New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3: First Run Review

Introduction

The New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3 is a shoe that has changed dramatically with every version, and this third iteration may be the most balanced of the line so far. The original was a huge, over-40mm bouncy rocket that some found simply too much shoe for long runs. Version two toned things down to a 40mm stack but lost much of the spark in the foam. Now the V3 brings a new PEBAX-blended FuelCell midsole, borrowed from the FuelCell range this year, with the goal of bringing back some life underfoot.

The headline specs: 278g (9.8 oz) in a UK size 9, a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, 40mm of stack at the heel and 34mm at the forefoot, and a Phantom Fit mesh upper similar to the Rebel v4 and SC Elite v4. Pricing is where things get complicated: $180 in the US, which is normal for a super trainer, but a flabbergasting £230 in the UK, more than some of the best carbon racing shoes on the market.

Who This Shoe Is For

This is a shoe for runners who want to rack up a lot of miles in comfort, particularly long runs as part of marathon training. The V3 felt comfortable at easy and steady paces and seems designed to cruise through high mileage rather than deliver a maximally explosive race-day punch.

If your priority is a plated super trainer that excels at fast efforts first and handles easy mileage second, alternatives like the Hoka Mach X2 or Saucony Endorphin Speed may suit better. This feels like the opposite end of that spectrum: it does the easy stuff really well and is okay for the fast stuff.

Main Strengths

The fit was excellent in normal running shoe size, with no heel slip, no rubbing, and no Achilles irritation. The toe box is roomy enough without being the most voluminous, and it was comfortable enough to wear all day while traveling, which bodes well for the New Balance heel design that has caused issues in some other shoes this year.

Midsole and Plate Updates

The big change is the PEBAX-EVA blend FuelCell midsole, roughly 20% PEBAX, paired with a carbon plate that is forked under the forefoot to reduce weight. Unlike the V2, the big midsole cutout no longer extends all the way to the front of the shoe, giving a more solid block of foam under the forefoot.

On the run, this translated into a more controlled feeling at the forefoot. Instead of a gaping canyon of foam, you hit that solid forefoot block and get a nice bit of punch off it. It was noticeably easier to run quicker in than the V2, which felt muddy in transition. The ride leans more toward the controlled V2 character than the wildly bouncy V1, though without much sink-in and squish yet out of the box.

Outsole and Durability Outlook

The rubber outsole is a fairly thick layer with good forefoot coverage and two strips of rubber at the rear, covering all the key zones. Grip and durability should be fine based on the construction.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The first run was enjoyable but not striking. Compared to shoes with a more dramatic first impression, the SuperComp Trainer V3 feels solid rather than spectacular. There is potential for the foam to break in and become softer, squishier, and springier over time, but that remains to be seen.

The pricing picture matters a lot. At $180 in the US, it sits sensibly among other super trainers and competes on its merits. At £230 in the UK, it costs more than some excellent carbon-plated racing shoes, which makes it very hard to recommend at full price there.

Buying Advice

If you are in the US, this is a reasonable buy at the standard super trainer price, especially if long runs and high-mileage training blocks are your focus. It slots in as the relaxed, mileage-focused option in a New Balance lineup that also includes the lighter, nimbler Rebel v4 and the softer, more fun Balos for long runs.

If you are in the UK, the advice is simpler: wait for a significant discount. At £230 you could spend less and get the Hoka Mach X2 or Saucony Endorphin Speed, both of which offer more versatility for the money. For long-run-focused training, the SuperComp Trainer V3 looks like the best version of this line for runners who found the V1 too bulky and the V2 lacking spark, but give the foam time to break in before judging it fully.

Conclusion

The SuperComp Trainer V3 feels like another solid addition to New Balance’s training lineup and arguably the most well-rounded version of the shoe yet. It fits well, runs comfortably at easy and steady paces, has more forefoot punch than the V2, and looks fantastic. It is not a shoe that will blow you away on the first run, but as a durable, comfortable platform for marathon training miles, it has a clear place, provided the price in your market makes sense.