Good news for runners! The popular New Balance FuelCell Rebel series is back with its latest version, the Rebel v5, hitting stores this month. This shoe is already known for being light, responsive, and versatile – a fan favorite even without a stiff carbon plate. New Balance promises the v5 is even better, offering more cushioning, improved breathability, and a fresh look. If you’re searching for a fast, reliable daily running shoe that feels fun and stands out, the Rebel v5 is designed to be exactly that.
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In short, the Rebel v5 is all about bringing a lightweight, bouncy energy to your runs. It’s built to handle pretty much anything you throw at it, from your easy daily miles and speedy interval workouts to longer training runs. It balances comfort with responsiveness, making it a do-it-all shoe that also comes at a really attractive price point.
What Makes It Different? Key Updates in the v5
New Balance made some notable tweaks to the Rebel v5 based on feedback and new tech. The biggest change you’ll likely feel is the added cushioning. The shoe now boasts a higher stack height – that’s the amount of foam between your foot and the ground – increasing by 2mm compared to the v4. This gives you more comfort without adding extra bulk or weight to the shoe itself.
The foam recipe got an upgrade too. While still using the signature FuelCell compound, the v5 incorporates a special blend that includes PEBA, a material known for being super lightweight and providing great energy return. This means you get that same lively, snappy feel the Rebel is loved for, but potentially with even more bounce back in your step.
Another area New Balance refined is the outsole, the rubber part on the bottom of the shoe. They moved from the v4’s three-piece design to a single, connected piece of rubber. This new design still offers a wide base for good stability and works with the midsole for cushioning, but it seems to have helped shave off a little weight, allowing for that extra foam underfoot while keeping the total weight the same as the v4.
Feel and Ride: Bouncy Fun
The FuelCell Rebel v5 is engineered to feel fast and energetic. The updated FuelCell foam blend is key here; it provides a soft landing but then quickly springs back, helping you push off efficiently. New Balance also shaped the foam in a specific way, giving it a ‘sculpted geometry’ that helps enhance that forward-moving, propulsive sensation as you run. The increased stack height means you have more of this bouncy, protective foam underfoot, making longer efforts feel more comfortable without feeling mushy.
The Tech Inside
Let’s break down the main components that make the Rebel v5 tick:
The Upper
Close-up view of the lightweight mesh upper and laces on the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 running shoe
The top part of the shoe, the upper, is designed for a secure yet lightweight feel. It uses a breathable mesh material combined with New Balance’s FANTOMFIT technology. This basically means certain areas are bonded or printed onto the mesh instead of stitched, reducing weight and potential irritation while providing structure. Coupled with a tongue that’s attached to the sides (a gusseted tongue), it gives you a snug fit around the middle of your foot without feeling bulky, wrapping your foot nicely as you pick up the pace. The materials feel incredibly light, almost like a race-day shoe, but with enough structure for daily training.
The Midsole
The thick, sculpted FuelCell PEBA blend midsole of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 for enhanced cushioning and energy return
This is where the magic really happens. The FuelCell foam, now with a PEBA blend, is the heart of the shoe’s responsive and cushioned ride. As mentioned, it’s been boosted by 2mm of height, bringing the total stack to 35mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot (the front part of the shoe). This extra foam provides more protection over longer distances, while the PEBA blend ensures it remains lively and doesn’t feel flat. The specific shaping of this foam helps transition your weight smoothly from heel to toe.
The Outsole
Underside view showing the new one-piece rubber outsole pattern on the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 running shoe
The bottom layer is the rubber outsole, which provides grip and durability. On the v5, it’s now a single, continuous piece. This change from the previous three-part design likely improves overall durability and might even contribute to the shoe’s ability to maintain its lightweight profile despite the extra midsole foam. It covers key areas for traction and is designed to work with the midsole’s wide base for stability.
Specs at a Glance
- Category: Neutral Running Shoe (meaning it doesn’t have extra support for pronation)
- Weight: Approx. 7.6 oz (215 grams) for a Men’s size 9 – very light!
- Stack Height: 35mm (heel) / 29mm (forefoot) – plenty of cushion
- Drop: 6mm (the difference in height between heel and forefoot) – a moderate drop suitable for many runners
- Release Date: July 1, 2025
- Price: C$179.99
Who is This Shoe For?
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is positioned as a versatile daily trainer. It’s ideal for runners who want one shoe that can handle a mix of paces and distances.
- Daily Runs: Comfortable and cushioned enough for your everyday mileage.
- Speed Work: Lightweight and responsive enough for tempo runs, intervals, or picking up the pace.
- Long Runs: The added cushioning in the v5 makes it a viable option for some longer training efforts, offering protection without feeling heavy.
If you enjoy a bouncy, energetic ride and prefer a shoe that isn’t overly stiff or rigid (like those with carbon plates can sometimes feel), the Rebel v5 could be a perfect fit. It’s a shoe designed to make running feel a little more exciting and effortless.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is available now. If you’re curious about experiencing this updated, lightweight and lively ride, check it out on newbalance.ca or at your nearest running shoe store.
