Product— New Balance Fuel Cell RC Elite v2
Release Date— Thursday 20^th May 2021
Reviewer— Patrick Monti | @patrickupthere

My initial impression of the RC Elite v2 is the obvious and unmissable stack height. When comparing to version one, the aesthetic differences are immediate and exciting. The stark white, marshmallow looking midsole is inviting and really makes you want to dive straight in. For comparisons sake the first RC Elite catered mostly to elite runners due to its lower stack height (35mm height and 10mm drop) and snug fit, the second version sees updates that makes it a more viable option for your everyday or amateur athlete looking to cover longer distances. The updated upper is a lightweight knit, reducing weight and offering plenty of breathability. It is purported to have a roomier toe box; however, being someone who is quite broad across the forefoot, I found the upper snug and could see some bulging on my down-step. In saying that, it was still incredibly comfortable and instantly responsive. The heel lock down felt good with a nice amount of padding around the collar and given the stack height, the shoe felt stable with limited pro and supination. A substantial rubber outsole on the forefoot provided good traction and looks as though it could take some punishment before wearing down to the foam.

The other notable feature is, of course, the carbon plate; It wouldn’t be a modern-day racing shoe without one! New Balance utilise a curved or ‘swooping’ plate, therefore the added Fuel Cell foam in the midsole offers room for a more aggressive curve and in turn superior energy return. Similarly to the Adios Pro 2, the plate is visible through the outsole, a nice design feature if nothing else.

Outside of the width across the forefoot (not a new problem for me). I really enjoyed the shoe, in my opinion it would be on par with the likes of Alphafly, Endorphin Pro and Adios Pro depending where your allegiances lie. Higher stack and soft foam are also not the ideal combination for tight cornering, but maybe it’s time I changed where I do my sessions!

All views shared are that of the author, they have not commercially or financially benefitted from saying one thing or another.