New Balance SC Elite 5

Not the fastest super shoe on the market, but one of the most comfortable — a versatile, durable PEBA racer Matt would grab for a marathon tomorrow and a contender for super shoe of the year.

Best for: Comfortable super shoe for half marathon and marathon distances, recreational runners, and first-time super-shoe buyers wanting long-run comfort over top-end speed.

Didn't make top 5 — feels like it could have launched a couple of years earlier. Decent grip and light weight, but narrow in the heel and £260 retail is madness.

A springy carbon racer hurt by weight and a high launch price; discounted around 160 quid it's a bargain but Mizuno outperforms it.

Best for: Runners who like trampoline-like midsole cutouts and traditional upper

A well-built, comfortable super shoe with excellent outsole grip that shines at marathon effort but dictates form and feels overpriced at retail.

Best for: Cadence-based runners at marathon and half marathon efforts

Fordy recalls the New Balance SC Elite v4 as a brilliant marathon race shoe from the channel's past recommendations for runners wanting a more stable ride.

Reviewer's preferred race shoe over the Saucony Endorphin Pro, worn at London Marathon, though acknowledges the Endorphin Pro is brilliant for most runners.

Best for: Marathon racing

FORDY RUNS' New Balance pick, worn for the London Marathon; a stable, good race shoe for marathons and half marathons that will appeal to everyday runners especially at a discounted price.

Fordy's best overall marathon pick; blends stability, PEBA foam, wide availability, and solid outsole into one versatile race day package.

Best for: Everyday marathoners wanting stability, wide-foot runners, balanced race day pick

A meaningful upgrade — lighter, poppier, and more race-ready than v4 while staying comfortable and beginner-friendly — though not quite aggressive enough for Kofuzi's personal top tier of marathon racers.

Best for: Marathon and half-marathon racing, plus threshold and VO2 workouts — especially for runners wanting a forgiving, accessible super shoe rather than the most aggressive option.

A more aggressive, propulsive update to the SC Elite line that shifts it from accessible comfort toward a true PB-chasing racer, while remaining relatively stable.

Best for: PB attempts and fast-paced racing for runners who want an aggressive carbon plate shoe that is still stable

A solid update that is leaner, lighter, and more propulsive than the V4, but loses the wide accessible base that made its predecessor stand out; versatile across race distances but not in the top tier of carbon plate shoes.

Best for: 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