Breaking news! A one-of-a-kind running shoe which has discovered a niche in the market has just been released. A shoe which certainly cannot be compared with any other shoe.
Its a running shoe which is completely its own. I have never tried or seen anything like it. New Balance FuelCell Lerato!
Learn more about the shoe in my video-review below.
Video-review of New Balance FuelCell Lerato
Which type of running shoe is New Balance FuelCell Lerato?
A carbon plate running shoe weighing 340g. in men´s size US9 and 290g. in women´s size US7,5. It sounded completely wrong before I tested the shoe as carbon plate shoes usually feature among the lightest shoes.
But this is a running shoe which in terms of weight seems very similar to a classic high-mileage training shoe like ASICS GEL-Nimbus, but in terms of type is more similar to a racer like New Balance FuelCell TC or Nike Vaporfly on the basis of its carbon plate midsole.
FuelCell Lerato is one of the most luxurious carbon plate running shoes
I just gotta say that this is just a very, very impressive running shoe which I can easily characterize as one of the most luxurious carbon plate running shoes. It suits all kinds of runners. The eliter runner as well as the exercise runner.
New Balance FuelCell Lerato provides a sensation of a twisted mix of insane softness, extreme luxury and wild return energy but within an incredibly stable packaging. It is soo amazing!
I just went for 4-5 runs in this shoe but make no mistake. It has a really durable outsole. where the rubber compound is strategically placed in areas mostly exposed to wear and tear.
Lerato provides extreme comfort, responsiveness and stability
But its in the midsole that the magic happens in a close partnership with the heel cap.
The midsole is designed with New Balances’ unique FuelCell foam which we are familiar with from New Balance FuelCell TC. Insanely comfortable and soft foam which makes your runs very comfortable and reduces the strain on your legs.
I have taken a lot of runs in in FuelCell TC, as it is SOO cool. But with the introduction of Lerato I think it is AT LEAST as cool.
On top of the FuelCell-foam you will find the carbon plate which clearly provided me with enormous propulsion on my runs. The full-length and curvy carbon plate forces your motion on to the forefoot to provide a very speedy take-off.
The heel cap turns Lerato into a running shoe for everyone
I.e. Lerato is engineered with an insanely soft midsole with an incredibly efficient carbon plate - which probably sounds quite crazy for many runners. But it is exactly here that the stiff and stable heel cap provides a counterpoint making the shoe suitable for all runners.
Where FuelCell TC is extremely vibrant and makes great demands for your running technique and level as there is no stability to assist you, Lerato is at a completely different level. Lerato is equpped with a heel cap which keeps your foot completely in place and doesn´t let you down when your legs get tired and you have to turn a corner or you are running on wet surfaces.
The heel cap consists of a TPU clamp fixed around your heel which has provided me with an enormous sense of security. Regardless of my speed or the length of my workouts.
Luxurious upper with a superb fit
Having gone through the stable packaging thanks to the heel cap, the soft FuelCell midsole and the responsive carbon plate, I only need to highlight the icing of the cake. The upper!
It really has an amazing fit. I think its very clear that we are dealing with a top-quality upper. Its a knitted upper which is in many ways similar to Flyknit in Nikes running shoes and Primeknit in the ADIDAS Ultraboost, but it is still just more exclusive. It has a slim-fit, but is still super flexible and provides great room for your toes. And if I have to say something negative, it would have to be that its a shame that it has a somewhat boring look in relation to how amazing it actually is!
FuelCell Lerato is a perfect running shoe for...
In my view, Lerato is a world class running shoe which really sets new standards. It will help many runners reach their targets.
I am going to use it myself for my long runs regardless if I am cruising or will do pacy stretches during the workout. As it is quite a heavy shoe, it won´t work as a shoe for intervals or racing for me but instead it will certainly be my preferred shoe for long runs thanks to its ultimate comfort, responsiveness and stability.
If you are an experienced runner and/or elite runner, you should/can use the shoe for the same purpose as me. And if you then need a similar experience in a lighter racer-version, you should consider FuelCell TC or the ultimate racer FuelCell RC.
If you on the other hand are a fairly new runner or exerice runner, Lerato is a completely amazing choice for all of your weekly runs.
You get comfort regardless of the distance, and you will be assisted/pushed forward on every run, but you will also get plenty of support all the way through. Don´t get intimidated by the word ”carbon”, as Lerato is a shoe which provides the best of the best - regardless if you are chasing your first 5km or marathon.
Buy New Balance FuelCell Lerato
More inspiration?
Find further articles in our universe of inspiration right here:
