New Balance FuelCell Rebel vs Saucony Kinvara
Comparing the current FuelCell Rebel v5 and Kinvara 16. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 4 mm on the Kinvara 16 against 6 mm on the FuelCell Rebel v5. Coming off the FuelCell Rebel v5, the Kinvara 16 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. Both sit in the same role (tempo). The Kinvara 16 lists $10 lower.
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5Men's at AmazonWomen's
- Saucony Kinvara 16Sizes running outMen's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Oct 14, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | FuelCell Rebel v5 | Kinvara 16 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 7.9 oz | 7 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E | D |
| Upper | FantomFit race mesh with a gusseted, padded tongue | Redesigned breathable engineered mesh |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 35 mm | 29 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 29 mm | 25 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 4 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | Soft-tuned PEBA-and-EVA blend FuelCell foam | PWRRUN foam |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $140 | $130 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The FuelCell Rebel has done it 3 times in 5 versions, most recently with the FuelCell Rebel v4 in 2024, and the Kinvara has done it once in 6 versions, most recently with the Kinvara 14 in 2023. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Kinvara has the steadier record.
Buy the FuelCell Rebel v5
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Oct 14, 2026.
Buy the Kinvara 16
Sizes running outDiscontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.
Availability last checked Sep 10, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The New Balance FuelCell Rebel lineage and the Saucony Kinvara lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the New Balance FuelCell Rebel or the Saucony Kinvara lighter?
- The Kinvara 16, by 0.9 oz in a men's US 9 (7 oz against 7.9 oz).
- Can I switch from the New Balance FuelCell Rebel to the Saucony Kinvara?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 2 mm (6 mm on the FuelCell Rebel v5, 4 mm on the Kinvara 16), which changes where your foot loads at landing. Give it two weeks of easy running before a hard session.
- Which is more cushioned, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel or the Saucony Kinvara?
- The FuelCell Rebel v5, on stack height: 35 mm under the heel against 29 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The FuelCell Rebel v5. The FuelCell Rebel v5 runs in D, 2E for men's sizes; the Kinvara 16 runs in D.
- Which costs more, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel or the Saucony Kinvara?
- The FuelCell Rebel v5, by $10 at list ($140 against $130). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated October 14, 2026.