FuelCell Rebel 5

Yes, for most runners the Rebel 5 fits true to size, so order your usual New Balance length. The toe box is comfortably rounded with room to splay, and the midfoot and heel lock down well once laced. It leans slightly roomy rather than snug, which suits medium to slightly wider feet. If you have narrow feet or plan to use it mainly for fast running, going down half a size gives a more locked-in, race-day feel.

It can carry you through a marathon, but it is not a dedicated marathon racer. There is no carbon plate, so you miss the rigid propulsion that plated shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed or a carbon racer give you at pace. For most runners the Rebel 5 is better as a versatile daily trainer and a shoe for half marathon and shorter races. If chasing a marathon PB is the goal, pair it with a plated race shoe for the day itself.

Yes, it is a friendly option for newer runners with a neutral gait. The soft, forgiving FuelCell cushioning protects your legs on easy runs, and the low weight makes it feel easy to move in. The main caveat is stability. The platform is soft, so heavier runners or those who need support may find it a little unsteady when tired. If your form is efficient and you want one do-everything shoe to start with, it is a solid, versatile pick.

Both are lightweight, plateless uptempo trainers built for versatility, so it often comes down to fit and ride feel. The Rebel 5 has a soft, bouncy FuelCell ride and a slightly roomier fit, while the Hoka Mach 7 tends to feel a touch firmer and more rolling underfoot. If you like a softer, more cushioned ride you will lean Rebel, and if you prefer a snappier, more connected feel the Mach is worth a look.

Durability is reasonable for a lightweight trainer, though soft foams and thinner outsole rubber never last quite as long as a heavier daily shoe. Most runners should expect a normal training-shoe lifespan of several hundred kilometres before the cushioning starts to flatten. Rotating it with another pair and saving it for easy and uptempo runs rather than every session will help it last. For the price it offers dependable everyday mileage.