ASICS Magic Speed 5 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
We haven't tested ASICS Magic Speed 5 yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
ASICS
Magic Speed 5
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 90/100
Reviewers praise the ride and upper and split on the cushioning and value.
New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v5
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 94/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- ASICS Magic Speed 5 is 30 g lighter.
- ASICS Magic Speed 5 has 3.5 mm more foam under the heel.
- Only ASICS Magic Speed 5 has a carbon plate.
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 costs $30 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Praised
A light, snappy and direct ride that feels excellent at threshold and faster, but firm and unenjoyable at easy paces.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
A light, bouncy and flexible ride that feels fun at easy paces and lively enough for tempo work.
Cushioning
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Divisive
FF Leap and FF Blast+ provide good heel protection and enough cushioning for workouts, though the forefoot is firm and fades over long runs.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The taller PEBA-blended FuelCell stack adds protection without making the shoe feel heavy or mushy.
Upper
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Praised
A thin, breathable race-style upper with a secure heel and excellent lacing, though the tongue is not gusseted.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A light, secure Fantomfit upper with a roomy forefoot, though the midfoot can feel sloppy and the tongue causes pressure for some.
Durability
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Praised
ASICSGRIP rubber and the foam hold up well past 100 miles, with only minor heel scuffing.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The outsole rubber and foam hold up well for a light trainer, with better coverage than earlier Rebels.
Grip
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Praised
ASICSGRIP delivers excellent dry and wet traction, with lab grip far above average.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
Traction is reliable on dry and wet roads, with enough grip for light paths.
Stability
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Divisive
The low stack and stiff forefoot feel stable at speed, but the narrow heel and platform are less planted at easy paces.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A wider platform and sidewalls add composure, but the soft foam and flexible forefoot make it less stable than firmer trainers.
Value
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Divisive
At $180 it is reasonable for a carbon-plated speed trainer, though several reviewers say it is too close to full race-shoe pricing.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
At $140 it is one of the best values in the lightweight trainer category.
Which one to choose
Choose ASICS Magic Speed 5 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want more foam under you
- you want a carbon plate
- its upper is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo runs
- Interval workouts
- 5K and 10K racing
Choose New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- price matters
- its cushioning is what you care about most
- its value is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Daily training
- Tempo runs
- Easy long runs
Specifications
- Category
- Tempo / workout
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $180
- $150$30 less
- Weight
- 196 g30 g lighter
- 226 g
- Drop
- 7 mm
- 6 mm1 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 37.5 / 30.5 mm3.5 mm more stack
- 34 / 28 mm
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- No plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- FF LEAP / FF BLAST PLUS
- FuelCell
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE