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REVIEWS
284 Reviews
averagerunner
The Bottom Line: While the SC Trainer v3 is positioned as the high-mileage partner to the SC Elite v4, it fails to replicate the smooth, propulsive ride of its racing counterpart. For runners with specific biomechanical needs, the transition from "Elite" to "Trainer" feels less like a compliment and more like a compromise. Efficiency & Effort In back-to-back testing, the Trainer v3 proved consistently less efficient than the Elite v4. Despite maintaining similar intensity levels, heart rate data and power output revealed that the Trainer v3 requires more metabolic effort to maintain momentum. Where the Elite v4 feels effortless and responsive, the Trainer v3 demands more from the runner to achieve the same result. The "Blocky" Mid-Forefoot Experience For a runner with a mid-forefoot strike—specifically contacting at the lateral cuboid and 5th metatarsal—the geometry of this shoe is unforgiving: • Small Sweet Spot: There is a remarkably narrow section of the foam where the strike feels tolerable. Missing this "sweet spot" results in a disjointed, jarring transition. • Firm & Blocky: Instead of the smooth, rockered roll found in the Elite v4, the Trainer v3 feels dense and "blocky" through the gait cycle. • Cadence Disruption: The shoe tends to force a higher cadence, suggesting the geometry doesn't carry the stride through effectively, leading to a choppier, less natural feeling. Stability vs. Harshness The increased firmness—likely intended for durability and stability in a daily trainer—tends to feel harsh rather than supportive for heavier runners. Rather than compressing and springing back, the midsole feels like a barrier to a smooth landing. Verdict The New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a stark reminder that shared design DNA does not guarantee a shared experience. While the SC Elite v4 is a masterpiece of efficiency, the Trainer v3 lacks the "flow" required for a smooth, distance-oriented gait. If your strike pattern leans lateral and you prioritize a seamless rocker, this trainer may feel like a step backward.
JosephA
I'm new to running, and have a pair of carbon plate race day shoes that I love! These are the perfect compliment in a trainer that I don't have to be worried about putting some miles on. Super comfortable while still feeling reactive. Glad I found this shoe.
david4928
Hurt my feet gave me a blister and I rolled my ankle wearing these for the first time.
Broady
Fantastic training shoe. I have had 8 pairs and love them every time. Please don't change them!!!
Angy
Very comfortable the color I love it and good quality
I weighed 316 pounds June 6,2025 I bought a pair of new balance 1080's put 500 miles walking on them and have bought 5 more pair I love the shoes I have walked 5 miles everyday for 314 days straight and now weigh 188 pounds
Huzey
6'5" 223 lbs and i feel this shoe is the right combo I constantly seek on cushion yet not spongy so I don't lose energy on the return.
Tiara
Good grip. Good fit. Slight bounce but steady
gmazz
For the most part, I’m very happy about the shoe. My only two issues are that the color is definitely a little different than what goes in the picture. They are definitely lighter than expected. The other issue is that the website to go up 1/2 of the site. It is definitely not. I would go to the size if I were to order again.
GM57
Great looking shoe I’d recommend it to my friends.
Lwazoe
Love the shoe for running and gym...................
Half-Marathoner
The FuelCell foam in this trainer is quite firm and not bouncy like the ones used in the SC Elites 4 and 5 race day shoes. Do not buy this expecting it to feel like a super shoe but overall it's a good shoe. They run really small. I wear a 9.5 in all my running shoes (Nike Vaporfly, Mizuno Wave Rebellion, Saucony Speed) but I had to order 10.5 to get a better fit...make that make that make sense New Balance! Please make the V4 versions foam softer for us overpronators!!
Duke2326
I have had many pairs of new balance running shoes my first pair of running shoes were new balance and I can honestly say they all have been good to me until now . The supercomp trainer is downright terrible . I thought with it being on the premium side of the new balance running line and with my previous purchases I thought it would be a no brainer. I was wrong at the price point they were I thought it was a steal so I bought 2 pairs after running in 1 pair twice they quickly become the worst running shoe I have ever owned . So I instantly sent back the unopened pair . They are heavy, bulky and very uncomfortable so o would tell anyone not to get them . On a side note the super comp elite v3 are in my top 3 ever so to give a little more context of how disappointed I was .
Peter FG
Top of the range plated “training day” shoe. Excellent for those days when you are pushing the efforts, and need a bit of help without the minimalist race day shoe. Springy, propulsive and very comfortable.
Sam D
Best every day training shoe. Thick, light weight cushioning with a carbon plate. Comfort and support without the weight.
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