Litebase version of Megagrip, we knew durability wouldn’t be outstanding—but it’s still acceptable. Our testing showed exactly 1.0 mm of wear from the Dremel, which we believe is reasonable for this type of outsole focused on weight reductions and top-tier grip.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 1.0 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 82 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

At just 1.0 mm thick, some might assume there’s minimal foot protection—but don’t forget, a carbon plate sits between you and the ground!

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Outsole thickness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 1.0 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

This shoe is specifically built for smooth, long-distance ultras on western-states-style terrain, where impact protection and shallow lugs create an ideal combination. However, the lugs incorporate Vibram’s Traction Lug technology, which enhances grip, making them perform like slightly-thicker ones especially taking corners.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Traction Lug

Still, with just 2.9 mm of depth and the SC Trail’s unstable platform, we think it’s best suited for easy trails, where it truly excels.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Lug depth
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 2.9 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Price

The SuperComp Trail comes at a steep price, but it’s still more affordable than most trail supershoes. However, in our view, it doesn’t fully qualify as one, lacking a premium foam.

Given its features, we believe it’s reasonably priced for today’s market.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail $200
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
£55
Price
£230

Reflective elements

The las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un has no reflective elements. That's something that should be addressed in a shoe designed for ultra running, where nighttime sections are quite usual.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Reflective elements
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail No

Tongue padding

The las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un is impressively-light on its own—especially for a trail shoe. Therefore, a padded tongue was never an option, as it would have added too much weight, impacting the shoe’s streamlined design.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un tongue design
The tongue includes two loops to keep it centred, while an extra eyelet enhances ankle security.

That’s why we weren’t surprised to measure just 2.5 mm of thickness, which seems reasonable for a performance-driven model. However, based on our findings, runners tackling ultra races should take extra care when tightening the laces to avoid pressure points.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Tongue padding
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail 2.5 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 132 trail running shoes
new balance ct10 sneakersshoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Alle New Balance

The tongue isn’t fully gusseted, as seen in most top-tier trail shoes, but it’s partially attached to the sides—enough to provide a secure fit in a performance-focused design.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Alle New Balance
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

The SuperComp Trail features a finger-loop heel tab at the back, enhancing its trail-ready aesthetic.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Heel tab
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail Finger loop

Removable insole

The thin insole is removable, but the restricted toebox space makes replacing it with a thicker option highly impractical.

las New Balance 1500 v4 BOA presentan un Removable insole
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trail Yes