New Balance SC Elite v6 review: Six Generations in the Making

Few carbon-plated race shoes have reached a sixth generation. Across that progression, the New Balance SuperComp Elite has shifted from the more accommodating and comfortable racing ride of the Elite v4 towards the lighter, more defined race-day experience introduced with the v5. With the SuperComp Elite v6, New Balance takes that performance progression further.

For runners who preferred the reliable, more accommodating character of the Elite v4, the new SC Rebel v1 may now be the closer match. It carries more of that protective, versatile feel, while the Elite v6 continues towards a lighter and more specialised racing experience.

Having trained and raced in the previous three generations, I was particularly interested to see whether New Balance could make the Elite faster and more competitive without losing the comfort, smoothness and approachability that have separated it from more demanding super shoes.

The move from a PEBA-based FuelCell midsole to Infinion ATPU foam is only the beginning. A completely redesigned carbon-plate, lighter upper, thinner outsole and more sculpted midsole help reduce the overall weight by 15%, creating the most race-focused SuperComp Elite yet.

Its arrival alongside the new SC Rebel v1 also gives New Balance’s performance range a much clearer structure. The SC Rebel is built to absorb the tempo sessions, long runs and race-specific training, allowing the SC Elite v6 to become a more specialised racing shoe without needing to carry the same training versatility as its predecessor.

This is a clear indication that New Balance intends the SC Elite v6 to compete among the lightest and fastest race-day shoes on the market.

What Has Changed in the SuperComp Elite v6?

Almost every major part of the SC Elite v6 has been reconsidered, but the updates all work towards the same goal: reducing weight and creating a faster, more decisive race-day experience.

The most significant change is the introduction of Infinion ATPU foam, replacing the PEBA-based FuelCell compound used in the v5. The material change does not account for the weight reduction on its own, but it gives the midsole a livelier, resilient character when combined with the new geometry.

New Balance has also redesigned the full-length carbon-plate. Rather than maintaining the same stiffness throughout the shoe, the plate gradually becomes thicker towards the forefoot and tapers towards the heel. This concentrates stiffness where it can contribute most to propulsion while allowing the rear of the shoe to remain more forgiving, helping preserve the approachable feel that has defined recent versions.

The rest of the shoe has been stripped back accordingly. The midsole features deeper sculpting and cut-outs, the outsole has been reduced to an ultra-thin 1 mm layer, and the single-layer translucent upper uses FANTOMFIT overlays to provide structure without unnecessary material.

A revised last also improves the forefoot fit, while the complete package is approximately 15% lighter than the previous version.

The Ride

The most immediate difference from the Elite v5 is the responsiveness.

The new Infinion midsole feels softer and more compliant at first contact, but it rebounds with greater intent as you move through the shoe. It pairs more seamlessly with the redesigned carbon-plate, creating a transition that feels smoother through the rear and increasingly propulsive towards the forefoot.

The plate flexes more through the heel before becoming firmer through the forefoot, creating a smoother transition and a more stable, propulsive toe-off. The result feels responsive yet controlled.

Compared with the v5, there's more cushioning beneath the forefoot, maintaining the protective feel despite its lighter construction. Once the pace increases, that cushioning works with the stiffer front of the plate to create a snappier and more purposeful toe-off.

The rearfoot is not quite as inherently stable as the v5, particularly at slower speeds, but that feels consistent with the more specialised direction of the update. As you move forward and load the forefoot, the shoe becomes noticeably more controlled and effective.

Although the SC Elite v6 is now more race-specific, it remains versatile across road-racing distances. It has the responsiveness needed for shorter events, but its smooth rocker, forefoot protection and overall efficiency should make it particularly effective across the half marathon and marathon.

Late in longer races, the benefit may be less about producing an explosive sensation and more about helping runners continue to move efficiently through the forefoot as fatigue begins to affect their stride.

Race-Day Performance

Everything about the SC Elite v6 feels more considered for racing.

The translucent upper is thinner than the lightweight mesh used on the v5, improving breathability and reducing weight. FANTOMFIT overlays add targeted structure through the midfoot without making the shoe feel built up.

Lockdown remains a strength, but the v6 feels more refined. There is less material around the foot, yet the fit stays secure through the rearfoot and midfoot before opening into a slightly wider, higher-volume toe box than many racing shoes.

The heel construction has also been simplified. Where the v5 used a small, semi-flexible heel counter, the v6 relies mainly on lightweight overlays for structure. This creates a softer, more flexible feel around the rear of the shoe and may suit runners sensitive to pressure around the heel and Achilles.

Underfoot, the minimal 1 mm outsole reinforces its race-day intent, providing coverage across the main contact areas while removing unnecessary weight. It is not designed for the same training durability as the SC Rebel v1, but that distinction feels deliberate.

Together, the lighter upper, secure fit and stronger forefoot propulsion create a shoe that becomes increasingly effective as the pace rises, encouraging a smooth transition and confident toe-off.

Ed’s Perspective

Having raced in the previous three generations of the SuperComp Elite, the biggest surprise is how much more competitive the v6 feels without losing the comfort and approachability that define the range.

I enjoyed the Elite v5, but I often used it for faster training and lower-priority races. For a sharper racing experience, I was more likely to reach for the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo. The SC Elite v6 closes that gap.

The improved forefoot propulsion gives the shoe the edge the v5 was missing. It feels lighter, more responsive and more purposeful at pace, while the Infinion foam keeps the ride soft, protective and natural rather than overly aggressive.

For me, the biggest improvement is how seamlessly the foam and plate now work together for a more efficient experience. Previous versions were versatile across training and racing; I find this shoe is now more committed to race day.

Final Thoughts

The SuperComp Elite v6 represents a clear progression in New Balance's top racing shoe.

New Balance has not abandoned the comfort, softness and smooth transition that made previous versions appealing. Instead, it has built those qualities into a lighter and more responsive platform with a stronger sense of purpose.

The new Infinion midsole feels lively and protective, while the redesigned carbon-plate creates a more decisive forefoot transition without making the shoe unnecessarily aggressive. Combined with the stripped-back upper and minimal outsole, the complete package now feels far closer to the leading race-focused super shoes on the market.

The release of the SC Rebel v1 is also important to this direction. Runners who loved the softer, more forgiving feel of the Elite v4 may find the SC Rebel a more natural fit, with its protective cushioning, flexible plated ride and broader training versatility. With that role covered, the SC Elite v6 no longer needs to balance training and racing equally and can focus on being New Balance’s fastest and most refined race-day option.

For runners who appreciated the comfort and approachability of the Elite v5 but wanted a lighter, more propulsive racing experience, the SC Elite v6 feels like the update the range needed. It maintains the qualities that made the shoe distinctive while finally adding the sharper performance edge required from a modern flagship super shoe.

About the Author

Ed - Runner & Content Specialist

I’m a distance runner and Performance Content Specialist at RunDNA, with a passion for running, road and gravel cycling, quality gear, and the stories shaped by effort and adventure. My current focus is long-distance road running and triathlon, driven by a love of performance and the challenge of pushing body and mind further.