This year, New Balance is all about change and departure from the status quo. It started with Infinion foam replacing the brand’s reliable Fresh Foam in the 1080. Now, the SuperComp elite series is saying goodbye to its FuelCell midsole and hello to this new Infinion foam.
As you might expect from the model name, the SuperComp Elite series is New Balance’s elite, premium racing shoe. This super shoe saw some changes over the past 5 iterations. But it’s always maintained a bouncy FuelCell midsole, energetic carbon plate, and high-performance construction. The 6th iteration is shaking things up with a new midsole shape, lighter-weight design, and new Infinion midsole.
For a brand known for its consistency and dependability, these major overhauls bring a lot of questions. So we’re going to dive deeper into the brand’s newest update, the SuperComp Elite v6, to learn more about these upgrades and how Infinion cushioning performs in this marathon racing shoe.
New Balance SuperComp Elite v6: Specs and Key Features
Carbon plated racing shoes like the SuperComp Elite tend to incorporate a brand’s most exciting and innovative performance-focused technologies. Before we dive into how these play out in the newest SuperComp Elite, here’s a quick rundown of all the specs and technologies you can expect to find in the shoe.
- An elite, carbon plated racing shoe designed for energy and propulsion during long distance races
- Stack height: 40 mm in the heel, 32 mm in the toe
- 8 mm drop
- Weight: 6.4 oz (M), 5.5 oz (W)
- Infinion cushioning replaced FuelCell in the midsole for a springy, responsive ride
- Thicker carbon fiber plate with Energy Arc technology propels you forward
- Translucent FANTOMFIT mesh upper offers a secure, snug-like fit with superior breathability
- Rocker profile and midsole cutouts constructed to keep the shoe light, smooth, and energetic
- Ultrathin outsole delivers reliable grip and traction for max confidence on race day
- Price: $274.95
A Closer Look at the SuperComp Elite v6
Elite athletes’ input and suggestions were used to design the SuperComp Elite v6. With that, every element is designed to be lighter, faster, and more efficient for long distance racing.
Before we go over our road test results, we’ll dive into all these high performance elements for a better understanding of the SuperComp Elite’s key features.
New Infinion Midsole
New Balance first debuted Infinion foam in the 1080 v15, and our team was impressed with the blend of softness, bounce, and responsiveness this new cushioning offered. So we were excited to see the same TPEE foam carried over into New Balance’s newest racing shoes.
While it’s the same type of foam, the compound isn’t exactly the same as the one found in the brand’s high cushion daily trainer. This newest Infinion foam has been reengineered to be lighter, more energetic, and more propulsive than before to help you push towards a new PR.
Energy Arc Carbon Plate
The Infinion midsole is softer and bouncier than ever, but a firmer carbon plate sandwiched in the midsole keeps the shoe from feeling too soft and spongy. This carbon fiber plate uses Energy Arc technology to flex and snap back into place with each step.
The newest iteration of the SuperComp saw a redesigned carbon plate for maximum speed. The plate is firmer and thicker towards the front of the foot, creating unmatched energy return and rebound on race day.
Midsole Geometry
Along with a brand new foam, the midsole also saw a complete makeover in terms of shape and geometry. Midsole cutouts help reduce bulk and weight, while a wider forefoot ensures more secure landings to balance out the high stack height.
There is a pronounced forefoot rocker, but it’s not as aggressive as some comparable racing shoes, offering smooth transitions with some subtle forward guidance.
Supportive FantomFit Upper
Around the top of the foot, a nearly translucent lightweight mesh with FantomFit technology provides a secure, comfortable lockdown. It’s incredibly light and breathable to reduce any discomfort or distractions as you toe the start line.
Printed overlays provide some mild support and structure throughout the upper, while the heel and tongue remain flexible and pliable. There’s a touch of padding in the heel, although the shoe maintains a minimal overall construction.
New Balance did narrow the SuperComp Elite v6, and athletes with wide feet may find the narrow platform in the heel and midfoot a bit unstable. But ultimately, this soft, flexible upper provides an accommodating fit around the top of the foot that can suit a wide range of runners.
Durability & Overall Value
In general, race day shoes aren’t going to give you the best value for your money. The SuperComp Elite v6 is priced in line with comparable racing shoes – $275 – but won’t hold up for as many miles as traditional daily training shoes.
However, New Balance shoes are known for their durability and reliability, and the brand takes several steps to increase this durability in the SuperComp Elite v6. An ultrathin rubber outsole provides a layer of protection for the midsole foam. This outsole also manages to add secure, dependable grip without adding any excess bulk or weight to the shoe.
Over lots of mileage, the soft, bouncy foam might begin to compress. But ultimately, if you’re looking for a dedicated race day shoe, you’ll likely find the New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 offers some of the best value and versatility in the category.
Road Test Results: The SuperComp Elite v6 in Action
Our review team members are no strangers to the SuperComp Elite series. In fact, both the Supercomp Elite v4 and v5 have even been go-to racing shoes for a few of them. So with some high expectations in mind, our team members laced up the SuperComp Elite v6 for a variety of test runs to see how the shoes truly perform.
The SuperComp Elite is a race day shoe, but for our testing purposes, we completed a variety of different runs. We took the model out for recovery days, easy mileage, longer uptempo runs, and high-effort track workouts.
The immediate standout on every run was the brand new Infinion midsole foam. In our 1080 review, we were impressed with how this plush foam made the shoe feel lighter and more responsive without sacrificing shock absorption and protection.
The Infinion foam isn’t quite the same formula – the midsole construction in the SuperComp Elite feels slightly firmer and more propulsive – but it maintains the same energetic ride we’ve come to expect from this New Balance cushioning technology.
The SuperComp Elite v6 felt fantastic underfoot on every type of run and effort level. The new midsole felt remarkably comfortable, soft, and dynamic, no matter where our workouts took us. However, the shoe really excelled during more uptempo paces. The moderate rocker profile, springy cushioning, and propulsive carbon plate worked together to drive us forward through each stride with more speed and efficiency.
What we really loved about the SuperComp Elite, however, is that it didn’t feel like as much of a one-trick-pony as many other race day shoes. Some carbon plated models feel unnatural or aggressive at more moderate paces, and can even feel unstable at longer distances.
The SuperComp Elite is built to handle a wider variety of paces and distances than some of its competitors. It felt comfortable and stable during easier mileage, but could effortlessly shift into high gear when needed.
The newest iteration shed some ounces from previous versions, and this lighter weight design was evident across all our test runs. At only 6.4 oz for men’s shoes and 5.5 oz for women’s, the SuperComp Elite v6’s weight is moving in towards some of the lightest, fastest racing shoes on the market. This light, airy feeling is improved even more by the secure and ultra breathable FantomFit upper.
The newest SuperComp Elite incorporated some innovative new features to create a lightweight, comfortable, high-energy distance racing experience. However, even with some novel technology, we found the SuperComp Elite isn’t pushing the envelope in the same way some other racing shoe models are. It doesn’t feel as aggressive or propulsive underfoot as other modern plated race day shoes.
However, the more traditional construction isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It makes the shoe more accessible and versatile. Both elite marathoners and less experienced athletes can enjoy what the SuperComp Elite has to offer. Anyone who wants a lightweight, energetic shoe with lots of soft, bouncy cushioning may want to consider adding the SuperComp Elite v6 to their rotation.
Pros and Cons
Premium racing shoes such as the SuperComp Elite often bring with them a distinct set of pros and cons to consider. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons we discovered throughout our comprehensive SuperComp Elite v6 road testing.
Pros
- New Infinion foam is lighter and more responsive than ever before, offering a soft, luxurious, high-performance ride
- Redesigned carbon plate with Energy Arc technology delivers exceptional rebound and energy return through each step
- Midsole cutouts and rocker geometry create a smooth, lightweight feel that comfortably and effortlessly guides you through each heel-to-toe transition.
- FantomFit upper with structured overlays supports the foot while maintaining a soft, flexible feel and secure lockdown
- Lightweight rubber outsole provides effective grip for more confidence as you pick up the pace
Cons
- Not as aggressive or propulsive as some other racing shoes – elite athletes may want something that pushes more boundaries on race day
- Soft foam may compress quickly, while ultralight outsole doesn’t deliver long-lasting durability over lots of mileage
How Does the SuperComp Elite v6 Stack Up to the Competition?
As we mentioned above, we found the SuperComp Elite to be more stable and versatile than several other racing shoes on the market. But when you’re looking for a shoe to help you reach your next PR, we recommend trying out a few options to ensure you end up with the perfect fit for you.
If you want a carbon plated racing shoe but don’t want a shoe that feels completely different to a standard trainer, both the New Balance SuperComp Elite or Saucony Endorphin Pro could work for you. Similar to the SC Elite v6, the Endorphin Pro 5 has a high stack of premium foam, a propulsive carbon plate, and a responsive and stable platform.
The Endorphin Pro’s SpeedRoll technology gives the shoe a slightly more aggressive rocker, and the PWRTRAC rubber outsole offers a bit more durability. However, the shoe is also slightly heavier than the SuperComp Elite, weighing in at 7.3 oz for men’s shoes and 6.3 oz for women’s.
These are two great options for those who want more stability and familiarity in their racing shoes. But if you want a carbon plated shoe that’s truly one-of-a-kind, try out the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3. At nearly $300, it’s a pricier option than its Saucony and New Balance counterpart. But the unique midsole geometry, optimized PWRPLATE, and ultralightweight design makes it one of the fastest shoes around, perfect for the elite athlete chasing a PR.
The Finish Line: Final Thoughts on the SuperComp Elite v6
Carbon plated shoes are a relatively new grouping in the running shoe world, but the SuperComp Elite series has quickly cemented itself as a strong competitor in the category.
Since the first iteration, the shoe has delivered soft but springy cushioning and a propulsive ride to help you fly towards the finish line. The 6th version brings even more innovation and modern features into the shoe, creating the softest, lightest, and most energetic iteration of the shoe yet.
All the distance racing shoes on the market today share a few key elements, including a lightweight design, high stack height, dynamic plate, and rocker profile. So the best way to determine which model is the right fit for you is to test them out yourself.
The good news is that you can try out the SuperComp Elite v6, Endorphin Pro 5, Fast-R-Nitro Elite 3, and some of the other top-rated carbon plated racing shoes at Marathon Sports today. Whether you’re chasing down the competition, a new PR, or just pushing to reach that finish line, we want to help you find the perfect shoes to reach all your running goals this season.
