Canva/New Balance

New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 | £180 | Tester: Laura Fountain

The New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 could be the only shoe you need in your collection.

The New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 is a bold step for a brand that’s in the business of selling running shoes. Because it might just be the only pair you need. The shoe that sits somewhere between a traditional daily trainer and a race-day supershoe and it’s versatile enough to do both jobs. Featuring the brand’s Infinion foam alongside an engineered propulsion plate, it’s designed to inject a little race-day excitement into everyday training.

New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 technical details

Price: £180
Weight: 174g (women’s 7)
Drop: 4mm
Stack: 40mm/36mm
Foam: Infinion
Special technology: Precision engineered propulsion plate

Image: New Balance

Who and what is this shoe for?

This is an ideal shoe for runners who don’t want a different trainer for every session. Whether you’re heading out for an easy run, tackling marathon-paced miles, running a tempo session or simply logging everyday mileage, the SuperComp Rebel v1 feels capable of handling it all. It’s hard to think of many shoes that cover such a broad range of runs so well.

If you’ve run in the FuelCell Rebel, forget everything you know about that because this is a completely different shoe and has a lot more pep to it.

How does it fit?

I found the SuperComp Rebel v1 runs slightly small. I normally wear a UK 6 in New Balance running shoes, but I was sent a UK 6.5 and found it to be the perfect fit, so I’d recommend considering going up half a size if you’re unsure. Once on, the fit is secure but comfortable. The lightweight translucent mesh upper feels breathable and disappears on the foot, while FANTOMFIT keeps the midfoot locked down without creating pressure points.

Is the New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 comfortable?

When it comes to comfort, the SuperComp Rebel v1 gets the balance just right for me. The Infinion foam feels soft enough to soak up easy miles without becoming overly squishy, while still delivering plenty of rebound when you start to push the pace. It’s one of those shoes that feels comfortable from the first step but never feels dull.

Image: Laura Fountain

New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 run test

I’ve been out for three runs in the shoes so far – mainly steady runs with some strides thrown in to push the pace. And the shoe has coped with it all.

It immediately made running feel easy, which has been a big plus as I’m building back up after injury. From the first few strides, it felt smooth and effortless, with the rocker and propulsion plate gently encouraging me forwards rather than forcing me onto my toes. It isn’t an aggressive plated shoe, but there’s a subtle assistance to every stride.

What impressed me most was its versatility. I could happily cruise through an easy run in complete comfort, yet when I increased the pace the shoe responded immediately with a noticeable punch. It has enough bounce to make tempo sessions enjoyable without ever feeling unstable or overly springy.

Unlike some performance shoes that only really come alive at race pace, the SuperComp Rebel v1 feels happy at almost every speed. While it’s not strictly designed as a race shoe (and New Balance would probably prefer you to buy the upcoming SuperComp Elite v6 for race day) for those who don’t want or need a high end racing shoe, this will more than do the job of getting you to the finish line.

Where can I buy it?

The New Balance SuperComp Rebel v1 is available from New Balance and other retailers from 20 August.

Looking for the perfect shoe? Check out our favourite New Balance running shoes.