The New Balance Rebel, SuperComp Elite, and SC Trainer have been some of our favorite New Balance Running shoes over the years. All of these models bring something unique to the table. They also all fit into different niche running shoe categories that may not work for everyone out there.
As you might suspect from the name, the all-new SuperComp Rebel incorporates several elements from these popular models. New Balance states that the SuperComp Rebel “doesn’t wait for race day” – it’s a versatile, flexible, plated daily trainer that lets you pick up the pace with ease during all your mileage.
New Balance has built quite a reputation for its reliability, comfort, and dependability over the years. And while the SuperComp Rebel doesn’t sacrifice these elements, it shifts the focus to speed, propulsion, and energy return to keep you feeling fast on your feet through every step of race day training.
Brand new models are always some of our favorites to review. While there’s some precedent from the Rebel and SuperComp series, we went into our SuperComp Rebel review with a blank slate, excited to lace up this new plated super trainer from New Balance and see how it performs.
SuperComp Rebel Specs and Highlights
Considering all the similarities – both in name and features – to some of New Balance’s other top shoes, you might be wondering what sets the SuperComp Elite apart, and where it falls in a typical running shoe rotation.
To answer these questions, we’re going to dive into all the specs and key elements, take a deeper look at each feature, highlight our road test findings, and offer some comparable training shoes. Before we get started with a more detailed look at the new model, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect.
- A plated super trainer designed to bring speed and energy return to daily miles and workouts
- Stack height: 40/36 mm
- 4 mm drop
- Weight: 7.8 oz (M), 6.2 oz (W)
- Midsole made from energetic Infinion foam
- Carbon-infused Propulsion Plate with Energy Arc technology boosts speed and responsiveness
- Midsole geometry includes an aggressive rocker profile and inherently stable elements for a seamless, race-ready ride underfoot
- FantomFit upper hugs the foot, optimizing breathability and delivering a secure, performance-focused fit
- Rubber outsole blends high-performance elements with everyday durability and dependability
- Price: $200
A Closer Look at All the Nitty Gritty Details
A quick glance at these features paints the picture of a lightweight training shoe built for any kind of pace or mileage. But how do these features look and perform in reality? We’ll dive deeper into each unique element to find out.
New Infinion Midsole Foam
First debuted in the 1080 v15, New Balance’s super-critical Infinion foam has become a fast favorite. This new foam compound is lightweight, energetic, and soft, making it ideal for everything from uptempo efforts to long, slow mileage.
Keep in mind that this version of Infinion foam isn’t the exact same as that found in the brand’s ultra-plush high cushion trainer. The reformulated ATPU version of this foam is livelier and more responsive than before. So while you still get plenty of spring and softness, you can expect a more dynamic ride that allows you to both shift into high gear and slow things down during your runs.
The stack height contributes even more to the SC Rebel’s versatility and flexibility. While the responsive foam helps you move more efficiently, the 40/36 mm stack height ensures there’s plenty of soft foam to carry you through longer mileage.
Carbon-Infused Propulsion Plate
The Infinion foam underfoot gives the SuperComp Rebel a versatile feel for everyday training miles. But New Balance already has a popular uptempo trainer in the standard Rebel. So what sets these two models apart?
While the Rebel v5 is unplated, the SuperComp Rebel features a carbon-infused plate with Energy Arc technology embedded in the midsole.
This snappy, energetic plate is built for speed, balancing out the soft midsole and delivering exceptional spring and momentum to every step. This strategically designed plate offers a race-day experience no matter where you are in your training block, making all your miles fun, fast, and dynamic.
Secure FantomFit Upper & Overall Fit
While the midsole is all about cushioning and speed, New Balance keeps it simple and minimal around the top of the foot. The FantomFit upper is remarkably lightweight, with a flexible design and minimal padding for a streamlined, nearly sock-like fit.
This upper fits snug and secure, locking the feet in place to reduce any excess movement or rubbing during uptempo runs. With that, it also isn’t the most accommodating fit. If you prefer extra breathing room in the toes or have a wide foot, you may want to consider sizing up.
Midsole Geometry
The responsive cushioning and Propulsion Plate ensure smooth, effortless turnover, but these aren’t the only features in play here. An aggressive forefoot rocker guides you forward even more for superior transitions. This curved midsole rocks you from heel to toe to keep you feeling light and fast on your feet.
While the shoe has a high stack height, a low 4 mm heel-to-toe drop helps keep your feet in natural alignment inside the shoe, promoting a stable, grounded ride. This low drop works alongside a wide, stable platform for maximum confidence and security at any speed, on nearly any surface.
New Balance’s proprietary Energy Arc technology also helps reduce any weight or bulk underfoot. Strategic cutouts enhance rebound while keeping the shoe incredibly lightweight – only 7.8 oz for men’s shoes and 6.2 oz for women’s.
Value & Durability
There’s no beating around the bush. At $200, the SuperComp Rebel is on the pricey end, especially when compared to other uptempo daily trainers.
However, with so much value and versatility, we think many runners will likely find this shoe worth the extra cost. Instead of needing multiple shoes in your rotation, with the SuperComp Rebel, you’ll have one shoe that can do it all. Enjoy comfort and a smooth, natural ride during your speedy track workouts, casual miles, long runs, interval runs, and so much more.
With a high-profile design, we wouldn’t suggest taking the SuperComp Rebel on trail runs. But the grippy rubber outsole ensures you’ll have enough grip and traction for nearly any other surface, including the track, treadmill, wet pavement, or dirt roads. This resilient outsole also protects the soft foam, so you can enjoy these features during all your training runs, race day, and beyond.
Road Test Results: How Does the SuperComp Rebel Perform?
Our review team had some high expectations going into runs with the new SuperComp Rebel. The SuperComp Elite has been a go-to racing shoe for several team members for years, so we couldn’t wait to lace up the daily training version of this shoe and see how it could fit into our rotation.
With that, we also had some doubts. We weren’t really sure if there would be enough to set the SuperComp Rebel apart from some of New Balance’s comparable training shoes. And with Rebel costing just $150 compared to the SuperComp Rebel at $200, is the higher energy return really worth the extra cost?
The short answer is yes. For many athletes, the SuperComp Rebel can fill a niche spot in your running shoe lineup. It’s versatile enough to limit the need for many other shoes in your rotation, and it stands out from the saturated market with one of the bounciest, most responsive rides around.
Infinion foam is hard to beat when it comes to balancing softness with responsiveness, and the refined ATPU version of the cushioning adds even more exceptional rebound and energy return with each stride. There’s still some plush softness as you land, but the carbon-infused plate helps maintain rigidity and spring as you roll through each stride.
After racing several marathons in the SuperComp Elites, we can confirm that the SuperComp Rebel definitely offers a softer, more versatile feel geared towards everyday miles and uptempo training runs.
The foam is spongier with more noticeable impact absorption, and while there is a rocker profile, it doesn’t feel quite as aggressive as its designated racing counterpart. The high stack height is countered with a 4 mm drop, which keeps your feet in natural alignment. Even though there’s a lot of foam underfoot, we didn’t feel wobbly or unstable.
The shoes could certainly handle long, slow runs and casual walks, but we found it wasn’t the best use for the SuperComp Rebel. Some runners and walkers may find that the rocker profile and carbon plate feel unnatural during easy efforts or walks. The propulsive ride works best during workouts or faster runs, or even longer miles when you want that little extra pop and forward guidance.
Overall, our review team found this shoe is a fantastic choice for someone who doesn’t just want an uptempo trainer, but a reliable, do-it-all shoe for nearly everything in your training block.
However, while there was a lot to love about the SuperComp Rebel, not every feature worked quite as well. The FantomFit upper was a highlight in general, maximizing breathability and security around the feet. But the mesh doesn’t have much give, and it has a tight fit, particularly around the toe box. Anyone who wants a bit more space and accommodation in their running shoes may want to look elsewhere or try sizing up for extra wiggle room.
New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1: Pros and Cons
A lot of the time, the first version of a running shoe is a bit of a guinea pig. A brand can learn a lot from the public’s response to a new model. Usually, there are some major areas of improvement that a brand can incorporate into each subsequent version.
The good news with the SuperComp Rebel is that it doesn’t feel like New Balance is throwing things at a wall to see what sticks. It feels strategically designed to deliver the best possible running experience, using components from past models paired with some new, innovative elements.
But that still doesn’t mean the SuperComp Rebel is the perfect shoe for every athlete. There are a lot of pros, as well as some cons, to consider when deciding if the shoe is right for you.
Pros
- Infinion foam offers an excellent balance of softness and energy return for a smooth and comfortable ride
- Energy Arc technology with carbon-infused Propulsion Plate creates more rebound while keeping the shoe lightweight
- Rocker geometry propels you forward, promoting more efficient transitions and energetic toe-offs
- Bouncy, lightweight design is incredibly versatile and can easily work for a huge range of workouts and distances
Cons
- Doesn’t feel as smooth or natural during slower efforts
- Upper is narrow around the foot with limited stretch, which may feel uncomfortable for runners who prefer a wider fit
How Does the SuperComp Rebel Stack Up?
We’ve already taken a look at how the SuperComp Rebel compares to some other New Balance models, including the standard Rebel and SuperComp Elite. Now, let’s dive into some comparable models from other brands to help you determine what’s right for you and your feet.
First, if the SuperComp Rebel’s lightweight construction and versatility appeal to you, you might want to consider the Mizuno Neo Vista 3 as well. This is another super trainer, complete with nitrogen-infused foam and a glass-infused Wave Plate for maximum bounce and rebound.
With a 44.5/36.5 mm stack height, the Neo Vista has more all-around cushioning. Runners who appreciate plush landings will likely appreciate this extra foam on longer runs, although it also makes the shoe less stable and grounded than the lower-stack, low-drop SuperComp Rebel.
Both the SuperComp Rebel and Neo Vista are versatile, uptempo trainers. They’ll also both run you around $200 a pair. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, without sacrificing responsiveness and comfort, give the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 a try.
The Deviate Nitro is a daily trainer built around liveliness, speed, and energy. NITROFOAM cushioning is light and responsive, and a carbon PWRPLATE delivers that signature pop in every stride. It doesn’t have quite as much cushioning as the previous two models, but at $170, you can enjoy maximum versatility with more value for your money.
The Finish Line: Is the SuperComp Rebel Right for You?
Brand new models always bring some excitement, even more so when it’s a lively, energetic new shoe from a brand as esteemed as New Balance.
And after testing out the SuperComp Rebel for ourselves, we’re excited to say that it lives up to the hype and fanfare surrounding the release.
The combination of Infinion foam and a carbon-infused plate in the midsole is guaranteed to keep you moving forward with lots of rebound, softness, and all-around comfort. No matter what type of run you’re taking on, the SuperComp Rebel is ready to keep you bounding forward with more speed and propulsion than standard daily training shoes.
If you don’t want to wait until race day to take your runs to the next level, the SuperComp Rebel is the shoe for you. But don’t just take our word for it – swing by your nearest Marathon Sports to try it out for yourself and find the right fit for all your running needs.
