New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v4 Running Shoe – Men's
$109.95
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The Grivet Take
The Rebel v4 is the lean, snappy tempo daily that put the FuelCell Rebel line on the map: light underfoot, firmer than the current v5, and built for runners who want a single shoe for daily miles, marathon training, and faster workout days. The FuelCell foam reads responsive rather than plush, the forefoot bends through the foot for a quick toe-off, and the 7.5 oz weight stays out of the way at uptempo paces. Two trade-offs to flag: the heel hold is the weakest link on this version, a known v4 issue resolved in the v5; and the narrower midfoot platform asks more of the runner on long efforts than a wider daily trainer would. Runners after a softer or more cushioned ride should look at the v5 instead; runners who specifically liked the lean, fast feel of the original Rebel line are in the right shoe.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.4 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.4 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.4 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.3 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.3 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.4 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
No added support structure
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Narrow race platform
How it fits
Length runs true to size for most runners. The forefoot is moderately roomy and accommodates medium feet without going as foot-shaped as Altra. Midfoot is on the snug side and the platform under the midfoot is narrower than peer daily trainers; runners with wide feet sit on top of the platform. Heel hold is the weakest area on this version. The heel collar is lightly padded and the counter is soft, and a meaningful minority of runners report mild heel slip during long efforts. Standard D width only for men's; runners needing 2E or wider should consider the Rebel v5 or a different daily trainer.
How it feels
FuelCell midsole reads responsive and lightly bouncy rather than soft, a different character from the v5 that replaced it. Forefoot bounce on push-off is the standout, and the flexible forefoot bends through the foot rather than rolling on a rigid rocker. The 6 mm drop and 30 mm heel stack feel modest compared with modern max-stack trainers, which keeps the ground feel high and the transitions quick. The shoe rewards a midfoot or forefoot strike and tolerates heel landings well enough at easy paces, but the soft foam compresses noticeably under heavier runners or at faster paces. Wet-pavement traction is adequate.
Quick specs
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 30.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 24.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 6.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 7.5 oz · 213 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 3 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Narrow race platform
- Midsole
- FuelCell (PEBA/EVA blend)
- Outsole
- Rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D
Tech, translated
FuelCell foam in the v4 is a TPU-based midsole tuned for energy return rather than plush cushion. It is firmer and snappier than the PEBA-and-EVA blend that the v5 introduced, and it is the closest the Rebel line came to a race-shoe feel without a plate. PEBA-blended successors offer more bounce; the v4's TPU-led formulation favors directness.
The outsole uses targeted rubber coverage on the forefoot and lateral heel with foam exposed in low-wear zones to save weight. Coverage is less aggressive than the v5's reworked outsole, and the soft foam can scuff visibly under heavy mileage on rough pavement.
There is no plate. The wide forefoot and flexible build do the work of transition; the foot still does most of the bending.
What changed from the previous version
The v4 refined the v3 with a redesigned upper, more secure midfoot lockdown, and a smoother heel-to-toe transition. Stack height and drop stayed in the same lightweight tempo-daily range, and the responsive TPU-based FuelCell foam carried over from the v3 with minor formulation refinements. Outsole rubber coverage stayed similar to the v3. Runners who liked the v3 for its quick, light feel will recognize the v4 immediately; the meaningful generational departure came with the v5, not the v4.
Frequently asked
Does the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 run true to size?
The Rebel v4 runs true to size in length for most runners. The forefoot is moderately roomy and accommodates medium feet comfortably without going as foot-shaped as Altra. Midfoot is on the snug side and the platform under the midfoot is narrower than peer daily trainers, so wide-footed runners may sit on top of the platform. Heel hold is the weakest area on this version; a meaningful minority of runners report mild heel slip during long efforts. Men's sizing is only standard D width.
How does the New Balance Rebel v4 compare to the Hoka Mach 5?
Both are lightweight daily trainers for runners who want one shoe across easy miles and faster workout days. The Rebel v4 is lighter, more flexible, and has snappier FuelCell forefoot bounce. The Mach 5 has a stronger rocker, a more grounded feel at tempo paces, and a more locked-down upper. Pick the Rebel v4 for flexibility and bounce; pick the Mach 5 for rocker assistance and a more secure fit.
Is the New Balance Rebel v4 firm or soft underfoot?
The Rebel v4 lands on the responsive-firm side rather than soft. The TPU-based FuelCell foam compresses with a snappy energy return rather than a plush cushion feel, and the modest 30 mm heel stack keeps the ground feel high. This is the lean, fast character the Rebel line is known for, and it is meaningfully different from the softer v5 that replaced it. Runners looking for a softer or bouncier daily trainer should consider the Rebel v5 instead.
Is the New Balance Rebel v4 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The lightweight build, flexible forefoot, and responsive FuelCell foam suit the steady cadence of treadmill sessions, especially for easy and moderate efforts. The rubber outsole grips belt surfaces reliably across most paces. Runners using the treadmill primarily for long slow runs may want a more cushioned shoe; the modest 30 mm stack keeps the ground feel high.
What changed from the New Balance Rebel v3 to the v4?
The v4 refined the v3 with a redesigned upper, a slightly more secure midfoot lockdown, and a smoother heel-to-toe transition while preserving the lean, snappy FuelCell character that the line is known for. Stack height and drop stayed in the same lightweight tempo-daily range, and the responsive TPU-based FuelCell foam carried over. Runners who liked the v3 specifically for its quick, light feel will recognize the v4 immediately.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Hoka Mach 5
Choose the Rebel v4 for a lighter, more flexible tempo daily with a snappier FuelCell forefoot bounce. Choose the Mach 5 for a stronger rocker, a more grounded feel, and a more locked-down upper.
Compare Hoka Mach 5 →
Saucony Kinvara 16
Choose the Rebel v4 for a slightly taller, more responsive FuelCell midsole with a touch more bounce. Choose the Kinvara 16 for a lower-stack, more traditional lightweight daily with a longstanding fit profile.
Compare Saucony Kinvara 16 →
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Choose the Rebel v4 for foam-only feedback and a flexible forefoot for easy and moderate daily miles. Choose the Endorphin Speed 4 for a nylon plate and an aggressive rocker for committed tempo work and marathon racing.
Compare Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 →
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Choose the Rebel v4 for a leaner, more flexible tempo daily with a snappier FuelCell feel. Choose the Hyperion Max 3 for more stack height and a stronger rocker that carries cushioned marathon-paced miles better.
Compare Brooks Hyperion Max 3 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
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