New Balance FuelCell TC Review

 

Background

I was not planning to purchase this shoe due to the number of carbon plated shoes in my rotation but decided to give it a try when I was offered to get it at a discounted price. I had pretty high expectations as I had seen many reviews that sung praises on how it was their shoe of the year.

Upper

• Air Mesh Upper with some thin reinforcement overlays for added structure

Thoughts

The upper is well constructed. It remained breathable in Singapore’s humid weather and felt soft on foot. I very much prefer this upper compared to that of its racing counterpart (RC Elite).

Fit is true-to-size and on the wide side. It accommodates my wide feet well and allows for toe splay.

Lockdown was decent for the paces I was going at. The lacing on this was pretty tricky as it was either too tight or too loose but somehow, I managed to make it work after toying around with the laces.

The heel and ankle collar was just the right amount of plush without being too much.

 

Midsole Technology & Ride

•         FuelCell Foam (EVA +TPU Blend)
•         Full-Length Carbon Fiber Plate

 

Thoughts

I didn’t have the best impression of the TC initially. Coming from the RC Elite, the TC felt very muted in comparison. However, the more stable yet still soft feel grew on me when I used it for easy-steady runs. I really started enjoying it when I practiced good form on the run. The plate is not the most evident on the run but the transitions were smooth.

The bounce, while less than other carbon-plated shoes, is still higher than traditional EVA foams. The FuelCell TC is definitely still considered one of the softest shoes on the market so those who enjoy a plush ride will enjoy this shoe.

I tried going for different types of runs with the TC and found that I struggled a little when I pushed it past tempo pace. There are many other shoes out there that perform better at faster paces.

The lateral flare worked in tandem with my foot strike. However, the geometry of the foam in the medial midfoot combined with the lateral flare forces my foot inwards. I have a neutral foot strike hence this does not affect me that much but overpronators should definitely keep this in mind.

However, this is one of the best ‘do-it-all’ shoes for me. If you can handle the expensive price, the shoe is worth the buy.

 

Outsole & Durability

•        Blown Rubber (Covers the entire forefoot & two strips on the heel area)

Thoughts

Nothing too fancy with the outsole. I like that the outsole coverage on the front portion is generous but there could be some reduction on certain areas to lessen the muted midsole feel.

The triangle pattern seems to work well with grip; I haven’t slipped once in this shoe yet (that includes rainy days). This isn’t the most grippy shoe but it still works well on normal road and pavement surfaces.

The outsole seems to be holding up well. There is very minimal wear throughout the shoe.  

 

Areas of Improvement

-        Include more foam on the medial side for more stability

 

Comparisons

Nike Tempo Next%

Pretty similar weights here, yet the Tempo Next% feels much more clunky. I’ve heard many good reviews on the Tempo but I feel that it’s a hit or miss, in my case the latter. The TC just feels better at every pace. The TC also has a more comfortable upper and heel collar. It's the TC hands down.

Saucony Endorphin Speed (Review Here)

The Endorphin speed is lighter and bouncier than the TC. I would use the TC more for easy-steady runs while I would keep the firmer endorphin speed for faster runs. The upper of the TC also better accommodates my wide feet. The Endorphin Speed is on the more affordable end.

New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite (Review Soon)

The RC Elite is lighter, bouncier and more grippy but much more expensive. Do take note that the RC Elite is also much less stable and is not suited for overpronators. As my foot strike is towards the neutral side, I very much preferred the ride of the RC Elite compared to the TC. That said, the TC’s more muted and stable ride performed really well for me during easy runs.

 

Conclusion

The New Balance FuelCell TC is an amazing do-it-all daily trainer that can be used at almost all paces, while being pretty durable for a shoe in the carbon plated category.