Introducing the SC Elite V5

Earlier this month, we were invited out to Boston for New Balance’s Innovation Summit — more to come on that later — where we had the chance to sit down with members of the design team to get an inside look at what’s coming soon in their performance running lineup.

The SC Elite V5 marks a major leap forward for New Balance’s marathon racing lineup. Building on the success of the V4, the V5 delivers a race day experience that is lighter, more propulsive, and even more precisely tuned to the needs of athletes.

"We were able to take nearly an ounce out of the shoe, so about 28 grams, which is significant," said Chris Morfesi, Senior Global Product Manager of Performance Running. Every detail of the shoe was reconsidered to optimise performance while preserving the DNA that made the SC Elite series successful.

One of the biggest changes is a shift to an 8mm drop, giving the V5 a sleeker, faster profile without sacrificing cushioning underfoot. Along with the updated geometry, New Balance introduced a brand-new outsole material. Molded thinner and lighter, it provides higher traction and durability while cutting crucial weight.

"The outsole was one of the biggest opportunities," said Morfesi. "We’re now using a material that allows us to mold it much lower. Previously we were about two and a half millimeters of rubber — now we're at 1.5. That saves weight and improves traction and durability at the same time."

The upper has also been re-engineered. Featuring a single-layer woven design, it wraps the foot precisely in the right areas while remaining breathable and race-day light. Additional attention was given to the heel and collar to eliminate potential points of irritation, ensuring comfort at critical moments.

Performance underfoot has been elevated as well. The V5 uses New Balance’s Energy Arc system — a setup with two midsoles sandwiching a carbon fibre plate and a central cavity that enhances propulsion.

"As the runner’s moving through their gait cycle, applying pressure and downward force, the carbon fibre plate flexes into the cavity and returns to its shape, giving you that pop," explained Morfesi. Forefoot stiffness has been increased by 40%, resulting in a noticeably snappier and more responsive ride.

An integral part of developing the SC Elite V5 was the close collaboration with New Balance athlete Alex Yee. After winning major events in the V4, Yee provided critical feedback to refine the next iteration.

"Alex Yee was like, 'I won a gold medal in this one. I don’t have complaints, but I need a little more proprioception and that snappy feeling in the forefoot,'" Morfesi shared. Yee’s insights led to subtle yet crucial adjustments that helped define the final feel of the V5. After testing prototypes extensively, Yee confirmed that the V5 delivered exactly the ride he was looking for.

While New Balance keeps an eye on the wider market, their approach remains distinct. "When everybody zigs, we kind of zag. That’s what makes working for New Balance so amazing. We always focus on doing things our own way," said Morfesi.

As a privately owned company, New Balance retains the ability to prioritize innovation and athlete-first design, rather than simply chasing trends.

"We're really happy with where this product ended up, doing it our own way," Morfesi added. "We're excited to see how it performs on the roads of London and Boston."

The SC Elite V5 isn’t just an evolution of a winning formula — it’s a bold statement of how New Balance sees the future of marathon racing.

The FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 will be available worldwide on August 7, 2025