New Balance SuperComp Elite V4 Review: A Bouncier Marathon Racer With One Notable Quirk

Introduction

The New Balance SuperComp Elite V4 is a significant rethink of a line that many runners felt was good but not quite top tier. Four testers put the shoe through long runs, marathon-pace work, track sessions and even races, and the picture that emerges is of a much bouncier, more cushioned marathon racer that sits firmly among the best super shoes available, with one persistent caveat around the heel collar.

If the goal was to make this a better shoe for longer distances, the changes largely deliver. Whether it beats the very best from other brands at $250 / £260 is a more debatable question.

Key Specs and What Changed From the V3

The V4 comes in at $250 in the US and £260 in the UK, a noticeable jump from the roughly $200 price of the SuperComp Elite V3. A men’s UK size 8 weighs in at 225g, up from 210g on the same size V3. The drop stays at 4mm, and stack heights are unchanged at 40mm at the heel and 36mm at the forefoot.

The design changes are substantial. The sock-like knit upper of the V3 is gone, replaced by a mesh upper New Balance calls Phantom fit, aimed at improved fit and hold. Underneath sits a full PEBA-based FuelCell midsole paired with a lighter, curvier Energy Arc carbon plate designed to improve energy return. The outsole has also been reworked, with more coverage over the plate at the forefoot and heel for grip, protection and durability over long distances.

Ride and Performance

Across the test team, the ride is the clear highlight. The new foam feels softer and noticeably bouncier than the firmer V3, and in a tough track session of five threshold miles at around 5:30 per mile pace with short float recoveries, the shoe felt propulsive and helped conserve energy over an extended effort. On a wet, greasy track, grip held up well.

For easier and steadier running, the V4 is more forgiving than most super shoes, which makes it accessible to a wider range of runners. Several testers noted there is enough cushioning to protect the legs if pace drops late in a race, and legs felt less beaten up the day after hard sessions. There is no harshness underfoot over long time on feet, and the strong rocker adds a pleasant clip to the stride.

It is worth setting expectations: this is not an aggressively pitching shoe in the mold of the Alphafly or Hoka Cielo X1. Once you engage it at quicker paces it rewards you, but it is more of a smooth cruiser, comparable in character to the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. At 250g it also sits in the heavier class of super shoes, and the generous rubber outsole, while durable, adds to the grounded feel. Some testers would prefer a lighter, more agile shoe for 5K racing, and one noticed a small dent in the geometric midsole sidewall after about 50k, too early to know if it affects performance.

Fit and Sizing: What Testers Found

Fit was the most divided topic among testers. One UK size 8 tester found the toe box comfortable for long runs, preferred the new upper’s lockdown over the V3, and appreciated that the looser heel did not irritate the achilles, though heel lock lacing was needed to stop slippage. Another UK size 8 tester got a solid race-ready lockdown after some initial heel looseness and stayed with their normal size.

Others had a rougher experience. One tester found the shoes felt short on a 90-minute run, with toes hitting the end of the toe box on forefoot landings, and suffered serious heel chafing, recommending going half a size up, especially for marathon racing. Another UK size 6 tester found the engineered mesh much less giving than the V3 knit, needed several runs to dial in the lacing on one foot, and would also consider a half size up.

The heel collar deserves special mention. One tester experienced deep heel cutting from the very first mile, drawing blood, and could not resolve it through lacing tweaks, blister protectors or different socks. Other testers had milder or no heel issues, so this is not universal, but it is a real risk worth testing carefully before race day. If it does not affect you, the fit can be genuinely good.

Durability and Grip

Over roughly 30 to 55k of testing per tester, wear was not a concern. The reworked outsole showed no serious signs of deterioration, and one tester who normally destroys super shoe outsoles within weeks reported no issues at all, a strong early signal. Cornering on pavement and roads was confidence-inspiring, and grip on a wet track was praised. Durability at this price point is reassuring, though longer-term tests are still pending.

Buying Advice

The SuperComp Elite V4 is best understood as a comfortable, bouncy, slightly subtle marathon and half marathon racer rather than an aggressive 5K weapon. If you found the Alphafly’s forward pitch too much, or you want a shoe that forgives you when you ease off mid-race, this is a very strong candidate and a genuine step up from the V3 for long distances. Several testers would happily race a marathon in it.

If you crave maximum propulsion and a lighter, more aggressive ride, alternatives such as the Alphafly 3, Vaporfly 3 or Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 may suit you better, and several testers would lean toward those at this price. It is also worth remembering that the discounted V3 remains excellent value for runners who liked its more compact, lively character.

Conclusion

The New Balance SuperComp Elite V4 is a very good, top-tier super shoe with excellent cushioning, bounce, comfort and early durability, clearly improved for marathon and half marathon racing over its predecessor. Its main flaws are a heavier, less agile feel than some rivals and a heel collar that caused significant chafing for at least one tester. If your heels get along with it and you want a smooth, forgiving racer for long distances, it is well worth a look; just try before you buy and consider a half size up.