New Balance has just set the standard for what a comfortable high-mileage training shoe should be.
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New Balance SuperComp Trainer – A shoe to rule them all!
has gained attention because its midsole is so high that it's illegal to wear in official races. However, it's an unforgettable sensation when you put these shoes on your feet!
The foam in the midsole is 47mm under the heel and 39mm under the forefoot, which is a completely new level compared to nearly everything else on the market. This means that the Super Comp Trainer from is incredibly bouncy and probably the most comfortable distance shoe I've ever tried. It's mind-blowing!
Since it's "illegal," elite runners can't use it in competitions, but they should choose this lighter and faster New Balance model for everything else. If you're not elite and want to get through a marathon in a soft yet efficient way, or just want a comfortable shoe with a plate for daily training, you've found the perfect shoe right here!
The name is, after all, , which means it's built for high-mileage training, both slow and fast.
New Balance SuperComp Trainer – Two different opinions
Both Malte and I have tested these shoes, and our opinions aren't always the same. We both like the New Balance Super Comp Trainer, and if you want to see us discuss the shoe in more detail, check out the video above.
We have some disagreements about using this shoe. I'm really happy to run in this Super Comp Trainer, but I'll mainly use it for my long runs, where I maintain a steady pace. I'll also use it for my recovery runs, maybe a short tempo run now and then, but I generally think the Super Comp Trainer truly shines on longer distances.
Malte also really enjoys using as a long-distance shoe, but he also sees its relevance in a good fartlek. Especially if you're training for a race where you plan to run with a – here you still get the feel of training with a carbon shoe while saving kilometers on your actual competition shoe.
New Balance SuperComp Trainer – Three important facts
We need to clarify some things about this shoe. Here are three things that surprised me, and that will make you smile.
The shoe's Energy Arc makes a huge difference! The concave carbon plate, combined with the fantastic foam, makes this a fun and exciting shoe for any type of run. Trying the New Balance SuperComp Trainer for the first time is an experience you'll never forget. The feeling of fantastic cushioning and propulsion is unique and nothing short of extraordinary.
A high midsole doesn't necessarily mean an unstable shoe. The wide platform and the way the foam reacts upon landing, help make the shoe more stable than the midsole height suggests. Since I've previously been a runner with a high need for stability, I sometimes have a mental block when it comes to shoes that are too unstable. But I've had nothing but positive words regarding this shoe's stability.
Speed isn't always about weight! This shoe is heavier than your average carbon shoe, but it doesn't feel slow! It's actually surprising how well this shoe performs with the extra weight. The amount of foam in the midsole and the shoe's Energy Arc create magic with every step.
is a bouncy, soft, stable, and comfortable , that makes me smile every time I run in it.
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