New Balance SC Elite 5 vs New Balance SC Elite 6
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Firmer, more stable, and better suited to long runs; the v6 is far lighter, softer, and faster but less stable in the heel and midfoot
The 5's forefoot rocker was muted and the midsole felt flat by comparison; the 6 is a clear step up in liveliness
V6 uses InfinionON ATPU foam vs v5's PEBA compound; feels more racy and lower to the ground
Much lighter, softer, bouncier, and faster, but less stable in the heel and midfoot than the firmer, more structured v5
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 comparison fits the outgoing V5 better than the V6, since the V6 now has more energy return and bounce.
Same stack height, drop and plate position; v5 uses a PEBA foam and a toothier outsole vs v6's Infinion foam and slicker outsole, and is now discounted to $200 vs v6's $275
The new InfiniCoil midsole has more bounce and durability than the previous FuelCell-based midsole
A significant step up from the V5, now more comparable to the top race shoes on the market
New Balance SC Elite 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A firm, dense, narrow racer that may suit shorter-strided runners with a faster cadence, but has been slept on due to price. Tier D.
In their words: "a lot more firm, I guess, and dense" · "narrow surface area may well cause some issues"
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FORDY ran a 3:28 marathon PB in the SC Elite 5 at London — a stable, competent, hot-spot-free marathon shoe, well worth buying at a discount before version 6 replaces it.
In their words: "it was brilliant" · "a very capable, competent marathon shoe"
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The SC Elite v5 remains a stable, comfortable trainer-racer with a wide, secure upper — the more versatile choice for long runs and cruising paces, though its stiff plate and heel counter take some breaking in.
Ride:Firmer FuelCell PEBA midsole with a laterally-biased forefoot rocker gives a stable, consistent ride that transitions more slowly — ideal for cruising long runs
Fit:Higher-volume, wider fit with a wide option available; a very comfortable gusseted upper, though the heel counter is on the stiffer side
In their words: "weirdly stable and very comfortable" · "trainer racer vibe" · "so comfortable"
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Megan's pick over the Cielo X1 2.0 in bracket round 2 — performance is comparable.
Ride:Megan has run 2-3 marathons in it and felt great the whole time.
New Balance SC Elite 6 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The reviewer rated the SC Elite v6's performance on par with the Hyperion Elite 6 after a hilly 20-mile long run and said he'd happily race a marathon in it, but flags that the silicone heel pads caused rubbing with thin socks.
Ride:Performed well across a hillier 20-mile long run with some goal-pace segments; the reviewer felt it had more left in the tank at pace. Stable for a big-stack racer with a non-aggressive carbon plate.
Fit:Tested in a UK 10; also available in a wide fit. Lockdown is good, though the reviewer preferred the Brooks' sawtooth laces. The silicone heel pads rubbed badly and tore up his heel when worn with thin socks — he suspects sock choice was a factor.
In their words: "wanted me to go faster" · "ripped my heel to pieces" · "moved away from PEBA"
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Parkes sees the SC Elite v6 as a genuine foam and plate upgrade over v5 that stays comfortable and true to New Balance's accommodating race-shoe formula, but a thin, durability-worrying outsole, rear-foot instability and a lack of top-tier snap left him underwhelmed — he'd point most regular runners to the cheaper SC Rebel instead.
Ride:New Infiniam foam and a reworked, stiffer Energy Arc plate make it livelier and more natural-feeling than v5, but the rear of the shoe feels unstable and it lacks the pronounced rocker and snap of top rivals.
Fit:Runs slightly small; recommends half a size up for a regular fit, or true to size for a snug race fit. Midfoot runs narrower than v5. Still offered in a 2E wide fit, unique in the super shoe category. Lockdown was spot-on with no rubbing, chafing or heel slip.
In their words: "going on the sale pile" · "very underwhelmed by this one" · "lockdown was spot-on"
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Both testers agree it's New Balance's best super shoe to date, calling it a clear step up in fit and midsole feel over the SC Elite 3-5 line, even if it isn't either tester's overall top race pick.
Ride:The plate doesn't fully contact the upper midsole layer, which both testers think contributes to a distinctively light, bouncy, resilient feel usable from 5K pace up to easy runs.
Fit:Nice wide toe box without feeling sloppy.
In their words: "checks all the boxes" · "light, bouncy, not too soft"
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A strong, dependable step up from the V5 with a livelier Infinitum foam and carbon plate combo, but stops short of the very top-tier carbon racers.
Ride:Smooth, controlled energy return that favors marathon/half-marathon pace over 5K snap, with more compression and spring when landing further back in the shoe.
Fit:Runs slightly narrow through the midfoot; multiple testers recommend going up half a size, especially for marathon-distance racing.
In their words: "it feels poppier" · "it feels quicker" · "a good, solid step up over the V5"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the New Balance SC Elite 5 if
- Long runs and trainer-racer versatility for runners who want a stable, comfortable super shoe — Doctors of Running
- Everyday marathoners wanting stability, wide-foot runners, balanced race day pick — FORDY RUNS
- PB attempts and fast-paced racing for runners who want an aggressive carbon plate shoe that is still stable — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing — FORDY RUNS
- Runners who want a versatile carbon race shoe that mixes softness and speed across 5K to marathon distances, with road protection over the long haul — The Run Testers
- Runners who like trampoline-like midsole cutouts and traditional upper — EDDBUD
Consider the New Balance SC Elite 6 if
- General-purpose racing and fast workouts, though neither tester would call it their single favorite super shoe. — Doctors of Running
- Marathoners wanting a stable, forgiving racing shoe usable across a range of paces. — FORDY RUNS
- Fast racing over 5K to 10K (potentially further for more stable runners) for those prioritizing speed over stability — Doctors of Running
- Shorter, faster racing (5K-10K) for runners who want a low, connected race-flat feel over plush marathon cushioning — Believe in the Run
- Marathoners wanting a well-cushioned carbon racer, provided they're mindful of sock choice around the heel. — FORDY RUNS
- 10K to half marathon distance racing — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the New Balance SC Elite 5 and the New Balance SC Elite 6?
The New Balance SC Elite 5 is a race shoe and the New Balance SC Elite 6 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the New Balance SC Elite 5 weighs 201g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the New Balance SC Elite 6 weighs 184g, has a 39mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $265 for the New Balance SC Elite 5 and $275 for the New Balance SC Elite 6.
Should I buy the New Balance SC Elite 5 or the New Balance SC Elite 6?
Doctors of Running on the New Balance SC Elite 5: Long runs and trainer-racer versatility for runners who want a stable, comfortable super shoe. Doctors of Running on the New Balance SC Elite 6: General-purpose racing and fast workouts, though neither tester would call it their single favorite super shoe.
Per Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the New Balance SC Elite 5 and the New Balance SC Elite 6?
Yes — Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, The Run Testers, and Kofuzi directly compared the New Balance SC Elite 5 and the New Balance SC Elite 6 in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, The Run Testers, Kofuzi.
Which is lighter, the New Balance SC Elite 5 or the New Balance SC Elite 6?
The New Balance SC Elite 6 is lighter, at 184g versus 201g (men's 9) — about 17g less.
Which is cheaper, the New Balance SC Elite 5 or the New Balance SC Elite 6?
The New Balance SC Elite 5 is cheaper at $265 versus $275 MSRP — about $10 less.