The New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 Gets Lighter, Sleeker, and Faster—But Is It Race-Day Ready?

The rundown: The SuperComp Elite v6 is the lightest version yet, with a stiffer plate to help with propulsion and new Infinion foam. It’s faster—but maybe not as fast as some other super shoes we’ve tested. It’s marathon-ready, but some runners may want to stick with racing shorter distances due to the shoe’s firmness.New Balance’s super shoes seem to undergo a complete makeover with every release. Usually inconsistency would send off red flares, but we’re honestly enjoying the ride. The latest iteration, the SuperComp Elite v6, is the brand’s sleekest version yet. Honestly, if you put it next to its competitors—the Asics Metaspeeds, the soon-to-be-released Brooks Hyperion Elite 6—the SuperComp Elite v6 looks like the most traditional super shoe New Balance has released since the FuelCell RC Elite v2.But you can’t judge a shoe just on its looks. The SuperComp Elite v6’s ride has some snap, thanks to its super foam and plate. Our testers did some speedwork and long runs in the shoe to see how it would fare on a race course. Though not as aggressive as some of its competitors’, and firm for some, we found the shoe efficient at marathon speed and even a contender for the track.A Fine Update for 5Ks, 10Ks and BeyondProsSleek upper designNew Infinion foam provides more energy returnRocker profileLighter weightConsFirm in the midfoot areaNot as bouncy as competitors’TypeRoad RacingFoamTPEEWeight7 oz (M), 5.4 oz (W)Drop8 mmStack Height40 mmWhy This SuperComp Elite Is the Best YetThe New Balance team told Runner’s World that the SuperComp Elite v6 was inspired by the brand’s sponsored elites. When the team began development on the shoe, they asked for pro-marathoner Emily Sisson’s input; what would she change about the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5? Her two main suggestions were a different last and an improved fit.As a runner with wide feet, I wondered if this meant a tighter fit around the midfoot area. (The last SuperComp Elite version I ran in was the v4, and it was accommodating but chonky.) But instead of a constrictive fit, the Elite v6 is both secure and accommodating. The non-gusseted tongue also allows runners with high insteps to loosen the lacing to accommodate their foot shape without pressure. The team also made the shoe lighter to lower metabolic cost (in theory, the lighter the shoe, the less effort) but kept the 8mm drop for the rocker profile.The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 had PEBA-based FuelCell foam. With the SuperComp Elite v6, New Balance dropped FuelCell from the name and switched to Infinion foam. Infinion foam was introduced in the brand’s cushioned 1080v15, a max-cushioned shoe we recommend for daily training and long runs. The SuperComp Elite version of Infinion foam, which is TPEE-based, is tweaked to be even lighter and more propulsive.Winston ZhouThe SuperComp Elite v6 has a translucent mesh upper.The Energy Arc carbon plate also got an update: it’s thicker and stiffer in the forefoot to promote propulsion. You can see the plate on the backside of the shoe and in the side cutout, which helps with weight savings (and looks kind of cool).Our testers, who are familiar with past iterations of the SuperComp Elite, were impressed with New Balance’s latest, especially with the shoe’s lighter weight and more dialed-in construction.“This might be the fastest Elite since the debut shoe (though v5 was pretty darn close),” said Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. “Some of them suffered from fit and weight issues, making them better for long hard efforts but not being a shoe I'd reach for on race day. New Balance has it figured out and I’ve been having fun in long tempo runs so might consider this one when every second counts.”Testing the SuperComp Elite v6I took the shoe out on a couple of casual lunch four-milers, but the real test was a Wednesday morning speed workout. On the docket was 2 x 2 miles at 6:45 pace. Because the track opened late, I had to do my first two miles on the road, being mindful of uneven sidewalks, potholes, and sharp corners to avoid running into traffic. It was a good way to test traction, which the SuperComp Elite v6 has (hence my non-scabbed knees), and stability. My gait was slightly erratic due to the tapered fit, but there was no movement inside the shoes.Running in the SuperComp Elite v6 felt easy; you could feel the rocker guide your foot. As a midfoot-striker, however, I wanted a little more cushioning in the midfoot and forefoot area. The shoe also didn’t feel as responsive as other racing shoes I’ve tested. Shoe tester Mike Browne had similar sentiments.winston zhouThe shoes have a stiffer Energy Arc plate sandwiched in the Infinion midsole.“I really liked them but they felt a little firm for the longer distances,” he said. “Still not a bad option but it didn’t feel like it gave me the return I was looking for in 10- to 12-plus-mile runs.”For Dengate, a heel striker, the SuperComp Elite v6 felt softer. The comfort was his favorite feature. “New Balance has always had one of the comfiest super shoes,” he said. But the cushioning came with a caveat: “That squish has led me to believe it's not the fastest option for me on race day.”Even so, I did hit 6:37 for my first two miles and exactly 6:45 for my second two on the track, which is basically my marathon pace.The TakeawayDon’t rule out the SuperComp Elite v6 as a shoe you should lace up in on race day. Some heel-striking runners, like Dengate, will appreciate how the shoe’s cushioning lessens impact and provides support. Others who found the shoe firm, like Browne and me, may prefer the SuperComp Elite v6 for only speed workouts, or racing shorter distances, like 5K or 10K. After all, a carbon shoe doesn’t have to be strictly for marathons. Dedepending on your preferred level of cushioning and bounciness, the SuperComp Elite v6 may just be the race-day shoe for you—pending on the distance you signed up for.Shop Men’s at newbalance.com | Shop Women’s at newbalance.com Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.