New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
We haven't tested New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15 yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
These do different jobs: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15 is a stability daily trainer, New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 a tempo / workout. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 860 15
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 69/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and stability and split on the ride and upper.
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
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is 103 g lighter.
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15 has 6 mm more foam under the heel.
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15 is the more supportive of the two.
What reviewers say
Ride
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Divisive
A stable, rockered and protective ride for easy miles and walking; the substantial weight makes faster running feel laborious.
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
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Praised
The tall dual-layer Fresh Foam X stack is soft and highly protective, especially in the forefoot.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The taller PEBA-blended FuelCell stack adds protection without making the shoe feel heavy or mushy.
Upper
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Divisive
The roomy toe box and breathable mesh suit wide feet, but the heel counter is harsh and the forefoot volume is low.
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
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Divisive
Outsole coverage is generous and some testers see almost no wear, while lab abrasion results are only average.
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
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Praised
Wet and dry road traction is dependable, but the heel gap collects rocks off-road.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
Traction is reliable on dry and wet roads, with enough grip for light paths.
Stability
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Praised
The Stability Plane plate and medial wedge provide well-integrated support for overpronation and low arches.
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
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15
Praised
At $150 it offers a unique medial-wedge design and high durability, making it good value for easy miles and walking.
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 New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 15 if…
- you want more foam under you
- you want more support
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy runs and recovery days
- Walking and all-day standing
- Overpronators wanting a medial wedge
Choose New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- its ride is what you care about most
- its durability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Daily training
- Tempo runs
- Easy long runs
Specifications
- Category
- Stability daily trainer
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $149.99$0.009999999999990905 less
- $150
- Weight
- 329 g
- 226 g103 g lighter
- Drop
- 6 mm
- 6 mm
- Stack
- 40 / 34 mm6 mm more stack
- 34 / 28 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- No plate
- Stability
- Stability
- Neutral
- Foam
- Fresh Foam X
- FuelCell
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE