The New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 is a $120 budget-friendly daily trainer with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plate that provides a fun ride at a much lower price than other shoes with plates. While it’s not considered a “super trainer” like the Saucony Endorphin Speed, New Balance SC Trainer, or Brooks Hyperion Max 2, New Balance’s less expensive shoe is a super underrated trainer that just may defy your expectations of what a budget running shoe can be. Find out why, in this New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 review.
I’ll start out by making two very important points because I’m a quantitative-minded person: (1) Not all plated shoes have to be expensive, and (2) not all less expensive shoes suck. Of course, not all expensive shoes are great, but that’s not relevant here. Ok, I technically made three points; so, I suppose I lied. Then again, only two of the points were very important points, so I didn’t lie. However, I was not being truthful about being quantitative-minded, so I guess I did lie.
Anyone up for a game of two truths and a lie? I’m so bad at that game—I’ve got no poker face! Did I get you?! That was the one lie! Or, would that be considered two lies? Or three lies after the first lie I told about being a quantitative-minded person? Ok, now, let me think of two truths while I continue with this review.
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 Review
Weight: (U.S.) Men’s size 9: 9.9 oz/280 g | Women’s size 8: 7.8 oz/220 g
Stack height: Approximately 35/29 mm (6 mm drop)
Price: $119.99
Midsole
As mentioned, the Propel v5 has a TPU plate which is sandwiched in between the ever-reliable FuelCell midsole. No, contrary to popular belief, FuelCell does not refer to a video game—despite sounding like Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell video game and the online card game FreeCell. Ok, maybe that’s just my belief—but I am quite popular—among my family—so therefore it could be considered popular belief. FuelCell is comprised of nitrogen-injected TPU and EVA foams. At around 35 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot (New Balance doesn’t provide an exact stack height), there’s plenty of FuelCell cushioning to go around.
Compared to New Balance’s other midsole foam, Fresh Foam, made of an EVA blend, FuelCell tends to be more responsive and lighter. It’s no surprise then, that, FuelCell is found in New Balance’s super shoe –FuelCell Elite and the aforementioned super trainer FuelCell SC Trainer. Fresh foam makes up the midsole in the brand’s flagship daily trainers, like the 1080 and 880. Yeah, no shit, no one needed me to explain that point; the full names of those shoes are Fresh Foam 1080 and Fresh Foam 880.
Ride
The Propel v5 has a smooth, somewhat lively underfoot sensation. It’s softer, more responsive, and easier to pick up the pace in, compared to v4. You’ll have to temper your expectations when comparing it to other plated shoes like the Endorphin Speed 4. Saucony’s fan-favorite pair is $50 more and has a nylon plate, so it has a more fun, durable, and responsive experience. Of course, the same goes for about 90 percent of shoes on the market when comparing to the Endorphin Speed. You really can’t compare the two shoes—nor should you.
The Propel is designed to be in a different category than more expensive plated shoes like the Endorphin series. Despite its plate, this isn’t a pair I’ll be doing speed work in or wearing on race day. They make carbon fiber plated shoes for that. The Propel is a surprisingly solid daily trainer that can eat up miles in comfort. My longest run with the shoe was an 11-miler and I had no issues. However, I’d hesitate to take it out for any runs longer than that. I want something with a bit more energy return for longer runs.
Upper
The upper in the previous edition contributed significantly to the higher weight. V5 has an engineered synthetic/mesh upper that’s lightweight and breathable—a welcome update. It’s got a very comfortable feel that shouldn’t give you any problems.
Outsole
There’s decent rubber coverage on the outsole, but there is some exposed foam in the midfoot area. Through 60 miles, there’s no visible wear and tear, but at the $120 price point, I do wonder what this shoe’s durability will be. I would assume you could get at least 300 or 400 miles out of the pair, but you know what they say about assuming. Ah, damnit, I forget what they say about assuming. Hold on, let me Google it. Ok, it goes: “When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.” Ain’t that the truth!
Weight
This year’s edition lost nearly a whole ounce from v4, which felt considerably heavy at almost 11 ounces. Although this shoe is not a boxer or a shoe designed for boxing, you could say the shoe just barely cut enough weight to sit below the 10-ounce threshold at a more respectable 9.9 oz. Don’t get me wrong, this shoe is no featherweight, but it’s no longer a heavyweight, either.
Based off my own weight, I guess I fit into the middleweight division. So, what’s my weight, you’re wondering? Don’t you know it’s rude to ask someone how much they weigh. Although, based on my middleweight classification, with a quick Google search, you could easily determine my weight within a 10-pound range. Oh, great, now you’re probably wondering how old I am—don’t you know it’s rude to ask someone their age?! Let me guess, next, you’re probably going to ask whether I prefer Pepsi or Cola. Or which season is my favorite. You’re so nosy!
Looks
The surefire indicator of an attractive shoe? When you can’t decide between at least three colorways of the pair. That’s exactly what happened here. Both the black, blue, and white colorways struck my fancy. Can you guess which of the three I went with? I’ll just tell you! In an M Night Shyamalan level twist, I went with the all-white colorway! If that’s not a sign of maturity, then I don’t know what is.
My hatred of all-white shoes has been well documented, but I’ve started to come around on them over the past year. Candidly, I recognize how popular this colorway has become and I just want to fit in by looking like everyone else. I have no personality, so my shoe colorways are the only way I can express myself.
The shoe looks very similar to one of my favorite shoes of the year: the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4—yet another shoe that uses FuelCell! Of course, judging by its name, similar to the Fresh Foam 1080 and 880, I didn’t need to tell you it has FuelCell. I’m not repetitive and redundant! You’re repetitive and redundant!
Price
Priced at $120, you’re not going to find a cheaper shoe that performs better than this one. Yes, there are a few $100-$120 running shoes out there, but they either suck or are better suited as lifestyle shoes. “Lifestyle” is code for footwear to do errands, yard work, or non-running workouts.
Yet, for just $20 more, at $140, I’d choose the FuelCell Rebel v4 over the Propel v5 any day of the running week. Yes, I understand the need to be frugal with running costs—running is a really expensive hobby! But if $20 is going to make or break you and your bank account, perhaps you shouldn’t be buying running shoes. Yes, that’s me unjustifiably and rudely telling you what to do with your money.
Perhaps I should’ve been a financial planner? Then again, perhaps if I was more like you and smart with my money, I wouldn’t be broke from buying so many running shoes over the years. Touche! My potential future clients wouldn’t have to know I’m bad with money. You won’t tell them, will you?
A budget shoe for all
Budget shoes tend to be for beginners, but running newcomers and veterans alike should find something to like in the New Balance FuelCell Propel v5. It’s one of the best budget running shoes I’ve ever tried and it provides a surprisingly enjoyable ride at a fraction of the cost of other plated shoes. Again, just don’t expect it to propel you forward on race day or for speed work. That’s what more expensive plated shoes are for.
Oh, and the two truths? I’m a middle child and I love vacuuming—it’s so therapeutic!
The FuelCell Propel v5 is available to purchase on NewBalance.com or wherever you empty your wallet on running shoes.
I purchased the New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 with my money and New Balance was not given the opportunity to see this review before I published. I was not compensated for this New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 review.
