New Balance SC Rebel v1 Review: A New Era of SuperComp
The SuperComp Trainer earned a loyal following by giving runners a highly cushioned, plated option for long runs, marathon sessions and faster training. New Balance has filled that role with a lighter, quicker and more refined shoe called the SuperComp Rebel v1.
The SC Rebel v1 effectively takes the reins from the popular SuperComp Trainer, continuing New Balance’s presence in the high-stacked, plated performance category. Rather than being a direct continuation under the same name, it introduces a new identity and a more performance-focused direction within the Rebel family.
Sharing the familiar Rebel name but sitting within New Balance’s premium performance lineup, this is not simply another version of the FuelCell Rebel. Instead, it is a plated super trainer designed to make long runs, marathon sessions and faster training feel smoother, more efficient and more enjoyable.
Alongside the SuperComp Elite v6, the SC Rebel v1 helps create a clearer performance lineup than ever before. Built for the training that prepares you for race day, it combines race-inspired technology and a similarly propulsive experience with the added protection, durability and versatility required for regular training.
After putting some early kilometres into the SC Rebel v1, here’s what stood out.
Outsole
Like many modern super trainers, the outsole appears surprisingly minimal at first glance, but there's more coverage than you might expect in the areas that matter most.
Rubber is concentrated beneath the forefoot and around both sides of the heel, providing confident grip where you'll naturally load the shoe through your stride while keeping unnecessary weight to a minimum. Compared to the SC Elite v6, the SC Rebel carries a little more outsole coverage, which makes sense given its role as a high-mileage training shoe.
One interesting detail is how much of the carbon-infused plate is visible through the outsole. Rather than extending right to the edges of the shoe, the plate sits neatly within the midsole geometry, reinforcing that this is a shoe designed to work with the foam rather than relying purely on stiffness.
Across daily training, the outsole has felt dependable underfoot while remaining true to the lightweight nature of the shoe. It strikes a nice balance between durability and performance, giving you confidence whether you're heading out for a steady long run or picking up the pace in a marathon workout.
Midsole
The midsole is undoubtedly the highlight of the SC Rebel and the biggest reason this shoe feels so different within New Balance's performance range.
This is our first opportunity to experience Infinion in a true performance training shoe. The foam first appeared in the New Balance 1080 v15 as a blend of EVA / TPEE. However, Infinion in the SC Rebel is an ATPU compound and has been tuned very differently, paired with a carbon-infused PEBAX plate through New Balance's Energy Arc platform.
The result is a ride that feels soft and protective without sacrificing responsiveness. It offers plenty of cushioning for longer distances while still delivering the forward momentum and energy return you'd expect from a modern super trainer.
Unlike some plated shoes that can feel rigid or demanding, the SC Rebel remains approachable. The more forgiving plate allows the foam to compress and rebound naturally, creating a smooth transition that encourages you to keep moving rather than forcing you onto your toes.
That combination of cushioning, propulsion and versatility makes this one of the more adaptable super trainers we've run in. It feels equally comfortable during marathon-paced workouts, progression runs and longer efforts, yet never feels out of place on steady aerobic kilometres when you simply want an energetic ride. For runners preparing for a half marathon or marathon, it's easy to see this shoe as an option to handle the majority of your key training sessions. 
Upper
The upper follows the same philosophy as the rest of the shoe: lightweight, purposeful and comfortable over longer distances.
A thin engineered mesh keeps weight down while offering enough structure to feel secure through faster running. New Balance's FANTOMFIT technology helps lock the foot into the platform without creating unnecessary pressure, giving the shoe a confident feel through corners and changes of pace.
The fit strikes a nice balance between performance and comfort. It feels secure enough for harder sessions but doesn't become restrictive during longer runs, making it easy to forget about the upper altogether. For a shoe designed to cover everything from marathon workouts to long runs, that's exactly what you want. 
Ed's Perspective
The SC Rebel is one of the most complete plated super trainers I've run in. It feels both soft and protective, yet provides enough energy and propulsion for speed sessions and progressive longer efforts.
The Infinion foam compresses and rebounds exactly how I would expect from a super trainer, while the plate provides the extra energy I've missed from some other plateless super trainers.
The carbon-infused PEBAX plate is more forgiving compared to the SuperComp Elite v6 which gives me the confidence to reach for it more often. It still provides the propulsion I want during tempo sessions and progression runs, but it never feels like it's demanding race pace like a super shoe would.
For me, this is the sort of shoe I'd happily take travelling if I could only pack one pair. It's capable of handling almost every run I'd want to do, from steady aerobic kilometres to faster workouts and long runs. I particularly enjoyed it on faster 90-minute long runs where it felt protective without losing that lively, energetic feel underfoot.
What impressed me most is how naturally everything comes together. Most plated shoes feel quick, but not all of them feel enjoyable at slower paces. The SC Rebel manages both, making it one of the most versatile performance shoes New Balance has produced to date.
Molly's Perspective
The SC Rebel works best for tempo efforts and some of my long runs. It is nice to have a responsive, plated training option that still provides plenty of protection and cushioning underfoot.
Compared with the more aggressive shoes I am used to wearing for faster sessions, the SC Rebel feels less demanding. It does not have quite the same level of energy as a dedicated super shoe, but it strikes a really good balance between comfort, efficiency and propulsion.
The Infinion midsole and carbon-infused PEBAX plate create a bouncy, lightweight feel, while the rocker helps the shoe roll efficiently from heel to toe. The mesh upper also hugs the foot nicely and provides a secure fit without feeling restrictive.
For me, it is a versatile tempo trainer that feels comfortable enough for longer efforts while still giving you the responsiveness needed to pick up the pace. 
Final Thoughts
The SuperComp Rebel v1 fills an important role within New Balance's performance lineup.
Rather than trying to be a race shoe that you occasionally train in, it has been purpose-built as a super trainer capable of handling the sessions that matter most. The combination of Infinion foam, a more forgiving carbon-infused plate and a lightweight upper creates a ride that feels energetic, protective and remarkably versatile.
What stands out most is its accessibility. It delivers many of the benefits runners now expect from modern plated shoes without feeling overly aggressive or reserved for race day. Whether you're building towards your next marathon, tackling weekly tempo sessions or simply want a plated training shoe that feels more exciting, the SC Rebel consistently encourages you to run with purpose.
For us, it's one of the most well-rounded super trainers currently available and a significant addition to New Balance's performance range.
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.
