New Balance Men’s FuelCell Propel V2

If you are trying to find a great daily training running shoe, then you may want to get to know more about these New Balance FuelCell Propel V2, a successful successor of the previous version, Propel V1. How did we come to the conclusion that this model of New Balance is a success? You may find the answer in these few lines below in our review. We tested the man’s version on a 40 miles run (approx. 65 km) in total on an unpaved path and obviously on a running track as well. 

Overall weight 

No matter whether you are a beginner runner or already have lots of experience, this shoe is really well balanced and very versatile for everyone. Foremost, very lightweight. It weighs only around 270 grams (9.52 oz) in the US size 9 as it is seamless, made from the mesh upper and very light midsole. So ideal for someone who just started and doesn’t have his/her legs trained yet. At the same time, perfect for someone who prefers maximum speed not at the cost of energy-loss in excessive grams. Comparable at this point to the lightness of many Nike running shoes, such as Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 (that one has around 250 grams). So a big thumb up.

FuelCell midsole

For most runners, this is obviously the most important aspect of every running shoe. This New Balance model got equipped with a FuelCell midsole. Compared to the previous version of this model Propel V1, it is definitely firmer, not soft as the first version midsole. Yet springy enough to perform a fast tempo run. For some, it may be a disadvantage and a step back in quality, for us, after having it tested on an unpaved track, we came to the conclusion that it actually added to the shoe. Plus, the rubber outsole feels solid so that it actually added to the overall firmness as well. If you prefer firmness before soft feeling, this latter New Balance FuelCell Propel V2 is right for you.

Durability and look

No need to go into details, this model is pretty resilient. As we pointed out, the outsole is made of rubber and the midsole is pretty thick. You won’t feel any rocks, stones or debris below your feet. From a glance, the shoes look great. The grey version got a huge black N symbol over the upper styled with a red wawed-colour over the midsole from the external side. That looks really cool and remarkable. And as a matter of fact that the upper is made of thin fabric, the shoe looks slim.

Negatives

Every model has something, no model is ultimately perfect. In this case, New Balance FuelCell Propel V2 is no exception. It has a bit sharp, rigid collar around the ankles. After the 40 miles testing, the feeling diminished and almost completely disappeared. But otherwise, the shoe is very comfortable. Other than that, the tongue might be a bit longer. It is padded, though, so that it doesn’t feel bad in the end. Not a big deal as for that.

Conclusion

Frankly, we liked New Balance FuelCell Propel V2 for its cushioning, durability, firmness and design at the same time. It is a great daily trainer that will appreciate anyone who likes long distances on unpaved roads, the same as sprinting on a running track. Definitely a recommendable running shoe.