Thanks for the review. Your content is always quality! Loving mine! Rotating 1080 v13, Rebel v4, and SC Trainer v3 currently. Happy with this training setup. Saving SC Elite v4 for upcoming races. I'm occasionally throwing in other brands for some runs, but New Balance has won me over this year.
I purchased these in Sept for easy and long runs, and I quite enjoy them, so much Ive got the Elite nows as well for next race. I greatly appreciate your in depth shoe reviews and high quality content!
Really been waiting for your review of SC Trainer 4. Your reviews have always worked well for me in past and I am encouraged to hear your comments. I need another pair to alternate on long runs for my SB OG’s and I will go get these from my local store. Thank you!!!!
This shoe is interesting for me. I only started loving it after running 55 miles in. The foam took a little while for me to break in. I actually really like the rocker feel of this shoe and it definitely is a work horse shoe. The past 3 weeks, I have done my weekend long runs with SC trainer V3 plus SC Elite V4. Doing the first 3/4 of the long run with the trainer and switching to the Elite for the last 1/4 of the run, it actually surprised me a lot! Instantly, I felt the Elite is a race day shoe for sure! Anyway this is just my own thoughts after running in these shoes. I really appreciate NB still make 2E shoes, especially super shoes for wide feet people. Thanks once again Ko for the thorough review of this shoe! Always appreciate your reviews. 🙏🏼☺
I personally can’t seem to get along with this shoe after 50km and thought about exchanging them for the elites. What do you think? Money is not the issue here and I really wanted something more nimble.
Completely agree on the break-in, although it was somewhere around 20 miles for me. I use it for long runs and have done a few 50k training days and only got it broken in after a bit. But it absolutely wrecks my left toe like I've never had before, and I train in the Rebel v4. So these are going back, unfortunately.
I just saw the More V5 and Balos drop by my local store. I saw the More V5. I saw the Balos. I saw the 1080 V13. I saw my wallet. My wallet cried. I went out of the store.
Everyone forgets the first version of this shoe, fuelcell TC that came out in like 2018/2019. That was the first real "super trainer" not named Zoom Fly
Fuelcell TC is one of my all time favorite shoes and nothing like any of the SC Trainers. I guess I could check with New Balance about this, but from what I understand, the SC Trainer is not a continuation of the Fuelcell TC. The Fuelcell TC and Fuelcell RC Elite were released in the same year. In the next year, the RC Elite went from version 1 to SC Elite v2. The Fuelcell TC had one version. It was discontinued and then there was a SC Trainer (v1). the numbering didn't continue, and it explains why there is a numbering variance between the SC Trainer and the SC Elite. I could be remembering things wrong though.
@@kofuzi you are correct! Not technically a continuation of the TC but the lineage still follows, being that it’s still the Training Companion to the Elite. That shoe basically started the whole super trainer category. The Zoom Fly was treated more as a budget racer than a training companion
@kofuzi the main difference in cresting the then new SC Trainer was to make it an illegal stack height of foam to train in. Additionally the old TC name seemed to confuse people so someone at new balance slapped the table and said hence forth it will be SC Trainer amd SC Elite vs training companion and Racing competition
The TC and the RC Elite had the squishiest foam of any of the shoes my wife and I tried that year. The Vaporfly Next % was the place to be though...if you could get it!! We started following Kofuzi and Seth about then incidentally too.
@@jollyroger1009 yeah we sometimes forget how hard Vaporfly’s were to get a hold of. I work in the industry and barely got my hands on them. Nike couldn’t get ahold of enough Zoom X at the time since they didn’t own the production of it so they only got in 4-5,000 at a time, and a certain amount has to go to the pro’s
I know you wanted to avoid the comparison, but I need to ask… Would you choose the SC Trainer 3 or Superblast 2 to run a marathon? I’ll finish Chicago somewhere around 3:50 so I’m prioritizing comfort over top speed.
Thanks Mike I always appreciate your honest and balanced review (excuse the pun). Have been purchasing all my shoes based on your review over a long period of time so just wanted to say I appreciate your work mate
I am not a runner, being heavy weight working on reducing it to some day being able to run a 10k marathon... I got the Rebel v4... so while doing long walking or short runs... they are the best shoes I got.
SC Trainer 1 is super fun! Especially if you wanna rest a bit. The heel part can help reduce impact. Then sprint like hell after once you're good to go. 😅
One property that I don't value highly in a long-run shoe: "character." I've been appreciating the so-called blandness of this shoe every time I take it out for a long run. It takes good care of my old legs, tired feet, and heavy frame in a way that a wilder, more squirrely shoe wouldn't. At the same time, it has enough in the foam and the plate to let me get in some more zesty miles. I'm a big fan.
The O.G SC Trainer V1 was the G.O.A.T. I don't think New Balance has it in them to put out another SC Trainer as good as that one was. They definitely broke the mold with that one.
Since you included the Kinvara Pro as a firmer, more stable alternative, I would add the Brooks Hyperion Max2 for consideration for those who aren’t among the multitude here who love squashy, marshmallowy midsoles. I have them and they’re ideal for my LR's with GMP miles within.
I miss the SC Trainer V1 so much, have never found another shoe for every day I had this much fun running in. Loved the squishy and soft feeling. V2 was a big disappointment for me. I was really hoping V3 would go back to the original concept. I will try the Balos, maybe it's the one for me.
Just bought the NB Elite V4 for race day, I'm super happy with it. Now I'm between the Asics super last 2 and the NB trainer V3. So far I'm feeling the V3 for training💯.
As someone who uses the sc trainer v2 as my daily trainer, It seems I'll be okay with the v3 when it's time to retire the v2. I've been appreciating the more "boring" feel of the shoe after getting lots of injuries running too much last year haha. V2 seems to give me the paces i need with a bit more stability. Cheers for another great review.
I have been using my SC Trainer v3s for long runs and progression runs too. I feel what most people feel about this shoe. 65 miles in and I'm not hating them, but I'm not really loving them either. They are just adequate for what I use them for. I used to run in the fresh foam 1080 v13s for my longer runs. These runs tend to be a steady state (moderate) as opposed to easy or slow. I just wasn't getting the paces I wanted out of them. Since I really had to work harder with all that squish. I do feel the SC Trainer is helping me more in keeping my steady state runs at where I want them, without really having to put in more of effort to do it.
By far at least for me the best reviewer out there - Very curious to know overall how different you feel the SC trainer is from the current SC Elite and also if you had a chance to design your perfect NB rotation not limiting to one side or another what it would be? I hopefully can hop on the live stream on Thursday and could be discussed there as well.
I am a larger 300# runner and I have every shoe in the Fuel Cell Line. This year I used Rebel v4 most of my daily miles leading up to my spring marathon. I ran the spring marathon in the SC elite to a personal best. I recently got the Sc trainer V3 and it is my favorite shoe. Feet feel great after long runs and I raced a 5k in it. It might be heavy for some but not for me. I am excited for it. The Rebel “died” after 130 miles but I still use it for 1-2 mile runs.
Do you feel like the rebel and trainer fit similarly? I have several pairs of rebels and need a half marathon shoe. Last half I used the rebel and I don’t really have any complaints but if the trainer is even better…
I use the SC Trainer v3 for long runs, and have done three 50k training days and only got it broken in after 20 miles or so. But the toebox is tight and it absolutely wrecks my left toe with blisters like I've never had before (and I use Injinji socks). This seems to be a very common complaint, so unfortunately these are going back. Too bad, as I love the Rebel v4 that I use for short run days.
plate position matters. what's in the forefoot matters. if you look at the outsole of the SC Trainer v1, the plate is so close to the ground that could only add a piece of rubber underneath it. there wasn't enough room for foam and rubber under the forefoot. the plate in the SC Trainer v1 starts out high in the heel and then swoops low to this extreme position in the forefoot. this tends to make a shoe feel softer in the heel but more firm in the forefoot. a great example of this is the Metaspeed Edge Paris vs the Metaspeed Sky Paris. they are the same last, the same foam, the same heel drops, and the same stack heights. the only difference is plate position. one feels great for me. the other feels like its very firm in the forefoot. the one that feels firm in the forefoot is the one with low forefoot plate position. another thing to consider is that the forefoot of the SC Trainer v1 is very different than the forefoot of the alphafly (doesn't matter which version). so even if its true that they have the same stack height in the forefoot, your foot doesn't feel the same thing.
New Balance really ruined the v2 by lowering the stack. As a forefoot striker, I really missed the soft squishy feel of the v1. I feel lucky to still have 2 pairs of v1.
This is not a runners question. I work all day everyday in and around a cricket stadium. I absolutely love the aesthetics of the SC version 3. Could I get through a day in this shoe and still feel comfy despite the carbon plate? I’m currently working in superblast 2 which is a non carbon plated shoe.
@kofuzi, as you brought the NB Balos to this video, I would like to ask you smthg related to that. As you've mentioned on that video, you felt pain on the 'pads of your feet' (which I believe is the metatarsal area, also known as 'ball of the foot'). Are you still having that problem? I ask coz I have suffered with the same issue, specifically in my last two half-marathons races, which I ran with my Puma Deviate Nitro 2, and started feeling sharp pain on the pad of my left forefoot, which is almost unbearable (the last race I gave up at 10k). That said, I would like to hear from you which pair of shoes would be a good option to, at least, minimise the suffering 😅. As my intended race pace is 4'55"/Km, I've been thinking about running with a good cushioned shoe, probably without any type of blade/plate (coz I think that could be part of the cause of my pain...what you think?). As options, I've been considering Asics Superblast (2), Saucony Triumph (20 or 21), NB 1080 v13, NB Balos... What you think? Any opinion you think could help me? Cheers! (P.S.: Sorry for the looong dissertation...😅)
Can’t decide if I like it or not, after around 50km. Where I live (EU) the elite is not much more expensive, do you think it’s worth exchanging? I wanted something more agile but this feels clunky. The majority of my fast miles I do in puma velocity nitro 3. Thanks for the video!
life's too short to run in shoes you don't like. if your running store will take back a shoe you ran 50k in, then I'd say exchange it. but be super nice to that running store and make sure you give them a lot of business. they're really going above and beyond to get your business.
To me the Balos felt more like the V2 then the V3 when i tried them. Went with the Balos and am very happy with them. The Balos also felt like it had more rocker, similar to how I felt when running in Endorphin speed 3's.
Do you find that plated shoes for long runs, create more unwarranted shin splints, even with proper form? Also for runners that weigh around 185 ~ 215, do you find they will get more "bounce/plate activation"?
I just bought the trainer V3 - coming from the New Balance SC Elite - and did two 5K runs. My impression: the trainer is much heavier. You feel it when you hold the shoe and of course, when you wear and run it. The sole is much harder and the cushion is not as great as the elite. Because of the harder sole, I hope the durability will be better than the elite.I felt slightly uncomfortable in the trainer and the side of my feet hurt a little bit while running. I guess these shoes need some break in time. The elite felt great and comfortable out of the box from km 1 onwards. Am I happy with the trainer? No. If I could turn back time, I would more like to buy a new pair of the SC4 Elite
I think I made the right decision w the Balos. Boy my legs needed a recovery shoe from a 8 mile run and 2 softball games from the day prior. Thx Kofuzi!
New Balance is our lord and savior. Kinda sucks that I can't really branch out into other brands but at least NB has a massive lineup now to choose from.
@@rfezzie I used to wear hyperion tempo shoes until I realised how narrow they were for my feet. I had to stop a 5k because they were rubbing against the inner arch of my foot and the pain was too much
@@chunkplunkI don’t think that my feet are wide but I find some shoes narrow especially in toe box area. It’s as if they made shoes like cars with aero dynamic qualities with very narrow toe box. Sometimes shoes look like a shark.
They made a 80/20% EVA/PEBA blend midsole and are trying to charge a full PEBA midsole price. Now maybe this blend is the right balance between longevity and performance, but every other company is able to use 100% PEBA for a similar price. And so far I have found PEBA to have a very long lifespan. Just leans towards NB saving on costs, but charging a premium price... If this shoe can't handle both pure long runs AND pace injections for MP/HMP....shoe seems pointless. Or I should say, outclassed by numerous other shoes from other companies.
I couldn't wear v1of the sc trainer. I was one of those people who had issues with the collar rubbing my ankle. V2 was nice, but after 75-100 miles the midsloe lost it's pop. I do LOVE the sc elite v3 and 4. I really hate the direction they went with for the rebel. Every year they added more stack and more arch support. I can't wear v4 rebel unfortunately
Thanks for the content. A quick question, if price is not an issue. Would you go for Elite V4, pacer V2 or Trainer V3 for more comfortable ride on half marathon runs yet keeping an acceptable pace?
I think it depends on whether you're a responder to the Trainer v3 or not. I think it's not necessarily for me, and I'd probably pick the Elite v4 as the most comfortable for a half marathon, of the three you've listed. but your questions specifies comfortable "yet keeping an acceptable pace" and for that, I think it could substantially change the answer depending on what you mean by that. all of the three shoes are comfortable for half marathon distance racing, imo, and I'd personally race in the Pacer v2, of the three shoes you've listed. I hope that makes sense.
Spectacular explanation! I'm a new runner, I'm training for marathon on Gly21 and Rebel V4. And I'm thinking of buying the SC Trainer V3 to be my race day shoes (didn't try it yet). Am I on the right path hear?
Hey Kofuzi! Nice long hair.. how long did it take you to grow yours? I’m trying to let grow mine grow, and it’s starting to look kind of whack (the awkward phase I guess). How do you maintain it looking so healthy?
Was waiting for this review for a while. The only question I have is - How they compare against Adidas Boston 12? I’m enjoying the Bostons now but think of replacing them with the SC Trainers in the next season. Could you please share?
Hope Kofuzi answer you, but if you are open to suggestion, i think that if you like the feel of a boston 12 you’d maybe prefer the Saucony Endorphin speed 4 or even the puma deviate nitro 3, I’d even go Brooks Hyperion 2 before that one lol … that’s just the opinion of a fellow runner
I think the Boston 12 is a fantastic comparison. They weight about the same and are good at about the same things (which some will find controversial because some people are still of the mindset that the Boston is a speedwork shoe). I’d say the Boston is better at easy paces and is more cushioned. If I had to do a workout, I’d prefer the SC Trainer v3
I picked the SC Elite V3 this past week. I do think it would be a better shoe if it was 1.5 ounces lighter. For Florida weather the Fantom Fit is too much material. But maybe the upper holds your foot to be able to lift the shoe. I do enjoy running in the shoe. It's very comfortable and cushioned. I struggle with anything faster than half marathon pace in it, due to weight. Great shoe.
Anytime I try a carbon plated shoe it seems to agitate an old knee injury. Perhaps that’s in my head. I currently have Asics Magic Speed 4 and Nike Vaporfly 3. But is there a race day shoe currently on the market that you’d recommend that is light, responsive, comfortable, and doesn’t have a carbon plate?
No knock on you, I just have different mechanics - but I normally like the opposite of your review opinion. So the “lack of fun and stability” in the SC trainer may just work for me…
After a few ankle and knee injuries, I'm only using max-cushion shoes for all sessions and racing. The best balance I found was to use NB More for easy miles (whatever the distance) and NB SC Trainer for everything else, including racing 5k, 10k, 21k or marathon. So far, it's working. Any other suggestions?
hi Kofuzi, I am looking for a mid stack shoe for easy miles and recovery beacuse my (narrow) feet (toes) get numb running in high stack cushioned shoes. I prefer a snug feel shoe with a grippy outsole due to weather conditions in autumn and winter time. What would you advise for that usecase?
For a heavier runner, maybe the bit firmer ride compared to V1 is a good thing. If the shoes are too squishy, I sink into them. Overall it seems like these look cooler than the feel which is too bad. Still want to try them though 😊
The second one was perfect. This third one is huge and bulky feeling. Second one fit like a glove and made you feel like you were floating on air and springing through rainbow fields
Some good options: Novablast 4, 1080v13, Mach 6, Rebel v4, Endorphin Speed 4. I went through officer basic last year and I used a pair of Mach 5s. If I could do it all again with this year's shoes, I'd choose the Endorphin Speed 4.
Why is this so heavy?? Got my second pair of rebel v4s and love them. They are so good and light. I’d try the sc trainers if the bring out a better colorway so I can justify the crazy price tag
I just wish they would go back to the OG design idea. Over stack height limits, bouncy, squishy, protectiong for long runs but still could get going. I feel like people complained too much about the weight but that was a feature, not a bug. Heavier show to train in makes lighter race day show feel even lighter. Every version after one has been a big miss for me personally. This looks to be similar. This new shoe is basically a tempo shoe that there are too many better options out there for and cheaper.
I wasn’t a fan of this shoe at all. The foam felt too mushy, which made me adjust my gait and ended up causing knee pain. On the bright side, the upper is great.
NB for me has been best for me for all types of runs. Have SC v1(1 pair 350miles another only 25) SC v2 Rebel 3/4 1080 v13 more v4/5 and soon SC v3 to try out. Need to get my hands on the balos and SC Elite or Pacer but my wallet can’t handle it and my wife would kill me spending $5-600 on 2-3 pairs 😅
Thanks for summarize all the entire New Balance lineup.
Thanks for the beautiful comparisons of the SC Trainer v3 with other shoes and the summary!!
I really like the explanation of the lineup, in this and in some other recent videos, that put the shoe in its context. Thank you @kofuzi !
Thanks for the review. Your content is always quality!
Loving mine! Rotating 1080 v13, Rebel v4, and SC Trainer v3 currently. Happy with this training setup. Saving SC Elite v4 for upcoming races. I'm occasionally throwing in other brands for some runs, but New Balance has won me over this year.
I purchased these in Sept for easy and long runs, and I quite enjoy them, so much Ive got the Elite nows as well for next race. I greatly appreciate your in depth shoe reviews and high quality content!
Really been waiting for your review of SC Trainer 4. Your reviews have always worked well for me in past and I am encouraged to hear your comments. I need another pair to alternate on long runs for my SB OG’s and I will go get these from my local store. Thank you!!!!
This shoe is interesting for me. I only started loving it after running 55 miles in. The foam took a little while for me to break in. I actually really like the rocker feel of this shoe and it definitely is a work horse shoe. The past 3 weeks, I have done my weekend long runs with SC trainer V3 plus SC Elite V4. Doing the first 3/4 of the long run with the trainer and switching to the Elite for the last 1/4 of the run, it actually surprised me a lot! Instantly, I felt the Elite is a race day shoe for sure! Anyway this is just my own thoughts after running in these shoes. I really appreciate NB still make 2E shoes, especially super shoes for wide feet people. Thanks once again Ko for the thorough review of this shoe! Always appreciate your reviews. 🙏🏼☺
I personally can’t seem to get along with this shoe after 50km and thought about exchanging them for the elites. What do you think? Money is not the issue here and I really wanted something more nimble.
Completely agree on the break-in, although it was somewhere around 20 miles for me. I use it for long runs and have done a few 50k training days and only got it broken in after a bit. But it absolutely wrecks my left toe like I've never had before, and I train in the Rebel v4. So these are going back, unfortunately.
Congrats for 200.000 subscribers! As always, great review!
I just saw the More V5 and Balos drop by my local store. I saw the More V5. I saw the Balos. I saw the 1080 V13. I saw my wallet. My wallet cried. I went out of the store.
Just consider them as investment for your health. It's more expensive to be unhealthy and your wallet would cry even more. That's my rationalization 😇
@@reselvski And to be extra safe invest a lot in your health. Buy a bunch of running shoes. Like two. Or three. Or thirteen
Your wallet cried because you bought all these three pairs? 🎉 Or your wallet cried and you bought nothing?
Just wait for new model and buy last year on clearance right when it comes out.
@@reselvski I do!! I have a Boston 12 and More V4 right now. Will have to squeeze all the mileage I can get from them first. 😋
Couldn't agree more. I loved the older blend of foam, a little less stable but so much more forgiving & fun.
Everyone forgets the first version of this shoe, fuelcell TC that came out in like 2018/2019. That was the first real "super trainer" not named Zoom Fly
Fuelcell TC is one of my all time favorite shoes and nothing like any of the SC Trainers.
I guess I could check with New Balance about this, but from what I understand, the SC Trainer is not a continuation of the Fuelcell TC.
The Fuelcell TC and Fuelcell RC Elite were released in the same year. In the next year, the RC Elite went from version 1 to SC Elite v2.
The Fuelcell TC had one version. It was discontinued and then there was a SC Trainer (v1). the numbering didn't continue, and it explains why there is a numbering variance between the SC Trainer and the SC Elite.
I could be remembering things wrong though.
@@kofuzi you are correct! Not technically a continuation of the TC but the lineage still follows, being that it’s still the Training Companion to the Elite. That shoe basically started the whole super trainer category. The Zoom Fly was treated more as a budget racer than a training companion
@kofuzi the main difference in cresting the then new SC Trainer was to make it an illegal stack height of foam to train in. Additionally the old TC name seemed to confuse people so someone at new balance slapped the table and said hence forth it will be SC Trainer amd SC Elite vs training companion and Racing competition
The TC and the RC Elite had the squishiest foam of any of the shoes my wife and I tried that year. The Vaporfly Next % was the place to be though...if you could get it!! We started following Kofuzi and Seth about then incidentally too.
@@jollyroger1009 yeah we sometimes forget how hard Vaporfly’s were to get a hold of. I work in the industry and barely got my hands on them. Nike couldn’t get ahold of enough Zoom X at the time since they didn’t own the production of it so they only got in 4-5,000 at a time, and a certain amount has to go to the pro’s
I know you wanted to avoid the comparison, but I need to ask… Would you choose the SC Trainer 3 or Superblast 2 to run a marathon? I’ll finish Chicago somewhere around 3:50 so I’m prioritizing comfort over top speed.
Both are friggin good options. Love both so much
Thanks Mike I always appreciate your honest and balanced review (excuse the pun). Have been purchasing all my shoes based on your review over a long period of time so just wanted to say I appreciate your work mate
Thanks for the support!
Great review! Appreciate the rundown of both NB lines.
glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the review!! Tried it in the store and liked it. Planning on getting it soon
hope you enjoy!
I am not a runner, being heavy weight working on reducing it to some day being able to run a 10k marathon... I got the Rebel v4... so while doing long walking or short runs... they are the best shoes I got.
Hey Kofusi, you are the best !
SC Trainer 1 is super fun! Especially if you wanna rest a bit. The heel part can help reduce impact. Then sprint like hell after once you're good to go. 😅
One property that I don't value highly in a long-run shoe: "character." I've been appreciating the so-called blandness of this shoe every time I take it out for a long run. It takes good care of my old legs, tired feet, and heavy frame in a way that a wilder, more squirrely shoe wouldn't. At the same time, it has enough in the foam and the plate to let me get in some more zesty miles. I'm a big fan.
The O.G SC Trainer V1 was the G.O.A.T. I don't think New Balance has it in them to put out another SC Trainer as good as that one was. They definitely broke the mold with that one.
I only have 130 miles on my pair. I think I’ll get another 200 in them.
Good description. Like from 🇪🇸 Spain. Have a great day.
Appreciate the way you brought in the Mizuno, I would have probably not considered that.
Since you included the Kinvara Pro as a firmer, more stable alternative, I would add the Brooks Hyperion Max2 for consideration for those who aren’t among the multitude here who love squashy, marshmallowy midsoles. I have them and they’re ideal for my LR's with GMP miles within.
I miss the SC Trainer V1 so much, have never found another shoe for every day I had this much fun running in. Loved the squishy and soft feeling.
V2 was a big disappointment for me. I was really hoping V3 would go back to the original concept.
I will try the Balos, maybe it's the one for me.
Could be Balos. Could be Neo Vista that you’re looking for
Neo Vista
@@kofuzi Just finished the video and already looking for the neo :D
Will be my first Mizuno shoes, I hope they will fit my wider feet.
@@Texaner333
Wider feet for Neo Vista ? Its snug fit try both size TTS and 1size up
Totally agree. V1 was amazing and V2 was a massive disappointment and V3 seems to be different again. There’s no consistency to this lineup.
Just bought the NB Elite V4 for race day, I'm super happy with it. Now I'm between the Asics super last 2 and the NB trainer V3. So far I'm feeling the V3 for training💯.
Superblast much better
Is Superblast softer than Novablast? I found the novablast to be too stiff.
No much stiffer than NB
Loooove the look of this and the Rebel v4
The superblast has been serving me well on my long run. I’m very much interested to try this shoes soon 😊
I had the version 1 and i loved the the shoe. I am due some new shoes. I may get these.
As someone who uses the sc trainer v2 as my daily trainer, It seems I'll be okay with the v3 when it's time to retire the v2. I've been appreciating the more "boring" feel of the shoe after getting lots of injuries running too much last year haha. V2 seems to give me the paces i need with a bit more stability. Cheers for another great review.
I have the v1 and can’t quite let go of them yet..
I have been using my SC Trainer v3s for long runs and progression runs too. I feel what most people feel about this shoe. 65 miles in and I'm not hating them, but I'm not really loving them either. They are just adequate for what I use them for. I used to run in the fresh foam 1080 v13s for my longer runs. These runs tend to be a steady state (moderate) as opposed to easy or slow. I just wasn't getting the paces I wanted out of them. Since I really had to work harder with all that squish. I do feel the SC Trainer is helping me more in keeping my steady state runs at where I want them, without really having to put in more of effort to do it.
By far at least for me the best reviewer out there - Very curious to know overall how different you feel the SC trainer is from the current SC Elite and also if you had a chance to design your perfect NB rotation not limiting to one side or another what it would be? I hopefully can hop on the live stream on Thursday and could be discussed there as well.
I am a larger 300# runner and I have every shoe in the Fuel Cell Line. This year I used Rebel v4 most of my daily miles leading up to my spring marathon. I ran the spring marathon in the SC elite to a personal best. I recently got the Sc trainer V3 and it is my favorite shoe. Feet feel great after long runs and I raced a 5k in it. It might be heavy for some but not for me. I am excited for it. The Rebel “died” after 130 miles but I still use it for 1-2 mile runs.
Do you feel like the rebel and trainer fit similarly? I have several pairs of rebels and need a half marathon shoe. Last half I used the rebel and I don’t really have any complaints but if the trainer is even better…
@@chrishernandez2691similar yes, the Rebel might be slight wider feel. The SC Trainer 3 definitely more lively
I use the SC Trainer v3 for long runs, and have done three 50k training days and only got it broken in after 20 miles or so. But the toebox is tight and it absolutely wrecks my left toe with blisters like I've never had before (and I use Injinji socks). This seems to be a very common complaint, so unfortunately these are going back. Too bad, as I love the Rebel v4 that I use for short run days.
V1 had no stack height in the forefoot?! It had the same as an Alphafly has in the heel! Please explain.
plate position matters. what's in the forefoot matters.
if you look at the outsole of the SC Trainer v1, the plate is so close to the ground that could only add a piece of rubber underneath it. there wasn't enough room for foam and rubber under the forefoot.
the plate in the SC Trainer v1 starts out high in the heel and then swoops low to this extreme position in the forefoot. this tends to make a shoe feel softer in the heel but more firm in the forefoot.
a great example of this is the Metaspeed Edge Paris vs the Metaspeed Sky Paris. they are the same last, the same foam, the same heel drops, and the same stack heights. the only difference is plate position. one feels great for me. the other feels like its very firm in the forefoot. the one that feels firm in the forefoot is the one with low forefoot plate position.
another thing to consider is that the forefoot of the SC Trainer v1 is very different than the forefoot of the alphafly (doesn't matter which version). so even if its true that they have the same stack height in the forefoot, your foot doesn't feel the same thing.
New Balance really ruined the v2 by lowering the stack. As a forefoot striker, I really missed the soft squishy feel of the v1. I feel lucky to still have 2 pairs of v1.
Would you advice to buy v3 or v2 for the slower runner ( around 3:50-4h marathon) ?
Between the Balos and SC Trainer, I think I will pick the SC Trainer based on the design alone/how it looks. Haha. Regardless, another great review!
This is not a runners question. I work all day everyday in and around a cricket stadium. I absolutely love the aesthetics of the SC version 3. Could I get through a day in this shoe and still feel comfy despite the carbon plate? I’m currently working in superblast 2 which is a non carbon plated shoe.
Still use my SC trainer 1 exclusively for long runs(above 21km)
@kofuzi, as you brought the NB Balos to this video, I would like to ask you smthg related to that.
As you've mentioned on that video, you felt pain on the 'pads of your feet' (which I believe is the metatarsal area, also known as 'ball of the foot'). Are you still having that problem?
I ask coz I have suffered with the same issue, specifically in my last two half-marathons races, which I ran with my Puma Deviate Nitro 2, and started feeling sharp pain on the pad of my left forefoot, which is almost unbearable (the last race I gave up at 10k).
That said, I would like to hear from you which pair of shoes would be a good option to, at least, minimise the suffering 😅.
As my intended race pace is 4'55"/Km, I've been thinking about running with a good cushioned shoe, probably without any type of blade/plate (coz I think that could be part of the cause of my pain...what you think?).
As options, I've been considering Asics Superblast (2), Saucony Triumph (20 or 21), NB 1080 v13, NB Balos...
What you think? Any opinion you think could help me?
Cheers!
(P.S.: Sorry for the looong dissertation...😅)
Triumph or Superblast
How does the “squish” in the foam of this show compito that of this year’s Rebel or the Elite?
That Soar singlet you have is peak Jojo's Bizarre Adventure aesthetic.
Hi Kofuzi, could the SC Trainer v3 be a nice choice for a marathon race around 8:30 pace?
The SC Trainer V3 is more Rebel V4 Plus than SC Trainer if that makes sense. I love the Rebel V4
V1 is the best 🐐
Can’t decide if I like it or not, after around 50km. Where I live (EU) the elite is not much more expensive, do you think it’s worth exchanging? I wanted something more agile but this feels clunky. The majority of my fast miles I do in puma velocity nitro 3. Thanks for the video!
life's too short to run in shoes you don't like. if your running store will take back a shoe you ran 50k in, then I'd say exchange it. but be super nice to that running store and make sure you give them a lot of business. they're really going above and beyond to get your business.
@@kofuzi thank you very much! It’s a NB store owned by the corporation and the people there couldn’t care less - they always take in returns :)
To me the Balos felt more like the V2 then the V3 when i tried them. Went with the Balos and am very happy with them. The Balos also felt like it had more rocker, similar to how I felt when running in Endorphin speed 3's.
Does the Balos have the same boosty feel as the SC Trainer v3? I loved the boosty feel and midfoot support of the v3 but curious about Balos
Thank you Mike.
Thanks for watching!
@@kofuzi 🤩
How about a long run/ marathon race day shoe for a 6ft 2in 200lb runner who's looking to finish 4:10-4:20
this vs puma deviate nitro 3 as a workout shoe? fartleks, km, repeats, and sprints?
I thought the V2 was pretty good. It was better than v1, the stack height was too big for a daily trainer or long run shoe. Got 450 miles on v2
Do you find that plated shoes for long runs, create more unwarranted shin splints, even with proper form? Also for runners that weigh around 185 ~ 215, do you find they will get more "bounce/plate activation"?
Nice!💪👟
I just bought the trainer V3 - coming from the New Balance SC Elite - and did two 5K runs. My impression: the trainer is much heavier. You feel it when you hold the shoe and of course, when you wear and run it. The sole is much harder and the cushion is not as great as the elite. Because of the harder sole, I hope the durability will be better than the elite.I felt slightly uncomfortable in the trainer and the side of my feet hurt a little bit while running. I guess these shoes need some break in time. The elite felt great and comfortable out of the box from km 1 onwards. Am I happy with the trainer? No. If I could turn back time, I would more like to buy a new pair of the SC4 Elite
I loved V2. V3 didn't work for me. It hurt my feet despite trying different lacing and inserts. How about the PUMA Deviate Nitro as a comparison?
I went with my usual running shoe size
I picked up the Balos over these I hope I made the right decision.
let us know how it goes for you!
@@kofuzi coming from V2 will do!
I think I made the right decision w the Balos. Boy my legs needed a recovery shoe from a 8 mile run and 2 softball games from the day prior. Thx Kofuzi!
so the balos is alot more fun than sc trainer v3 altho u can run faster efforts in sct3?
Great review !
I want to ask if it’s okay to mix the fresh foam and fuelcell line up together ?
Absolutely. It’s your money and your feet
the answer is YES.
I just tried these on at the local sports store and thought they had a good amount of padding for a low padding shoe, if that makes sense.
it sucks how restricted the shoe market is for people with wide feet like me
They did release a wide 2e fit in the men’s, however it was quite a limited release. I hope this helps.
New Balance is our lord and savior. Kinda sucks that I can't really branch out into other brands but at least NB has a massive lineup now to choose from.
yup
@@rfezzie I used to wear hyperion tempo shoes until I realised how narrow they were for my feet. I had to stop a 5k because they were rubbing against the inner arch of my foot and the pain was too much
@@chunkplunkI don’t think that my feet are wide but I find some shoes narrow especially in toe box area. It’s as if they made shoes like cars with aero dynamic qualities with very narrow toe box. Sometimes shoes look like a shark.
I like the look
Ty
They made a 80/20% EVA/PEBA blend midsole and are trying to charge a full PEBA midsole price. Now maybe this blend is the right balance between longevity and performance, but every other company is able to use 100% PEBA for a similar price. And so far I have found PEBA to have a very long lifespan. Just leans towards NB saving on costs, but charging a premium price...
If this shoe can't handle both pure long runs AND pace injections for MP/HMP....shoe seems pointless. Or I should say, outclassed by numerous other shoes from other companies.
Agree 100%
I couldn't wear v1of the sc trainer. I was one of those people who had issues with the collar rubbing my ankle. V2 was nice, but after 75-100 miles the midsloe lost it's pop. I do LOVE the sc elite v3 and 4. I really hate the direction they went with for the rebel. Every year they added more stack and more arch support. I can't wear v4 rebel unfortunately
NB sc trainer v3 or hoka mach x2?
I really like the shirt
Thanks for the content. A quick question, if price is not an issue. Would you go for Elite V4, pacer V2 or Trainer V3 for more comfortable ride on half marathon runs yet keeping an acceptable pace?
I think it depends on whether you're a responder to the Trainer v3 or not. I think it's not necessarily for me, and I'd probably pick the Elite v4 as the most comfortable for a half marathon, of the three you've listed.
but your questions specifies comfortable "yet keeping an acceptable pace" and for that, I think it could substantially change the answer depending on what you mean by that. all of the three shoes are comfortable for half marathon distance racing, imo, and I'd personally race in the Pacer v2, of the three shoes you've listed.
I hope that makes sense.
Spectacular explanation! I'm a new runner, I'm training for marathon on Gly21 and Rebel V4. And I'm thinking of buying the SC Trainer V3 to be my race day shoes (didn't try it yet). Am I on the right path hear?
yes. also consider sc elite v4
@@kofuzi Elite V4 for a beginner? Thanks!
Hi kofuzi, which one will you choose beetween hoka skyward x, asics superblast 2 or this? Thanks
SB forever ❤
Hey Kofuzi! Nice long hair.. how long did it take you to grow yours? I’m trying to let grow mine grow, and it’s starting to look kind of whack (the awkward phase I guess). How do you maintain it looking so healthy?
Was waiting for this review for a while. The only question I have is - How they compare against Adidas Boston 12? I’m enjoying the Bostons now but think of replacing them with the SC Trainers in the next season. Could you please share?
Hope Kofuzi answer you, but if you are open to suggestion, i think that if you like the feel of a boston 12 you’d maybe prefer the Saucony Endorphin speed 4 or even the puma deviate nitro 3, I’d even go Brooks Hyperion 2 before that one lol … that’s just the opinion of a fellow runner
@@T_bo71 Appreciate it
I think the Boston 12 is a fantastic comparison. They weight about the same and are good at about the same things (which some will find controversial because some people are still of the mindset that the Boston is a speedwork shoe).
I’d say the Boston is better at easy paces and is more cushioned. If I had to do a workout, I’d prefer the SC Trainer v3
@@kofuzi Thank you for the reply!
Interesting! But the European price is €250, which is almost 280 USD… The difference is crazy (and so is asking a full supershoe price for this) 🙈
What is your favorite running watch? Is coros 2/3 a good budget watch
I picked the SC Elite V3 this past week. I do think it would be a better shoe if it was 1.5 ounces lighter. For Florida weather the Fantom Fit is too much material. But maybe the upper holds your foot to be able to lift the shoe. I do enjoy running in the shoe. It's very comfortable and cushioned. I struggle with anything faster than half marathon pace in it, due to weight. Great shoe.
Love SC Elite 3! Looking for something similar to run in.
I wish I could afford a shoes like this one.
I really love running but I can't afford running shoes
How does it compare with the Rebel V4 and the Adios Pro 4?
Anytime I try a carbon plated shoe it seems to agitate an old knee injury. Perhaps that’s in my head. I currently have Asics Magic Speed 4 and Nike Vaporfly 3. But is there a race day shoe currently on the market that you’d recommend that is light, responsive, comfortable, and doesn’t have a carbon plate?
No knock on you, I just have different mechanics - but I normally like the opposite of your review opinion. So the “lack of fun and stability” in the SC trainer may just work for me…
I’m in somewhat of a minority probably, but I think the V1 was a banger. Over 400 mi on 2 pair. Ran 5k, 10k, and 10 milers.
After a few ankle and knee injuries, I'm only using max-cushion shoes for all sessions and racing. The best balance I found was to use NB More for easy miles (whatever the distance) and NB SC Trainer for everything else, including racing 5k, 10k, 21k or marathon. So far, it's working. Any other suggestions?
I have no suggestions if things are currently working for you.
if specific needs develop in the future, let me know.
Hey Kofuzi, does the Balos have the midfoot bouncy feel like the SC Trainer v3?
I just got the sc trainer v4s..do you think they would be good for long distance walking/treadmill walking?
I really want to know how to VS superblast 2
hi Kofuzi, I am looking for a mid stack shoe for easy miles and recovery beacuse my (narrow) feet (toes) get numb running in high stack cushioned shoes. I prefer a snug feel shoe with a grippy outsole due to weather conditions in autumn and winter time. What would you advise for that usecase?
For a heavier runner, maybe the bit firmer ride compared to V1 is a good thing. If the shoes are too squishy, I sink into them. Overall it seems like these look cooler than the feel which is too bad. Still want to try them though 😊
The second one was perfect. This third one is huge and bulky feeling. Second one fit like a glove and made you feel like you were floating on air and springing through rainbow fields
KINVARA PRO is GOATED
Hello Mike, thank you for work you put in every day. I’m looking for a shoe for military basic training can you please recommend something?
Pegasus
@@aminuddinmuhd1490 thanks so much
I've never been through basic training, so please excuse the noob question. but the government doesn't issue footwear for you?
They do offer but I heard they’re uncomfortable and baaad. So I was advised to get some running shoes that will fit properly
Some good options: Novablast 4, 1080v13, Mach 6, Rebel v4, Endorphin Speed 4. I went through officer basic last year and I used a pair of Mach 5s. If I could do it all again with this year's shoes, I'd choose the Endorphin Speed 4.
Anyone else still like knit uppers? 2:24
I don't think that this shoes make sense if with few $ more you can pick the Elite v4 that have way better foam. This one is too firm.
Why is this so heavy?? Got my second pair of rebel v4s and love them. They are so good and light.
I’d try the sc trainers if the bring out a better colorway so I can justify the crazy price tag
New color drops??
Super Blast 2 or SC Trainer 3 ?
What are your times per zone? (Easy, tempo.. etc)?
I just wish they would go back to the OG design idea. Over stack height limits, bouncy, squishy, protectiong for long runs but still could get going.
I feel like people complained too much about the weight but that was a feature, not a bug. Heavier show to train in makes lighter race day show feel even lighter.
Every version after one has been a big miss for me personally. This looks to be similar.
This new shoe is basically a tempo shoe that there are too many better options out there for and cheaper.
whenever Ive run in fresh foam, Ive ended up injured--never again for me. Fuel cell or nothing!
I wasn’t a fan of this shoe at all. The foam felt too mushy, which made me adjust my gait and ended up causing knee pain. On the bright side, the upper is great.
Can you tell me which shoes you’ve been enjoying lately? That would be really helpful for me
@@kofuzi Altra Vanish Tempo and Paradigm, Brooks Hyperion Max 2, and Lems Primal 2.
can u review the 361 flame
NB for me has been best for me for all types of runs. Have SC v1(1 pair 350miles another only 25) SC v2 Rebel 3/4 1080 v13 more v4/5 and soon SC v3 to try out. Need to get my hands on the balos and SC Elite or Pacer but my wallet can’t handle it and my wife would kill me spending $5-600 on 2-3 pairs 😅