New Balance Rebel v4: the alternatives compared
Compare New Balance Rebel v4 with 2 alternatives — price, trust and what each is best for. An evidence-backed second opinion before you buy.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is a lightweight, versatile, and soft daily trainer that excels at a wide variety of paces without the need for a propulsion plate. While many runners enjoy its bouncy and comfortable ride, it is polarizing due to its very wide fit, a short tongue, and a midsole that some find too soft or "dead" at high speeds. Because the newer Rebel v5 addresses these specific design complaints, most testers recommend skipping the v4 unless you can find it on a significant discount (sub-$100).
Offers a similarly bouncy and versatile ride but with a bit more cushioning and a slightly more stable structure if the Rebel v4's softness is too much.
The successor to the v4; reviewers note it addresses several common complaints about the v4, such as the tongue length, heel fit, and midsole "deadness."
Alternatives are suggestions from public sources; prices are approximate. How we score →