Cyber Monday Arrives! Zappos Reduces New Balance's Leading Trail Shoe Pricing by Half
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail, a distinctive trail shoe with a focus on speed and performance, has recently gained attention in the world of running. Here's a closer look at its key features, performance, and suitability as a walking shoe.
### Key Features
The shoe boasts a stack height of approximately 36.5 mm in the heel and 26.5 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a relatively steep 10 mm drop. It employs the FuelCell foam, known for its lightweight cushioning, combined with a forefoot plate aimed at providing propulsion. The fit is narrow to average width, offering a snug, race-style feel that may not accommodate wider feet comfortably. The upper is designed to be lightweight but somewhat insecure on highly technical terrain.
### Performance
The shoe is optimised for heel strikers, rewarding a heel-first landing due to its design and cushioning distribution. It excels at faster paces on moderate trail terrain up to distances around 50 kilometers. It is considered lightweight and nimble, making it suitable for shorter, speed-focused trail running rather than extended ultra-distance or technical off-road conditions. However, stability might be compromised on rugged, steep, or highly uneven trails due to the soft foam and upper design. The higher drop and minimal forefoot cushioning could be challenging for midfoot or forefoot strikers and might feel harsh when walking or running on rough surfaces.
### Consumer Feedback & Suitability as a Walking Shoe
The shoe has received polarising feedback, with positive responses from those matching its intended use—narrow-footed, heel-striking runners who want speed on less technical trails. However, it is not recommended for wide feet, mid/forefoot strikers, or those seeking stability on very technical terrain. As a walking shoe, its high drop, race-style snug fit, and emphasis on heel striking make it less ideal for casual or long-distance walking. The minimal forefoot cushioning and firm forefoot plate may reduce comfort during prolonged walking or gait patterns that do not involve a heel-first strike. Durability concerns have been noted for ultra-distance use, which may also impact long-term walking comfort.
### Summary
In summary, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is a specialized trail running shoe geared towards heel-striking runners targeting fast, moderate terrain with a snug fit and lightweight design. While it delivers good propulsion and cushioning for its intended use, it is not ideally suited as a walking shoe due to its design emphasis and fit. Walkers, especially those with wider feet or midfoot/forefoot strike patterns, may find the shoe uncomfortable or unstable on varied terrain.
If you prioritize walking comfort or need a versatile trail shoe for casual use, other models with more cushioning, lower drop, and wider toe boxes might be more appropriate. The FuelCell SuperComp Trail, while not designed primarily for walking, has demonstrated effective grip on icy and muddy pavements during dog walks, thanks to its Vibram soles, which are as grippy as the grippiest walking shoe the author has tested. However, it is essential to consider the shoe's size, as it runs small, with Zappos recommending a half-size up. Additionally, the FuelCell SuperComp Trail is currently being tested as a walking shoe, and it offers a comfortable, breathable, and lightweight experience for its weight of 8.8 oz for the men's version. The shoe is also available at a discounted price during the Cyber Monday deal.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail, renowned for its lightweight technology and innovative cushioning system, is a gadget designed for speed and performance in trail running, especially on moderately technical terrains. However, its high drop, race-style fit, and emphasis on heel striking make it less suitable as a walking gadget for comfort and versatility, particularly for walkers with wider feet or different strike patterns.
