assistant: The **New Balance Rebel v5** is a solid daily trainer and can work for marathon training, but it's not optimized for a sub-3 push on race day. Here's the honest breakdown: The Rebel v5 excels as a versatile training shoe—The Run Testers call it "light and agile" with enough cushion for long runs, and it handles tempo work well. At $145, it's a bargain for a 300+ mile trainer. But for race day itself, it lacks the race-specific features that matter at sub-3 pace: no carbon plate, no rocker, and reviewers note it "doesn't really feel very geared up for speed." It's a do-it-all shoe, not a race-day weapon. **For sub-3 marathon training**, the Rebel v5 is genuinely useful—use it for your easy miles, long runs, and tempo work. But **for race day**, you'll want a dedicated carbon-plated super-shoe. The good news: I have three excellent options in your data. **If you want maximum comfort on race day** (especially if it's your first sub-3 attempt), the **New Balance SC Elite v5** is your pick. Doctors of Running calls it "one of the most comfortable super shoes"—it has a wider toe box than typical racers, full PEBA cushioning, and a stiff carbon plate that relaxes after 30–40 miles and rolls beautifully. At 8.0 mm drop (vs. the Rebel's 6.0 mm), it's closer to what your body knows. The tradeoff: it's narrower in the heel, and at $265 it's pricey. **If you want the fastest shoe here**, go **Puma Deviate Nitro Elite v4**—170g, excellent expert reception, and EDDBUD notes it "rewards aggressive cadence runners" at marathon pace and above. At $250, it's $15 cheaper than the SC Elite and lighter on foot. **If you want maximum stack and cushion** (useful if you're worried about leg fatigue late in the race), the **HOKA Cielo X1 v3** has 48/41 mm stack—the tallest here—with a full carbon plate and well-regarded reviews. At $275, it's the most expensive option but offers the most protection. Which of these resonates most—comfort, speed, or maximum cushion?