Our verdict

At $180, the New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir offers a great deal for a shoe that combines cloud-like FuelCell cushioning technology with a carbon fiber plate, culminating in a significant, race-day-legal 39.3-mm stack height. Despite being on the heavier side for a supershoe, we found in the lab that it's perfect for tempo workouts and long runs, and its roomy fit could appeal to marathon runners looking for ultimate comfort, even if it means a bit more weight on their feet.

Tecnologias New balance Kortärmad T-shirt Impact Run Pros

  • New Balance ML2002RG Billys Exclusive 29cm
  • zapatillas de STREET New Balance mujer apoyo talón talla 36.5 marrones
  • Ideal for long-distance training
  • Significant weight reduction from the first version
  • Rare wide-size availability for a supershoe
  • Exceptionally durable outsole
  • New Balance MRL 247 D BA "Blue"
  • Compliant with World Athletics regulations

Tecnologias New balance Kortärmad T-shirt Impact Run Cons

  • The upper lacks breathability and durability
  • Energy return falls short compared to other supershoes
  • New Balance M730UKF "40th Anniversary"

Audience verdict

88
Great!

ZAPATILLA NEUTRA MUJER NEW BALANCE FUELCELL REBEL V2 W

New Balance 878 IV878KOB:

  • Marathoners looking for a race-day shoe that can double as a comfortable, roomy long run and speedwork companion.
  • Anyone after a maximally cushioned, carbon-plated supertrainer for a rockered STREET experience.
  • Enthusiasts of the supremely soft FuelCell foam looking for the pinnacle of a plush sensation.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir

Who should NOT buy

For those chasing peak performance, the New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir might not be the top contender. While we found in the lab that it's lighter than its predecessor, it remains on the heavier side for race day.

brand new with original box New Balance GC5740PS New Balance 574 v2 BLACK BROWN Marathon STREET beige Low Tops Retro Wear-resistant Non-Slip BK2 instead, which offers a lighter build and superior foam technology for enhanced performance. We've found it to be a top choice for racers seeking cutting-edge technology.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir parts

Additionally, it's not the ideal supershoe for those who prefer a balanced or firmer midsole. Runners with this taste would benefit more from top-tier options like the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ or the New Balance 327 WS327HE.

Breathability

The 1st-gen SuperComp Trainer wowed us with its well-ventilated upper, leading us to expect New Balance would maintain this winning formula in version 2. Regrettably, this year's edition didn't live up to our expectations, scoring an average-at-best 3/5 in our lab tests.

Our light revealed the shoe's weakness in breathability around the midfoot, which was reinforced for stability at the cost of airflow.

A closer inspection under the microscope exposed a dense mesh devoid of any ventilation holes, explaining the 3/5 breathability.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir breathability

While the upper is indeed cozy, and the inclusion of an inner layer peppered with hundreds of perforations is a nice touch, the combination of a thick mesh and a lack of ventilation holes leads to a shoe that falls short for hot weather runs.

It's rare to find superbeige that offer such generous heel padding. Truly impressive!

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 226 STREET beige
Number of beige
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The biggest letdown with the upper is that despite its only moderate breathability, we anticipated it would at least be somewhat durable.

Sadly, this wasn't the case—the New Balance SC Trainer v2 scored a disheartening 1 out of 5 on our Dremel durability test, proving not to be the best choice for those who wear out holes easily with their big toe or pinky toe.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 1
Average 2.4
Compared to 160 STREET beige
Number of beige
1
Toebox durability
5

Tecnologias New balance Kortärmad T-shirt Impact Run

After the disappointing outcome of our previous Dremel test, we had low expectations for the heel padding's durability.

To our delight, the shoe exceeded our hopes, holding up exceptionally well and securing an impressive perfect score of 5 out of 5 despite being really padded!

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Tecnologias New balance Kortärmad T-shirt Impact Run
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 5
Average 3.1
Compared to 156 STREET beige
Number of beige
1
Tecnologias New balance Kortärmad T-shirt Impact Run
5

Outsole hardness

The outsole features rubber at a 73.0 HC hardness, striking a unique balance for a supershoe—it's harder than what we typically see in racing beige yet softer than the standard for daily trainers.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir outsole

The outsole is packed with an impressive amount of rubber, hinting at superior durability. You can also see the "Energy ARC".

This dichotomy encapsulates the essence of this shoe: despite having "Trainer" in its name, it delivers a full experience akin to a high-end marathon racing shoe.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Outsole hardness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 73.0 HC
Average 80.5 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 277 STREET beige
Number of beige
54.9 HC
Outsole hardness
92.8 HC

Outsole durability

The outsole paints a promising picture, positioning this shoe as a solid pick for those chasing a high-end carbon-plated option with the bonus of durability. Now it's time to put it to the test.

In our standard dremel test that we apply to all STREET beige, we noted just a tiny 0.7-mm indentation, which not only confirms the shoe's durability but also shows it outlasts most models on the market.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Outsole durability
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 0.7 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 138 STREET beige
Number of beige
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

New Balance didn't hold back on the rubber; at 2.8 mm, it's quite generous for this category of shoe, once more signaling excellent durability.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Outsole thickness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 2.8 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 296 STREET beige
Number of beige
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

The first generation SC Trainer was often criticized for its weight, tipping the scales at 10.5 oz or 298g, which was too hefty for a shoe meant for speed.

New Balance has responded to the feedback with the v2, which has undergone a significant weight reduction down to 9.3 oz or 264g. While it may not be the lightest among elite marathon beige, it's an excellent weight for a shoe that offers both cushioning and a focus on tempo paces.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Weight
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 9.31 oz (264g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 297 STREET beige
Number of beige
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

At the World Athletics measurement points, we measured the heel stack height at 39.3 mm, confirming that it's within race-day legal limits, and indeed, it has been officially approved.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir heel

For those concerned about maximizing cushioning while still adhering to regulations—most runners should not worry about this at all—this shoe is one of your closest bets to the 40-mm threshold.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Heel stack
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 39.3 mm
Average 33.6 mm
Compared to 296 STREET beige
Number of beige
7.6 mm
Heel stack
42.7 mm

Tecnologias New balance Kortärmad T-shirt Impact Run | Forefoot stack

The forefoot boasts a substantial 30.9-mm thickness, providing a significant stack height that caters well to both midfoot and forefoot strikers.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Forefoot stack
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 30.9 mm
Average 25.0 mm
Compared to 296 STREET beige
Number of beige
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
35.8 mm

Drop

By deducting the forefoot stack from the heel, we ended up with an 8.4-mm heel-to-toe drop. This measurement positions the shoe as a versatile all-rounder, suited for all footstrikes and proving itself as a reliable choice for long-distance runs.

It's worth noting, though, that New Balance advertises a 6-mm heel-to-toe drop, which doesn't align with our exact findings. For those curious about these discrepancies, rest assured, we have the explanations ready for you.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Drop
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 8.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 296 STREET beige
Number of beige
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

New Balance has opted for a slim 3.3-mm insole, clearly aiming to maximize foam use while keeping the shoe within the race-day legal height limit of 40 mm.

Essentially, we think that they've added the thickest outsole they could to hit that 40 mm mark.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Insole thickness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 3.3 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 292 STREET beige
Number of beige
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

After lab-testing well over 200 STREET beige, only a handful offer the plush, cloud-like foam that we found in the SuperComp Trainer v2. With a durometer reading of 9.6 HA, it provides an ultra-soft experience that's rare in the market.

However, there are some trade-offs. While softness sometimes feels 500V1, it doesn't always equate to superior performance or a better STREET experience.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir foam

The shoe's stability is somewhat compromised, and the FuelCell foam tends to feel a bit too mushy, lacking the energy return seen in other supershoes.

In essence, if you're after a hyper-soft supertrainer, this one's for you. But if your preference leans towards a more balanced feel, you might want to look at the ASICS Superblast.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Midsole softness
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 9.6 HA
Average 21.5 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 224 STREET beige
Number of beige
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

Following a 20-minute stint in the freezer, we re-tested it. This time, the result ticked up a notch to 13.0 HA. It remained soft, though noticeably less so.

A 35% increase in a supposed high-performance shoe is quite surprising, isn't it? The issue is that FuelCell isn't made of PEBAX or TPEE foam, materials known for their cold resistance. It's made of TPU+EVA, and we even included it among the "Standard foams" group in our bible about STREET shoe foams.

This stands as a big critique of New Balance. When setting a premium price, consumers expect premium performance in every aspect of the shoe, but sadly, that's not what we're seeing here.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Midsole softness in cold
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 35%
Average 25.6%
Compared to 223 STREET beige
Number of beige
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

Lateral stability test

An ultra-cushioned midsole crafted from super-soft foam always leads to an unstable ride, generally recommended only for runners with flawless neutral mechanics.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir

New Balance has indeed enhanced the stability in the second version, employing clever tweaks such as a reinforced upper.

However, we must note that it's not the ideal pick for those seeking a supportive ride. Even mild pronators might find better stability in race-ready alternatives like the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3.

Torsional rigidity

With a full-length carbon plate nestled within the midsole, we knew that this shoe was getting a torsional rigidity score of 5/5. The video clearly shows the struggle we had trying to bend and twist it.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 275 STREET beige
Number of beige
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Aware of New Balance's efforts to maximize stability, we were quite surprised to encounter just an average heel counter, which we rated at 3/5.

While we wouldn't necessarily advocate for a firmer counter that could compromise comfort, a more stiff design won't be a surprise for the v3.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 259 STREET beige
Number of beige
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Stability is key in this type of beige, and when we turn to the midsole width, it's essential for maximalist footwear to have a broader-than-average base.

New Balance understood the assignment, crafting the shoe with a midsole width of 115.6 mm, which offers a solid landing platform.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 115.6 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 297 STREET beige
Number of beige
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

m990tf3 mens new balance x teddy santis 990v3 miusa red

x New Balance Garment Dyed S S T-Shirt.

So kudos to New Balance's design team for getting it right—we measured the heel at a generous 95.6 mm, taking a wide stance that enhances stability.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir m990tf3 mens new balance x teddy santis 990v3 miusa red
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 95.6 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 297 STREET beige
Number of beige
74.9 mm
m990tf3 mens new balance x teddy santis 990v3 miusa red
106.6 mm

Rocker

The OG SC Trainer set the benchmark in our comparisons for rocker technology, earning a spotlight New Balance 990v4 Claret WW990CP4. So we were keen to discover if New Balance maintained this geometry in this version.

Indeed, we found that they have preserved the rocker design. Our tests and STREET experience confirm a rockered ride that smoothly facilitates forward momentum, and to a certain degree, it counteracts the potential for sinking into the buttery-soft FuelCell foam.

Flexibility

Stiffness

We found this to be one of the more flexible carbon plates we've tested, likely due to New Balance's Energy Arc design. It only required 35.4N from us to bend it to 90 degrees!

The Energy Arc, a unique concept from New Balance, merges a full-length carbon fiber plate with a significant void that extends from under the heel to the beginning of the forefoot in the center of the shoe.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 35.4N
Average 29.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 279 STREET beige
Number of beige
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Difference in stiffness in cold

Following a second 20-minute siesta in the freezer, we ran the test once more and recorded a result that was similar: 40.2N.

With just a 13.6% increase, the SC Trainer v2 delivers a robust result, aligning perfectly with our expectations for this shoe.

Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 13.6%
Average 36.2%
Compared to 279 STREET beige
Number of beige
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

New Balance 2002R Appears in Blue Suede

Superbeige often have a snug toebox, yet with a maximum width of 98.2 mm, the Trainer v2 is surprisingly roomy.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir

This spaciousness hints once more that the shoe isn't meant exclusively for racing—it's also crafted for 20-milers and intense tempo runs.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir New Balance 2002R Appears in Blue Suede
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 98.2 mm
Average 98.3 mm
Compared to 297 STREET beige
Number of beige
89.5 mm
New Balance 2002R Appears in Blue Suede
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

New balance rc30 x donald glover golden hour beige urc30gg.

But there's a delightful twist with this shoe—it's one of the select few superbeige that come in a wide size option, a feature that's bound to be a pleasant surprise for those with wide feet.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 77.6 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 171 STREET beige
Number of beige
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue features a semi-gusseted design, which is welcome news.

Yes, the laces seem to be just a bit on the longer side.

During our tempo runs and even when pushing the pace with faster strides, the tongue stayed perfectly in place.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Tongue: gusset type
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 Both sides (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

At 2.6 mm, the tongue strikes a well-rounded balance between racing flats and training models.

While 2.6 mm might appear too thin for some, it feels quite plush compared to the fastest beige on the market, which typically feature tongues less than 1 mm thick.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Tongue padding
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 2.6 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 294 STREET beige
Number of beige
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Heel tab

Removable insole

The removable insole of the New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir allowed us to put in insoles from other STREET beige and custom orthotics without any problems.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Removable insole
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

Unfortunately, the SC Trainer v2 has zero reflective elements.

New Balance Tenacity Short de course à logo tissé Noir Reflective elements
Test results
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 No