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What are the New Balance SC Rebel Running Shoes best for?
The New Balance SC Rebel Running Shoes (also known as the SuperComp Rebel) are high-performance plated super trainers - designed to aid your running economy in tempo sessions, threshold efforts, and long-distance marathon-paced runs. The midsole delivers an exceptionally plush and bouncy sensation, along with lots of propulsion - that performs across a wide range of paces.
Technical Features
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Midsole foam: Infinion cushioning
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Plate: Carbon-infused Pebax
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Men’s weight: ~218 grams
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Women’s weight: ~174 grams
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Stack height: 36 mm (Forefoot) / 40 mm (Rearfoot)
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Heel-to-drop: 4 mm
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Upper construction: Engineered mesh with FantomFit technology
We ran over 100km in the New Balance SC Rebel Running Shoes - here's what we found
We’ve put the New Balance SC Rebel Running Shoes to the test in a variety of run sessions. This includes short and fast paced intervals, threshold runs, long marathon-paced efforts, steady miles, easy runs, and run commuting.
The image above shows examples of some of the runs.
The following conclusions are based on over 100 kilometres of run testing.
How do they feel when running?
Unlike many running shoes in this category, the cushioning feels very plush and soft underfoot - which improves comfort during slower-paced parts of the run or long-distance efforts. For example, the midsole felt great during a long progression run - which started slowly and finished at half-marathon pace.
The soft foam doesn’t compromise speed. The full-length carbon-infused plate works perfectly with the bouncy Infinion foam to propel you forward. And the prominent aggressive rocker geometry smooths out transitions and speeds up toe-offs - lowering the stress on the lower leg area and stabilising the midsole.
It’s hard to fault how the midsole feels. Although, it’s unlikely that runners who enjoy an ultra-responsive underfoot feel will like running in the SC Rebel - mainly because the midsole feels so plush.
What are they best for?
Due to the plush and propulsive nature of the foam, the SC Rebel Running Shoes genuinely perform across a wide range of speeds and distances. However, our testing suggests they are best suited to the following:
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Threshold efforts
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Progressions runs
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Tempo sessions
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Long-distance race-pace workouts
It’s at these intensities that the midsole really comes alive and delivers the optimal performance.
We recommend choosing the SC Rebel Running Shoes for long-distance workouts as the cushioning helps reduce post-run soreness - especially in the lower leg area. This is likely down to the prominent rocker geometry.
We haven’t suggested choosing the SC Rebel Running Shoes for shorter, faster-paced workouts, as a stiffer and more responsive option is likely to feel better. Equally, the ultralightweight construction means it still performs very well during sessions such as 8-10 x 400m or 5 x 1km. And runners looking for one model that can cover all of their speed-focused training runs should find these to be a great option.
Finally, while the SC Rebel Running Shoes don’t offer as much propulsion as a super shoe, they are still a strong choice for race day. Particularly for runners who are seeking maximum comfort during half-marathon or marathon events.
The SC Rebel vs FuelCell SuperComp Elite V6
The SC Elite v6 is New Balance's aggressive race-day option, built to help you run a marathon as fast as possible.
Choose the SC Elite v6 if race-day performance is the priority. Choose the SC Rebel if you want a more versatile super trainer that can handle the repeated demands of training.
How do they fit?
We recommend choosing half a size bigger than your normal running shoes size, as the SC Rebel Running Shoes run slightly small.
That said, the forefoot is accommodating, and will suit runners with broader-shaped feet.
We also suggest loosening off the laces a lot before you put them on, as the ankle collar and midfoot section are relatively tight. Importantly, this translates into great security and a locked-in feel during your run.
Summary
It’s been a while since we’ve been blown away by a plated super trainer - but the New Balance SuperComp Rebel Running Shoes has succeeded. We’d go as far as to say it’s one of - if not - the best ever.
As an independent specialist running retailer, we know every runner is different. However, we also understand what a lot of runners are looking for, and the SC Rebel Running Shoes deliver on that front.
The cushioning is lightweight, soft, supportive, and ultra-propulsive - what more could you want?
With the popularity of lightweight, super-foam based running shoes growing, some runners may question why it’s worth spending more on a plated super trainer. Well, it’s pretty simple. Lightweight ‘daily trainers’ cannot match the propulsion that the SC Rebel offers. And this is what helps you run quicker and recover faster.
