New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 Review: Versatile enough for city life and dedicated runs

In Delhi’s fast-moving cityscape, comfort in footwear isn’t just a preference, it’s a necessity. Long office commutes mean hours on your feet, crossing busy streets, rushing through metro stations, and navigating uneven sidewalks. A shoe that cushions every step and supports your feet can make the difference between staying energized and ending your day with aches and fatigue. Recognizing these unique challenges, New Balance has crafted the FuelCell Rebel v5 to meet the needs of urban athletes who seek a shoe that delivers speed, comfort, and durability. This trainer combines innovative FuelCell midsole technology with a race-inspired design, creating a shoe that not only looks fast but feels fast and keeps up with India’s constant motion.

I’ve been using the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 in this demanding environment, and here is my review.

Design

The FuelCell Rebel v5 embraces a sleek, race-ready aesthetic with a breathable engineered mesh upper and ultra-light bonded FantomFit overlays that lock down the foot securely. Its bold colourblocking and modern silhouette capture a sense of speed and confidence that fits right in with Delhi’s vibrant street style. Comfort features like the padded tongue and redesigned heel collar make long wear during commutes or office transitions pleasant, while a durable rubber outsole with enhanced forefoot coverage tackles the variety of surfaces found in the city, from metro escalators to uneven pavements. Compared to the Adidas Adizero EVO SL, which has a more minimal racing style, the Rebel v5 projects a dynamic personality designed for both the workout and after-hours city grind.

Comfort

Despite carrying more foam than previous versions, the Rebel v5 remains featherlight at approximately 227 grams, allowing it to feel barely there during hectic days of walking and running errands. The PEBA/EVA FuelCell midsole offers firm yet lively cushioning that absorbs the impact of hard surfaces while maintaining enough snap to encourage faster movements when the moment calls for it. The improved heel and tongue cushioning enhance comfort during long commutes, reducing pressure points, though it maintains a slightly firmer ride compared to the cloud-like softness of the Adidas Lightstrike Pro foam. The 6mm drop strikes a comfortable balance, supporting smooth transitions over the varied terrain of an urban environment.

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Running & Workout Performance

The FuelCell Rebel v5 shines in its versatility, transitioning seamlessly from light training sessions to quick bursts of speed on city streets. Its midsole propulsion feels grounded and controlled, favouring stability and durability over extreme softness, perfect for those who want to push a little harder without sacrificing daily comfort. The wider platform and moderate rocker geometry offer better balance and confidence, especially when weaving through traffic or hopping in and out of public transport, while still retaining the essence of a performance trainer. The Adidas EVO SL, by comparison, leans more into lightweight, spread-the-wings racing vibes, ideal for tempo-focused sessions but less suited for prolonged urban wear.

Tech

FuelCell foam, a PEBA/EVA blend, provides a robust and springy platform that feels fast yet protects from repetitive impact stress encountered on hard concrete. The rubberised forefoot outsole enhances grip against slippery metro station floors and street crossings, addressing durability concerns from earlier models. The engineered mesh upper with FantomFit overlays balances lightweight support with breathability, crucial when dealing with Delhi’s variable weather and long walking hours. While the Adidas Lightstrike Pro foam emphasises bounce and a lively feel, the Rebel v5 offers a slightly firmer, more supportive experience that holds up better to urban demands.

Verdict

For someone like me balancing the fast pace of Delhi’s office commute with the need for effective training shoes, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 strikes the perfect chord. It offers more midsole protection and stability than the Adidas Adizero EVO SL, making it versatile enough for the rigours of both city life and dedicated runs. Lightweight yet well-cushioned, with a bold design that stands out confidently among the crowd, it embodies the mantra ‘’look fast, run fast” in every step through the relentless rhythm. It can be purchased around ₹13,999.