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SuperComp Elite 6
New Balance's carbon marathon racer with a high drop and very stiff plate.
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Price history
Our verdict
New Balance swapped almost everything under the foot for this version, and reviewers noticed. The SC Elite v6 gets a new foam, a reworked carbon plate and a big cut in weight, and most testers called it a clear step up from the SuperComp Elite v5, which one reviewer had found closer to a trainer than a race shoe. It's now a proper carbon racer, light and springy, with a front end that won't bend. Where it works best is less settled. Doctors of Running's two testers graded it A and A-, and one would race it anywhere from 5K to the marathon. RTINGS was cooler on the long stuff, finding the forefoot cushioning only just enough for a full marathon and rating it higher for shorter races. So if you're quick and land on your midfoot, it's a strong marathon shoe. If you land on your heel and want protection in the last few miles, a softer racer will look after your legs better. At £230 RRP it sits with the most expensive racers, so check the price table before you buy.
Key features
- New midsole foamIs softer and bouncier than the v5's, and lab testing put its energy return close to the best super shoes, so you get more spring back from every stride
- Reworked carbon plateIs stiffest under the forefoot, which gives you a sharp, propulsive toe-off when you're running hard
- Midfoot cutoutExposes the plate and trims weight, part of why reviewers found this version so much lighter than the last
- Broader forefoot baseGives you a steadier platform to push off from than the v5 did
- Thin mesh upperLets heat out quickly, which helps on a warm race day
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Midfoot strikers who want one light, springy racer from 5K to the marathon
- Faster marathoners happy to trade some forefoot cushion for a lighter shoe
- Runners who found the v5 heavy and want a livelier New Balance racer
- Racers in hot weather who want a very breathable upper
Who should not buy it
- Heel strikers who need a stable, planted landing
- Anyone after one shoe for training and racing, as it's too stiff for easy runs
- Runners who want plenty of forefoot protection late in a marathon
- Those wanting a hard-wearing racer, since the outsole rubber is thin
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The reviews split here. Most testers wore their usual size and found the length fine, but lab measurements put the inside of the shoe on the short side and called it half a size small. If you're between sizes, or New Balance racers already feel tight on you, go up half a size. The heel and midfoot are narrow and the toe box tapers, though one tester still had no pressure on the joints at the base of the toes. Heel hold is secure. The tongue is thin and folds over easily, so check it's flat before you lace up. Wide versions exist, which is rare for a carbon racer.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
Reviewers describe a lively, bouncy ride and a quick toe-off, and one tester found it responsive at every pace from steady to flat out. The front of the shoe doesn't bend at all; a strong rocker rolls you forward instead. That rigidity is great when you're racing and a chore when you're jogging, so leave it out of easy days and warm-ups. The drop in our spec table is a lab measurement, and it's much steeper than New Balance quotes because the forefoot sits lower than advertised. One tester found the soft foam compresses enough that it doesn't feel steep on the run.
Cushioning
The heel is well protected. The forefoot has noticeably less underneath it, and both lab testing and one reviewer flagged that. If you run on your forefoot, or your marathon is a long day out, you'll probably feel it in the closing miles. The foam itself is soft and springs back quickly, which is where most of the praise went.
Stability
It's a neutral shoe and gives you little help. The heel and midfoot sit on a narrow base and the heel counter is soft, so landing on your heel can feel wobbly, more so once you're tired. The forefoot is broader than the v5's, which steadies your push-off. If you want a racer that feels more planted, lab testing pointed to the Alphafly 3.
Upper & comfort
A very thin, see-through mesh with plastic overlays. It breathes extremely well, and one lab rated it among the best it has measured. It can feel scratchy against bare skin, so wear socks. Heel padding is decent for a race shoe.
Reviews
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Race |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 13.9mm |
| Heel Stack | 38.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 24.6mm |
| Weight | 198g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |