- Hi guys Jaclyn Murphy here from Upwell Health Collective. I'm an accredited exercise physiologist and running coach. Today we're reviewing the New Balance FuelCell Rebel. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is the latest and greatest running shoe from New Balance. The 175 gram shoe has a six millimeter drop and provides a responsive feel underfoot. The trace fiber upper, provides a light weight midfoot support. While the breathable forefoot and body construction creates an aerodynamic fit with minimal friction and maximal lightness. The FuelCell Rebel has a revlite midsole, and fuel cell forefoot, increasing responsiveness and enhancing energy return. The distinguishable and unique lateral wing on the midsole disperses pressure evenly throughout the foot, making for a nice smooth ride. On first trying on the New Balance FuelCell Rebel there's a sense of comfort and stability but also an apparent lightness to the shoe. The shoe fits like a glove, like putting on an old pair of slippers. My initial concerns were around the shoe being quite light.
After having had previous foot injuries and previously worn heavier and softer shoes. On the very first test run of the shoe, a couple of minutes on the treadmill, helped reduce those concerns. However, the real test was going to be when I started running outside on a local foot path. On the first morning lacing up the shoe, my initial fears returned. However, headed out the door.
Within the first kilometer I could feel the difference in the New Balance FuelCell Rebel. I felt stable and in control with my run. My foot landing was flawless, and my takeoff had power and stability. The first run was an easy pace seven and a half kilometers. However, I kept catching myself wanting to run faster, due to the optimized landing position and weight of the shoe. Further, I'd had some nagging hip pain in the weeks leading up to running in the New Balance FuelCell; however, that didn't seem to be an issue and I don't think this was a coincidence. In the days that followed I ran a shorter run of about four kilometers and another run of about six in the Rebel. Followed by my longest run ever. My first impressions were that I wouldn't be able to complete a long run in these shoes.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the feel and comfort over 14Ks on Sunday, that had some low grade trails, road and bike path. While I am yet to wear the Rebel in rain or wet conditions, I anticipate that due to the base it might slip around on wet surfaces and would not recommend this for a true technical trail These are light weight shoes that are ideal for road running and racing.
Further, the Rebel is not for everyone. The rebel is suited to someone who has a natural tendency to land towards the mid or forefoot, and potentially a lighter weight runner. This would not be suited to a runner who has a high disposition to land on their heel or a heavier runner. I'm a raving fan of this shoe, and would highly recommend it after having being in a variety of shoes over the last three to four years.
I feel the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is here to stay. This shoe could be integrated into the rotation for someone who likes, a lighter weight or racing shoe, for their speed workouts. Or, for someone who prefers their easier, longer routes but in a heavier softer shoe. As always though, comfort must come first for running shoes. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel are just like sliding into your UGG boots at the end of the day.
If you're a runner with a similar profile to myself, looking for a lightweight, neutral training shoe that can take you from your Saturday park run through to your next half marathon, then the New Balance FuelCell Rebel could be the shoe you've been searching for. I would rate this shoe a nine out of ten. (music).
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