FuelCell Rebel 5
Today's tracked prices
- 01Very8d ago£67.20£140.00−52%
- 02SportsdirectDEAL1d ago£82.50£140.00−41%
- 03SportsShoesDEAL · SALE3d ago£83.99£140.00−40%
- 04Run4ItLIVE£103.60£140.00−26%
- 05Alpine TrekLIVE£106.82£140.00−24%
- 06Run ActiveLIVE£112.00£140.00−20%
- 07Amazon3d ago£119.16£140.00−15%
- 08Runner's NeedLIVE£139.95£140.00−0%
- 09Decathlon7d ago£139.99£140.00−0%
- 10JD Sports1d ago£140.00
- 11Greaves4d ago£140.00
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Price history
Our verdict
The FuelCell Rebel 5 is New Balance at its most likeable: a lightweight, plateless running shoe that wants to do almost everything in your week. At 220g it is genuinely light for the stack you get, and the FuelCell midsole gives you a soft, springy pop that flatters easy miles and comes alive when you lift the pace. There is no carbon plate here, so this is not a marathon racer. Think of it as the fun, do-it-all uptempo trainer that handles easy days, strides, tempo efforts and even a parkrun without complaint. If you loved the FuelCell Rebel 4, the 5 keeps that playful character and refines the fit. For runners who want one versatile daily training shoe with a bit of race-day spirit, we rate it highly at the price.
Key features
- FuelCell midsoleDelivers a soft, springy ride that stays comfortable on easy days and gives you real pop when you lift the pace
- Plateless designKeeps toe-off natural and flexible, so it feels friendly for everyday miles rather than stiff and race-only
- 220g lightweight buildMakes the shoe feel nimble and quick underfoot, so faster efforts and strides never feel like hard work
- 6.3mm dropSits in a moderate range that suits a wide variety of footstrikes without forcing a big change to your form
- Breathable engineered upperKeeps your feet cool and locked in with a comfortable, blister-free fit from the first run
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Neutral runners who want one versatile trainer for most of their week
- Runners who like a soft, bouncy ride for easy and uptempo miles
- Those wanting a light shoe for tempo runs and strides without a stiff plate
- Value-focused runners who want race-day spirit at a daily-trainer price
Who should not buy it
- You need a carbon plate and maximum propulsion for marathon racing
- You overpronate or want active stability and support
- You are a heavy heel-striker who finds soft platforms unstable
- You want a firm, connected ride rather than a soft, springy one
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The Rebel 5 fits true to size for most runners, so order your usual New Balance length. The toe box is nicely rounded with enough room for toes to splay on longer runs, without feeling sloppy. Midfoot lockdown is secure through a comfortable engineered upper, and the heel holds well once you cinch the laces, with no notable slip. It leans slightly to the roomier, more accommodating end rather than a tight race-day fit, which suits its all-rounder brief and works for medium to slightly wider feet. Narrow-footed runners may want to lace it snugly. If you are between sizes or plan to use it mainly for faster efforts, going down half a size gives a locked-in feel. Runners who want a genuinely wide platform might prefer the roomier Fresh Foam X 1080v15. Otherwise the standard width will suit most.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
The ride is bouncy and forgiving rather than aggressive. FuelCell foam feels soft underfoot at slow speeds, so easy runs are cushioned and relaxed, then it firms up just enough to give you a lively return when you push. Without a plate you get a natural, flexible toe-off rather than a mechanical snap, which many runners will prefer for daily use. Hold tempo pace and it feels smooth and eager, if not quite as rigid or propulsive as a super-trainer. It is at its best from easy up to threshold effort. Rein it back for recovery jogs and it still feels good, which is the whole appeal.
Cushioning
There is a generous slab of FuelCell foam underfoot with a 33mm heel and 26.7mm forefoot, giving a well cushioned but not maximal feel. It soaks up impact nicely on long runs, so your legs stay fresher late in a session than the low weight suggests. The cushioning is soft and springy rather than firm and stable, which is why the Rebel 5 feels so friendly on easy days. It has enough protection for half marathon distance and beyond for most runners, while staying light enough that it never feels like you are lugging foam around at pace.
Stability
This is a neutral shoe with no medial post or stability structures, so it is aimed at runners with an efficient or neutral gait. The soft FuelCell foam and lightweight build mean the platform can feel a little tippy for heavier heel strikers or anyone who needs guidance, especially when tired late in a run. The rounded, fairly wide base does add a touch of inherent steadiness for a soft shoe, but do not mistake it for a support trainer. If you overpronate or want active correction, look at a dedicated stability model instead. For neutral runners it strikes a sensible balance between soft and secure.
Upper & comfort
The engineered mesh upper is light, breathable and comfortable straight out of the box with no real break-in needed. Ventilation is good, so feet stay cool on warmer runs, and the internal padding around the collar and tongue is just enough for comfort without adding bulk. Lockdown is reliable once laced, and most runners will get a secure, blister-free fit for daily training and longer efforts. It is a no-drama upper that does its job quietly, which is exactly what you want from an everyday trainer you will reach for several times a week.
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Tempo |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 6.3mm |
| Heel Stack | 33mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 26.7mm |
| Weight | 220g |
| Carbon Plated | No |
| Stability | No |
