New Balance SC Trainer 3

A fantastic long-run cruiser that loses some of v2's pop in exchange for stability — recommended at the US $180 price, but the UK £230 pricing makes it nearly impossible for Ben to recommend over a Vaporfly 3 or Endorphin Pro at the same number.

Best for: Mid-pack runners training for half/full marathons who want a comfortable, dependable, plated long-run trainer over an all-out lightweight racer.

A more stable, stiffer, less-bouncy super trainer than v2 — better suited for uptempo training and marathon racing for average runners than for easy days, with great durability and improved guidance, but a finicky tapered toebox.

Best for: Uptempo runs, marathon-pace long runs, and a forgiving, durable marathon racer for runners who find the SC Elite v4 too aggressive.

Ed's pick of the four super-trainers compared if he had to race — softer and more propulsive than the Superblast 2 or Deviate Nitro 3, more fun and natural-rocking than the Cielo X1 at faster paces. UK pricing is the only major knock.

Best for: Versatile long runs and racing for runners who want softness, plate, and durability over a fragile super-shoe.

A great long-run trainer and clear upgrade over v2 — Kofuzi loves the new geometry and that the rubber nubbin under the plate is gone, but feels v3 lost some of v1's quirky character and is a touch bland.

Best for: Long easy runs, progression long runs, and long runs with marathon-pace miles for runners who want a stable, plated trainer.

The best of the SC Trainer lineage and the best $170-$190 plated high-cushion trainer Steve has run in — clean upper-fit, stable cruising rhythm once you warm up, and the strongest version of New Balance's good/better/best fuel-cell tiering this year.

Best for: Plated high-cushion trainer for daily training and long marathon training runs at steady cruising paces — best value in the $170-$190 plated trainer category for Steve.