Matt: "The upper on the Rebel v2 is great. It is a thin mesh that holds my foot snuggly and comfortably. Underfoot, this shoe is not as stable as other models, but the soft and structured upper gave me the confidence to use the Rebel v2 no matter which runs I was going on." Like most things running-related, the PF soreness isn’t persistent and will go away once the body adapts to the unstructured midsole. Developed to meet the ever-evolving demands of serious distance runners, the New Balance FuelCell collection is the perfect combo of speed, rebound and energy return. Showcasing an exciting array of cutting-edge performance-driven technologies, it promises to propel you to the next level. The core component of FuelCell running shoes is our nitrogen compound FuelCell foam technology - game changing midsole cushioning that delivers radically improved energy return performance. In a pair of New Balance FuelCell running shoes, you’ll feel the benefits with every propulsive stride.

Saucony Freedom 4 - PWRRUN PB gives the shoe a hugely responsive ride that's capable of heavy workouts and even races for those seeking a non-plated optionThere is another patch of rubber placed on the midfoot of the medial side and on the heel. After 90 kilometres, the rubber has held up well but the exposed foam areas are a concern. Unlike many other tempo-worthy shoes, the Rebel 2 doesn’t have a slim midsole. It’s actually quite wide through the midfoot, with the rearfoot midsole extending past the heel line. For me, the Rebel v2 functions best as a daily trainer for middle distances at easy/steady paces between 4.30 and 5.30 per kilometre. It has a super soft, smooth ride with good energy return that makes it fun to run in.

However, if you explore alternatives outside New Balance, a road racer like the Saucony Type A9 is excellent for short-distance races. The only weakness of the Rebel v2 is that its outsole areas which aren’t covered with rubber get chewed up by the ground so I don’t expect durability to be good. Fit: A (Very dialed in throughout, wider toe box is very nice and comfortable, mesh is breathable and lightweight while still being comfortable for a training shoe, pull tab is really the only thing and that isn't a deal breaker)

New Balance men’s running shoes are renowned for their sleek designs, lightweight materials and supreme cushioning. For something better suited to long-distance running, opt for the 880, which features a breathable mesh FantomFit upper with a no-sew overlay engineered for ultra-light support. The Rebel v2 follows the trend of lightweight, tempo trainers becoming softer and more suited to slower, longer runs. The Beacon V3, SL20.2 and EvoRide 2 have all undergone the same treatment.

On the forefoot, the rubber panel is different and it makes the ride firmer. There are no longer triangular cutouts in the rubber so the squishy foam can’t push through the holes when the forefoot is loaded.The Rebel v2’s midsole is highly compressible which makes it one of the softest shoes I’ve tested all year. It doesn’t have a lot of cushioning depth compared to a 1080v11 or a Clifton 7 but the foam feels more squishy. You don't necessarily recognize the FuelCell Rebel v2 as a New Balance shoe at first glance. It is also not one of the classic lifestyle sneakers from the traditional American brand, but one of their running shoes that feature sport-specific material technology. Nonetheless, the FuelCell Rebel v2 is also clearly oriented towards one style. This is less of the typical 80s design, as is the case with the sneakers from the Lifestyle collection, but rather the shoe looks rather futuristic with its sweeping lines, the narrow, bulged collar, and the asymmetrical lacing and color distribution. Explosive Suspension The Rebel v3 has a similar mesh to version 2 but it’s not as translucent. It has a rough texture and doesn’t stretch so it feels more like a racing shoe upper than a training one. Breathability is excellent and overall comfort is very good. The super critical, nitrogen infused FuelCell provides really good energy return and makes it feel like a super foam. It’s not as bouncy as ZoomX but more bouncy than Hyper Burst, DNA Flash and Pwrrun PB.