New Balance Men's FuelCell Summit Unknown V4 Trail Running Shoe Review
The New Balance Men's FuelCell Summit Unknown V4 Trail Running Shoe is engineered to elevate your off-road running experience. With a striking Blacktop and Neon Dragonfly color scheme, these shoes not only look great but are designed for serious performance on uneven terrains. The innovative FuelCell midsole enhances propulsion, making every stride feel more energetic, while the Hydrohesion outsole ensures solid grip even on wet surfaces.
This model features a bootie-style upper that wraps around your foot for a snug fit, preventing any unnecessary movement during runs. Additionally, the Toe Protect technology safeguards your feet from debris such as rocks and roots, allowing you to focus solely on your run without worrying about external factors.
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Features
- FuelCell midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content for a propulsive feel
- Synthetic and mesh upper for breathability
- Bootie upper construction for snug support
- Toe Protect technology for protection against debris
- Rock Stop Plate outsole to disperse pressure and protect feet on rocky terrain
Pros
- Exceptional traction on various surfaces
- Comfortable and responsive midsole cushioning
- Durable materials that withstand rugged conditions
- Supportive fit with excellent lockdown
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Not suitable for road running due to aggressive tread pattern
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance FuelCell Summit Unknown V4 | Salomon Speedcross 5 | Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midsole Technology | FuelCell Foam | EnergyCell | Meta-Rocker |
| Outsole Type | Hydrohesion | Contagrip | Rubber Lugs |
| Weight (Men's Size 9) | 10.2 oz | 11.2 oz | 9.9 oz |
| Upper Material | Synthetic/Mesh | Textile/Synthetic | Engineered Mesh |
Detailed Review
The New Balance Men's FuelCell Summit Unknown V4 excels in several key areas that make it a standout choice for trail runners:
- Comfort: Many users report that the bootie design provides a glove-like fit that prevents blisters and discomfort during extended runs. The cushioned midsole absorbs impact efficiently, making it comfortable on rocky surfaces.
- Traction: The Hydrohesion outsole is one of the major highlights. It grips well on various terrains, including muddy and wet trails, giving you the confidence to tackle any environment.
- Durability: Constructed with high-quality synthetic materials, these shoes are built to last. The Toe Protect technology adds an extra layer of durability by shielding the shoe's front from potential hazards.
- Style: Available in an eye-catching Blacktop/Neon Dragonfly colorway, these shoes do not compromise on style, letting you look good while you perform your best.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning and snug fit |
| Traction | 5/5 | Outstanding grip on diverse surfaces |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | Strong materials suitable for rough use |
| Style | 4/5 | Modern design with vibrant colors |
User Reviews
Fit well and rock plate works as expected. Hiked 3 miles in Phoenix rocky trails yesterday. Put them on straight out of the box, didn't untie them just slipped them on and went. Worked out well so far. I went for the rock plate because I was bruising the bottom of my feet on the trails here. I can wear 12.5 to 13 and bought the 13 wide.
Excelente
I’ve been running Altra Lone Peaks for a few years but decided I wanted a bit more cushion for the longer runs. Too many brands out there (cough-HOKA-cough) have ridiculously tall soles for trail running that seem to just be a recipe for twisted ankles on technical trails. But this New Balance model is a great medium between the two extremes.10/10 I’ll be back for more of this model when these wear out.
Great replacement for Vazee Summit V2. They have more cushioning which actually feels pretty good. Size 11 fits just right for me. I love them, should better get another pair before they are discontinued.
These shoes are on my list of being one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve owned. Not to mention they look awesome. I’ve gotten more compliments on them.
I very much like these shoes; however, they run very narrow. I am right on the bubble of regular-width shoes being a good fit. Often wide-size shoes are too wide for me. I got these in the wide version and they were still too narrow for my feet. Still, a nice shoe. If you have regular to narrow feet I think a good choice.
Comfortable right out of the box, super grippy on the sole and feet feel great after the first hike, literally zero break-in time needed, received the shoes and was on the trail within a half hour for a few miles with no issues, or blisters!
I really like the shoe design and colors but it runs a little small and narrow. I would like to try and size 13 wide but they don't have any in stock and I got a good price on these for $105. I think I will go back to the V series cause they fit great.