New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail – Super Competitive Trail Shoe

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I really like super shoes. Around the same time I started running, the first super shoe was released. I've almost exclusively worn super shoes for competitions. I've trained in super shoes. I've jogged in super shoes. You might as well call me a fan.

However, I was a bit nervous when I saw that I was to test the new New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail. Not for my own sake, but more for the shoe's - and maybe also a bit for my ankles. My concerns were because I thought that New Balance simply took a FuelCell SuperComp Elite, slapped a Vibram Litebase on it and said, "ta-daah." If they did that, they would have created a very unstable trail shoe with a too-loose upper. Fortunately, that's not the case.

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is primarily a trail shoe and secondarily a super shoe. So, I won't really compare it to the SuperComp Elite anymore.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail – Fast and Comfortable

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is an exceptional fast trail shoe for longer distances in terrain that's not highly technical. I've tested them myself in a Danish forest on forest trails, MTB tracks, and steep hills. The shoes work really well in these conditions.

It's a shoe where you can really pick up the pace and get extra help when you push harder. The length of the studs means it's not the first choice for mud, but their size aids comfort in more typical forest terrain. This also contributes to maintaining a weight of 256 grams in US9 (EU 42.5).

The upper fits closely to the foot, making me feel secure – even on mountain bike trails. It holds the foot in place well and the front with Toe Protect offers good protection against stones and branches, without feeling cumbersome. They've also made other great comfort features, such as excellent ventilation and holes in the tongue to ensure good air flow.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail – Outstanding for Longer Distances

Getting a bit technical about the midsole, as the name suggests, it's FuelCell. New Balance's top foam for all their fastest shoes. In this version, it's tighter than in most other FuelCell models I've tried. Additionally, there's a carbon plate in it, which New Balance calls the Energy Arc. I find it more flexible than other carbon plates, which is actually nice considering it's a trail shoe.

After running in the shoe, I can safely say there's no need to be apprehensive about running in the New Balance SuperComp Trail. Even though it's a super shoe with a carbon plate and FuelCell, it's designed as a trail shoe. And it works really well!