New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 Introduction
The New Balance FuelCell Propel V5 is a neutral daily trainer that is ideal for tackling those easy runs or long runs.
With a high stack height, the FuelCell midsole compound gives this shoe a very soft and comfortable ride underfoot. Additionally, the TPU plate sandwiched between the FuelCell in theory gives you a faster transition.
The Propel V5 can be a great companion alongside a lighter shoe such as its sibling, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel, or next to a shoe that is polar opposite of FuelCell with a more responsive midsole compound such as the Hoka Mach 6.
With the Propel V5 at a price of $120 USD this is a bargain.
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 First Impressions
When I opened the box, I was really impressed with the geometry design of the FuelCell midsole.
The touch of the midsole was really soft and couldn’t wait to try them on. And as I was running with them out in my neighborhood, I really noticed how soft the midsole really was compared to what I was testing before which used a supercritical EVA foam that was firmer and more responsive.
My feet really thanked me after my first run in them. I was very pleased and was looking forward running more miles in them.
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 Upper
The upper uses an engineered synthetic mesh that is comfortable on the top of your feet and wraps around your midfoot nice and securely. The material itself didn’t feel loose or crinkled in any area sort of way. The toe box felt more on the narrow side of the spectrum but nothing to really complain about as my toes felt fine during my runs.
The shoe lacing system seems pretty standard. I usually do a double knot on my runs, so it obviously won’t get loose. I tested the laces with only one knot and the laces did not get loose in any of the runs, including those long runs.
The tongue has enough padding and softness for the top of your foot. The tongue is pretty flimsy as there is really no structure to it, but it does not move around during your runs and stays secured. The tongue reminds me of just having a thick cloth sock on the top of your foot. The tongue is not gusseted.
The heel counter is fully padded and wraps around your ankle nicely with no slippage.
Overall, there were no major issues or hiccups with the design and the materials used on the upper. For me, the Propel V5 fits true to size. So far, I have ran over 100 miles with the Propel V5’s and I can confidently state that the upper has shown no wearing or tearing. The durability of the upper looks like it will handle the milage compared the engineered mesh that was used for the FuelCell Rebel V2’s, which were very thin material that tore fairly quickly.
The Propel V5’s stays the course when it comes to a daily trainer upper; feeling comfortable, padded, and secured. During my testing, I did not encounter any hot spots or blisters.
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 Sole Unit
The New Balance Propel V5 uses their well-known FuelCell midsole compound that is very soft and comfortable underfoot.
If you have ran in the previous models of the Propels or Rebels you would have noticed the designs and geometries of the midsoles look quite different in this year’s model. Sandwiched in between the FuelCell midsole is a TPU plate that provides a sense of some neutral stability and provides a responsive transition from heel to toe.
The Propel V5 has a drop of 6mm (37mm heel, 31mm toe) that will also assists with the transition and toe off. For me, the TPU plate didn’t really give me a sense of responsiveness, but more for some stability.
The overall ride of the sole unit felt soft and very comfortable especially just testing out the Hoka Mach 6. The Hoka Mach 6 is the polar opposite of the Propel V5; bouncier/responsive and firmer. For a daily trainer, the Propel V5 is what the shoe is meant for; to provide protection underneath your foot for those easy miles and give you time to recover in between those hard workout days.
I would also approve the Propel V5’s in the category of a long run shoe because of the stack height of the shoe and also the addition of the TPU plate.
During one of my long runs (14 miles), I noticed the plate providing some form of stability especially in the latter miles as you are starting to get fatigued. Additionally, since the FuelCell is so soft it can get pretty unstable. Since I’m located in a climate where it gets really hot during the summer months the plate really assisted me when I needed it.
The outsole of the shoe uses strategic rubber that is placed around the forefoot and on the sides of the heels. The rubber on both the forefoot area and heel area has cutouts to shed some weight.
The midfoot area sheds weight as well by cutting out the exposed midsole and exposing the TPU plate, looking somewhat like a canyon on the bottom of the shoe.
As far as the outsole unit, I found it to be very good when it comes to traction. We had a full night of rainy monsoon weather, so the morning run the day after was tested out running in some muddy areas and puddles. The traction of the shoe passed all those tests.
When it comes to durability, the outsole unit still looks intact with no wear. The only issue that I encountered during my runs were rocks getting stuck in between the cutouts of the outsole.
There was a run one time where a good size rock got stuck in the cutout where the plate was exposed. That was a pretty uncomfortable ride as I was trying to find a way to get it out without having to stop.
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 Conclusions
In conclusion, the New Balance FuelCell Propel V5 I must say was a joy running in.
From the very first run I knew I was going to enjoy testing these shoes out. And so far, it still has not disappointed.
The only real issue I have with the shoe was the rocks getting stuck underneath the outsole. Every time I run in anything similar to a FuelCell midsole compound my feet always thank me because of how soft and enjoyable it truly is.
Now, would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely. Would I myself purchase this shoe again? Absolutely. The price for the shoe is undeniably undervalued, especially for the quality that you are getting.
