New Balance FuelCell SuperComp 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 comparable tall-stack daily trainer to the Hyperion Max 4 using PEBA-blend FuelCell and a full carbon plate; feels a bit dense and sluggish to Kofuzi but is popular with heavier runners seeking marathon support, and offers slightly more flexibility than the Max 4.

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.