New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Introduction
There’s no tremendous shoe collection which has undergone extra drastic adjustments over time than the SuperComp Elite.
The primary 3 variations all had very completely different designs, completely different rides and completely different ranges of consolation. You get the sensation that New Steadiness continues to be looking for the profitable method for his or her flagship long-distance racer.
One factor that’s been constant in all 3 variations is the FuelCell midsole, a brilliant tender mix of nitrogen-injected TPU and EVA. Whereas being squishy and plush, it lacked the explosive power return of a ZoomX or a Lightstrike Professional.
I preferred the midsole of final 12 months’s SC Elite v3 however I hated its sloppy higher. The collar poked into my ankles and I couldn’t get a great lockdown due to its bootie development higher. I didn’t suppose it was as quick as different tremendous footwear and I by no means raced in it.
This 12 months’s SC Elite is probably the most vital replace as a result of we get a brand new technology of FuelCell in its midsole. The FuelCell within the SC Elite v4 is 100% PEBA. Nike, Saucony, Hoka and even Decathlon are already utilizing PEBA foam of their racers.
The SC Elite v4 weighs 8.4 oz (237 g), which is 0.5 oz (19 g) heavier than model 3. It’s 40 mm within the heel, 36 mm within the forefoot, precisely the identical as v3. It additionally maintains its $250, the usual flagship tremendous shoe value.
New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 First Impressions
My first run within the SC Elite v4 was a 20 kilometre, steady-paced run on the car-free Sunday metropolis loop. I used to be instantly impressed with the brand new, improved higher which felt tremendous snug and really safe.
The journey to me nonetheless felt very tender, nevertheless it felt firmer than earlier variations of the SC Elite. I used to be in a position to maintain a gradual tempo simply and transitions felt very clean.
It didn’t really feel like a really aggressive journey although and the shoe that it jogged my memory of most was the Endorphin Professional 4.
The SC Elite v4 felt somewhat bit chunkier with extra cushioning whereas the Professional 4 felt extra nimble. It was a enjoyable first run however it didn’t blow me away.
New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Higher
The change from a bootie development to a conventional design is the change that I wished most desperately so I used to be relieved to seek out out that New Steadiness had performed so.
The brand new higher materials resembles the higher of the Insurgent v3. It’s additionally tough to the contact and it doesn’t stretch however it’s thinner and extra breathable.
The brief, flat tongue is just not gusseted however it does have a loop in the midst of it for the laces to undergo. Even with the loop, I skilled a small quantity of downward tongue slide although however it doesn’t trouble me.
Heel lockdown is superb though I do have to make use of a runner’s knot. Fortunately there are double first row eyelets supplier, not like the earlier model.
The match for me is true to measurement and really accommodating, particularly within the forefoot so this can be a racer I’d advocate to wide-footed runners.
New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Sole Unit
The SC Elite v4 feels sooner than model 3 and although each variations have the identical stack heights, v4 feels taller. With every footstrike, your ft sink down into the midsole much less which permits for sooner turnover.
The uber bouncy sensation has been toned down a bit as a result of the midsole void beneath is shorter and doesn’t prolong into the forefoot like in v3. I don’t thoughts this variation however that is the place a number of the weight improve comes from.
I can’t really feel the plate within the SC Elite v4 and on this model, it’s been made thinner. That is good in order for you a mellow racer which is straightforward in your calves, ankles and ft. This isn’t good in order for you an aggressive, inflexible, snappier racer which makes it really feel prefer it’s throwing you ahead. I fall into the second group.
The SC Elite v4 doesn’t really feel as quick as the highest tier racers for 2 causes: its cushioning is just too tender and its forefoot rocker is just not outstanding sufficient.
The brand new FuelCell foam isn’t extraordinarily completely different to the non-PEBA FuelCell. It’s somewhat bit firmer and returns a bit extra power however total, it’s nonetheless very comparable in journey and feels tremendous tender underfoot. I undoubtedly choose it to the outdated model however it must be even fimer. A firmer midsole will can help you improve your turnover simpler.
After I’m toeing off, I don’t really feel the ahead tipping sensation- after I lean ahead and attempt to interact the rocker, it doesn’t really feel as responsive as different, extra aggressive tremendous footwear. This has to do with the plate rigidity and its form which is just too flat.
To me, the SC Elite v4 appears like a long-distance cruiser moderately than a speedy racer. That is due to its substantial 8.4 oz weight. It must be lighter and extra aggressive to distinguish it from its coaching counterpart, the SC Coach v2.
For me, the candy spots for the SC Elite v4 are marathon tempo and regular tempo. For something sooner, it’s a bit too heavy and too tender, nevertheless, should you’re a slower runner, I believe it is going to be superb for sooner exercises and short-distance races.
My favorite factor concerning the new model is that outsole sturdiness is significantly better. There’s extra rubber protection and the outsole is flatter so put on is distributed extra evenly. The brand new midsole foam additionally holds up significantly better as a result of it’s firmer so it doesn’t get scraped by the highway.
Relating to traction, I discovered it respectable on dry roads. I didn’t get an opportunity to check it on moist surfaces however I don’t suppose it is going to be a giant subject as a result of the outsole rubber has a raised triangular sample to assist it grip onto the highway.
New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Conclusions
The SuperComp Elite v4 is pure pleasure to run in: it’s extremely cushioned, energetic, secure and it’s sturdy.
However relating to racing, I received’t be selecting it.
It doesn’t have the punch or the aggression of the top-tier racers and I don’t suppose that New Steadiness has discovered their tremendous shoe profitable method but.
The SC Elite v4 will certainly keep in my rotation for lengthy runs, and lengthy tempo runs. I like the brand new higher, midsole and outsole and it has no main flaws.
Model 4 is an improve over model 3. It has a way more snug higher and a extra strong construct. I like the brand new midsole foam greater than the earlier one and I believe New Steadiness is heading in the right direction, nevertheless, they should discover a method to get it again below 8 oz, to agency up the froth much more and to make the forefoot rocker extra outstanding.
When you’re aiming to run a marathon in 3 hours 30 or slower, the SC Elite v4 is a good possibility however for something sooner, there are higher choices (for a similar value or cheaper) which provide extra pace help.
