Back by popular demand, the latest iteration of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel series is arriving this month—and it’s better than ever. The Rebel v4 won fans over with its lightweight feel, responsive ride and versatility, all without the help of a carbon plate. Now, New Balance claims the v5 is even more cushioned, breathable, and stylish, and is designed to be the top choice for runners looking for a fast, dependable daily trainer that stands out from the pack.
The Rebel v5 is lightweight, bouncy and intended for runners looking to add some fun to their shoe rotation. It’s the kind of shoe that can handle everything from daily mileage and speed sessions to long runs, offering both the cushioning and responsiveness to do it all—at a price that makes it even more appealing.
The specs
Category: Neutral TrainingWeight: 7.6 oz. (215 grams/M9)Stack: 35 mm heel/29 mm forefootDrop: 6 mmRelease: July 1, 2025Price: C$179.99
Upper
The Rebel v5’s upper builds on the success of the previous iteration, featuring a lightweight, breathable mesh that combines New Balance’s bonded FANTOMFIT technology with a gusseted tongue, delivering a snug, secure midfoot lockdown without excess bulk. The materials feel race-day light, with a fit that moulds to your foot during faster efforts.
Midsole
The shoe’s signature FuelCell midsole now features a special PEBA blend foam, offering the same snappy ride as the v4, but with even more energy return with the additional 2 mm stack. New Balance designed the sculpted geometry of the midsole to enhance the propulsive feeling, helping runners pick up the pace with ease.
The most notable update is the increase in stack height—now 2 mm higher than the v4, providing more cushioning without adding weight. Despite the boost in comfort, the v5 still weighs in at 215 grams, making it an ideal choice for runners who want a soft, yet responsive, feel in a lightweight package.
Outsole
Another change to the Rebel v5 is the one-piece rubber outsole, which replaces the three-piece design seen on the v4. The outsole still features a wide base to enhance stability and cushioning. The updated one-piece rubber design appears to have shed weight compared to the previous version, which likely enabled the brand to add 2 mm to the midsole while maintaining the same overall weight.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 hit Canadian stores and online on July 1. Head to newbalance.ca or your local retailer to try them out for yourself.
