What replaced the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4?
Updated October 14, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Rebel v5 replaced the v4 on July 1, 2025 at the same $140 launch price. It added 5 mm of stack at both ends, softened the familiar PEBA-and-EVA FuelCell blend, revised the upper and outsole, and gained about half an ounce. The result is a more cushioned continuation of the v4 formula, not another identity reset.
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4Men's at AmazonWomen's
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Oct 14, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
At a glance
- The FuelCell Rebel v5 is 0.5 oz heavier
- 5 mm more heel stack
- Drop is unchanged at 6 mm
- New midsole foam
Every spec side by side, with the reason behind each change: FuelCell Rebel v4 vs v5.
Stay on your shoe, or switch?
Refined, same shoeThe v5 turns the v4 into a more cushioned all-rounder without losing the reason to buy a Rebel: it remains light, flexible, and unplated. The softer, taller platform is friendlier on ordinary miles and a touch less precise at speed. V4 owners do not need to rush; everyone else gets the most complete Rebel yet.
Stick with the FuelCell Rebel v4 if
- You use the Rebel mainly for speed and prefer the v4's firmer, more stable response
- Your v4 already fits well; the core PEBA-blend formula and 6 mm geometry remain
Move to the FuelCell Rebel v5 if
- You want more cushion for daily mileage without crossing 8 oz
- The v4 felt a little thin or firm once your runs got longer
What loyalists said about the update
Very positive, with a small v4 loyalist footnote. Reviewers liked the softer landing, easy turnover, roomy forefoot, and breadth from recovery runs to steady workouts. Runners who preferred the v4's firmer snap found the v5 less fast and a little less stable, and some reported pressure from the tongue or laces over the instep.
Still want the original?
Buy remaining FuelCell Rebel v4 stock
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Oct 14, 2026.
Ready to move on?
Beyond the FuelCell Rebel v5, these come closest to what the FuelCell Rebel v4 did.
- 7 oz
- 4 mm drop
- 29 mm heel
- $130 list
The Kinvara is the lower, firmer traditionalist in the same unplated fast-trainer lane. It is lighter and $10 cheaper with a 4 mm drop; the Rebel v5 supplies 6 mm more heel cushion and a softer, bouncier ride.
Against your New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4: 0.4 oz lighter, 1 mm less heel stack, 2 mm less drop, $10 less at list.
- 7.9 oz
- 5 mm drop
- 37 mm heel
- $145 list
The Mach is the closest modern rival: nearly the same weight, price, and daily-plus-tempo job. Its 5 mm rockered platform feels snappier and more directed; the Rebel is softer, more flexible, and roomier up front.
Against your New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4: 0.5 oz heavier, 7 mm more heel stack, 1 mm less drop, $5 more at list.
- 7.8 oz
- 8 mm drop
- 39 mm heel
- $175 list
The Endorphin Speed is the plated step up for long workouts: more stack, an 8 mm drop, and $35 more at list. The Rebel keeps the natural flex and works better when a plate feels unnecessary on ordinary miles.
Against your New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4: 0.4 oz heavier, 9 mm more heel stack, 2 mm more drop, $35 more at list.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel vs Saucony Endorphin Speed, side by side
Questions runners ask
- Is the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 still available?
- Yes. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is still widely stocked on Amazon in both men's and women's sizes, often below its original list price now that a newer version exists.
- Is the FuelCell Rebel v5 a downgrade from the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4?
- No. Most runners rate the FuelCell Rebel v5 as the same shoe done slightly better. The changes are real but none of them alter what the shoe is.
- How much heavier is the FuelCell Rebel v5?
- 0.5 oz heavier in a men's US 9: 7.9 oz against the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4's 7.4 oz.
- What is the closest current alternative to the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4?
- The Saucony Kinvara 16. The Kinvara is the lower, firmer traditionalist in the same unplated fast-trainer lane. It is lighter and $10 cheaper with a 4 mm drop; the Rebel v5 supplies 6 mm more heel cushion and a softer, bouncier ride.