Dear RU-vid algorithm, I hope this comment finds you in good health. Please let this comment serve as my intent to boost Mr. Bud's videos in you algorithm. Yours faithfully, bjelar.
I think the upper of this shoe is outstanding. Disappears on my feet, which is my favorite attribute of any shoe. I went up half a size and it’s perfect for me-almost like people have differently shaped feet. Hmm.
Coming from a guy that has a foot shaped foot, it is refreshing to get a shoe that accommodates people like me. I realize it doesn't work for you but I love it!! Not everyone has a narrow foot.
Mine are on the way. Rebel v2 was lacking in stack for me. V3 was one of my favorite shoes and I finished off 2 pairs. Was great for everything. Little concerned about the upper as the v3 was the most comfortable upper I have used.
I have wide feet and these fit great! I would recommend staying with the standard D width, as the 2E wide is a tad roomy (whereas the 2E wide for the Rebel v2 fit like a glove). If you want to tighten up the fit and happen to also own the 1080 v13, I would swap the two insoles because those ones are very thick. As for the ride, nothing exciting at slower paces, but once you pick up the pace this thing bounces!
I really like the rebel v4 - great daily trainer for me! I don't have any problems with the upper, I've got "normal" width feet and find the upper is roomy but not so much that it's an issue. Very comfy. It works well for me at all paces from easy recovery up to tempo/10k pace. Highly recommended!
Picked up a pair and went a half size down from usual because of the voluminous upper and the width. Bordering on too short. After an initial few km I added a 2mm Powerrun+ topsole section in the rearfoot (from an old pair of Saucony Ride) to counter that sinking feeling in the rear foot. There's not enough height in the toebox to add the full-length topsole (I tried...briefly). As a bigger runner (~200lbs to you Brits) I don't think the midsole will last too long. I've found with a number of NB shoes (1080, Beacon, 880) that they are a bit too soft and bottom out / lose their cushion quickly. This is giving the same impression. Will be using it for easy runs only I think. That said, I tried some strides and it seemed to come to life (at
I love mine. They are not the perfect shoe, but I love putting them on and going out with them. Definitely more an uptempo trainer than long run shoe for me.
Consensus seems to be that the midsole is 20% PEBA and 80% EVA. NewBalance have always been a wider shoe than most. Only shoes I have ever had pinky or big toe blisters on were NewBalance due to the slight side to side movement that could happen. Seems like a great shoe, if you can get the lockdown to work for you...I'll pass.
The best way I describe this shoe is a shoe you grab when you just want to go out for a run and not worry about anything. Just a great fun shoe. In Marathon training though I use this as a lightweight easy day shoe and feels great on the legs
I was given the Mach 6 and the upper is a little narrow for my taste but OK. I find the midsole to be a little bouncy and not too squishy, which is nice. For me, it's great for 6-7 miles, whether I'm going easy or picking up the pace but I feel like not enough cushion for longer runs.
Agree with you-I like that it has a little ground feel but still feels well cushioned. It fits me perfectly with my narrowish feet, and I find the support adequate for long runs. I bought them for daily training and LR’s, and so far so good. But I’m very petite and lightweight.
Ive had this shoe for 3 weeks and done numerous short and long runs. Havent had any issues with the upper. The toe box is slightly wider than V3 and V2 but I prefer this for my longer 20km+ runs when my foot has expanded. I went true to size as there was no need to go half size up with wider shoe. Great fun shoe for fast and easy pace.
These are top of my list when discounted, to replace my faithful 2nd pair Rebel V1 on steady pace training runs. My V1 fit perfectly. I have a wide and high foot, but from your opinion I think it would be a good idea to try in a shop and compare with womens version for good upper fit. I like my shoes light, so would be very interested to hear if you remove the massive N logo strips...how much weight saved.
Got a pair, for me I knew immediately I really liked them with initial try on then confirming it even more after afew runs. Upper works just fine and no issues for my normal width. For context, I’m “bigger” at 6’2 192-194lbs with a midfoot/forefoot striker.
I agree that the shoe is easy to place in the wrong category. It is very light and looks agressive like a race shoe, but it is actually a daily trainer. I like it though, and the upper fits me very good😊
Interesting that the voluminous upper didn’t work. Given there has been a lot of love from other reviews for this shoe, I’m wondering if NB have nailed it in the smaller sizes, but have missed a trick when converting up to larger shoe sizes? 🤔
I recall one reviewer mentioned it was a great shoe. But had to use plasters on the heel as it rubbed and made his foot bleed. Only 1 shoe out of hundreds did that to me!
I wear perhaps THE most standard, common women’s size, US9. And the upper gave me the very same issues as EDDBUD details. So it’s not a matter of converting to larger sizes.
@@EDDBUDThere have been quite a few influencers not being quite as practical as you with comments about blisters, poor lockdown yet closing with it’s a great shoe go and buy it. Just wish we had moreEDBUD’s in the world.
Good review. I am actually wondering if this shoe is the same use/level as the Hoka Rincon 3 is. Lower stack, light and nimble. I have them both and find the the Rincon maybe even 'better'. Cheers!
My first impression of the Rebel was the same - similar in feel to the Rincon but with less bounce. Quite disappointing, I don't think I've ever felt like I've bottomed out a shoe before but I do with the Rebel. I had 880km on my Rincon 2s and currently 890km on my Rincon 3s with no longevity issues....
Agree with the Rincon comparison and I also bottomed out the Rebel V4 occasionally but this never happened in the Rincon. Liked the Rincon better than this shoe when it was fresh. The arch of the Rebel V4 is also super high, which would be more of a problem for a lot if people if the foam wasn't so soft.
I also agree to a previous comment, haven't had any issue with the upper or the lock down. Always like most of your reviews.. 99 out of 100 isn't bad :)
@@EDDBUDthink that's because you went up a half size. I'm normally an 11, went with 11 for these and the upper fits snugly but I'm wondering if it's slightly too short (which is presumably why you went up a half size)
@@EDDBUD aren't you usually an 11 in other brands though? My only other NB was the 1080v10, stuck with my usual 11, thinner socks required but otherwise fit was fine so stuck with 11 for the Rebel and it's definitely shorter
Looks like the rigid N overlay is exactly were the metatarsal bone of the 5th toe sticks out.. really unnessessary, likely causing discomfort for some people.
I have two runs, a 5 and 10 miler. It's ok bordering on good for me as it checks my preferred boxes of light, cushioned, and flexible. My biggest issue is upper length; as with the Rebel2 (I skipped the 3), it runs about half to full size short for my shape of foot. I went half size large and it's barely long enough to avoid lost toenails, I definitely have to wear thin socks. Coupled with the wider toebox, it's a puzzle to get a good fit. I have a "Celtic" foot shape.
I've twice tried this in store and both times I had the same impression, that the mid-sole felt like a negative drop pancake. The upper I didn't have as many issues with as you, but I didn't get to run in them. The feel I got from the shoe was similar to when I tried on the Noosa Tri14 which I do own as I was given voucher as a gift and there was little to choose from. The Noosa is fine, but quickly bottoms out and as the Rebel felt so similar I decided against it. Interestingly, the salesperson advised me that plenty of customers had given the same feedback as me regarding the Rebel V4, including after purchase. Many were not a fan of the upper either apparently.
You know, I eagerly waited for the Rebel 4 - to the point of staying up till 12:01 a.m. when it was released here in the States on the NB website. What a disappointment! I mean, I’m not the heaviest guy at 128lbs., and it felt like I was slogging in pudding - kind of like your feet in a bad dream, when they just won’t move. Can’t imagine how the midsole would react to a heavier runner. You are very generous in your review! Fortunately, I was able to return them, and bought a super-discounted Mach 5.
I have the rc elite v4 since january, and its very good. Nice bounce, not as squashy as before, very pronounce toe-off. Then i got the rebel last march, run a few kms with it. Its softer than the elite, but not as soft as previous rebels. Its also a bit wobbly but tolerable. The upper is the same in the elite and the rebel, same material, same fit.
@EDDBUD I agree with literally every point you brought up. I too have a narrowish foot (but still medium) and the upper was extremely baggy on me in the forefoot. I had to cinch like crazy just to get a halfway decent lockdown, but my forefoot still swam in them. I have to disclose that I was in the market for a daily trainer suitable for long runs, and aside from the lack of a supportive upper, I found a lack of forefoot cushion as well. I have plenty of great speedy shoes, ie Takumi Sen, Hyperion Max and Endorphins Speeds. So I ended up buying the Hoka Mach 6 to my surprise. I rarely buy Hokas but the Mach 6 fit me perfectly (yes, I know some of you out there will find them too narrow), has a supportive upper in the best sense, still plenty of room in the toe box, and while it’s not super exciting it’s been very pleasurable to run in. The midsole isn’t as bouncy as the Rebel but I prefer it as a cruiser that’s still quite nimble and well cushioned at the same time. I also hate mushy midsoles. I loved the Rebel 2 but it was not a long run-worthy shoe for me either.
Ed - these shoes are perfect for my voluminous feet! I used to have to use my wooden shoe trees to stretch out the V3 a little bit. (They were my favourite) These V4 are absolutely perfect for my feet now ❤
Great video, i was starting to think i was the only person in the world that didnt fall in love with this shoe, as everyone seems to be giving it rave reviews. The V3 was amazing, super fun peppy trainer, this is just a bit of a 'vanilla' shoe (that is super uncomfortable and boring) thanks for the review!
@@EDDBUDTks for recommending the B12 to me, love the ride of the shoe! Thinking of getting another running shoe. What would you suggest that has a similar ride and bounce to B12?
Thanks for your review Edd 👌 I was thinking of buying the Rebel V4, but after your review I'll wait untill I try them on store to see how my feet adapt to those shoes. You're a true Earth Credits saviour 😂
I bought these after years of Nike FreeRNs. I appreciate the cushion and the midsole, but, yeah, the heels feel a bit strange when I’m doing cross training. I enjoy it, but that is seldomly mentioned.
Do you feel the fit would be better for someone with a wider foot? Especially considering you have a narrower foot for a size US 12 men? Have you ever suggested to someone, or tried yourself, using a women's size so that the fit would be a size B?
Strange how different your opnion is from mine. I bought two of your highly praised shoes (Deviate & Magnify 2) and this shoe is by far my favourite. I love it! If you liked the Rebel v3 I would highly recommend this shoe. It needs some breaking in... Say about 30 km. Great review!
PSA: If the Rebel runs too wide, I suggest you try shopping for the Woman's version in "B" width. Usually there's a 1.5 size difference between Men's & Women's sizes, but it differs by mfgr... sometimes there's only a 1 size diff. I dunno how NB does it. Nike, Brooks, & Adidas follow a 1.5 sz diff. So if you wear a Men's sz. 9, then try on a Woman's sz 10.5 B in the Rebel and it 'should' fit like a normal men's 9 sized closer to a "real" D width.
@@EDDBUD the fit feels fine to me in my baby size 8.5 uk feet😂. I have normal width feet(if there’s such a thing) so I don’t have any issues with cinching. Basically I have a perfect foot😂😂
thx for the bussines-like review! after aaaall the hype surrounding v4 since last fall i was really thinking i was missing out. but NB always felt too squishy and too wide for me for faster runs. think i'll pass this one.
Yeah the ultimate shoe for those with clown wide feet. Goodness knows who the actual wide version is for. That said having pulled in the tongues like I was in a tug of war contest, I did at least achieve an OK lockdown and then the heel or the insole wasn't going anywhere. That said I did think the very wide base took some getting used to and I couldn't help wonder why a shoe that does not feel unstable at all to me needs to be seemingly built like one that is - like say the Invincible. They are very light for a trainer but I say trimmed off 1cm off each edge I might well have something lighter than a Vaporfly that would still fit fine.
Would love to see a review on the new sc elite. Since i am not as fast as i jused to be doubting i wil benefit a alphafly or adios pro, or ether a metaspeed sky.
3:00 The best upper imo. I must need a wide in other shoes. This is my fav shoe ever right now. I do think it's kind of a polarizing shoe, like the novablast 1. Works so well for some, but some people will hate it.
I shall save you time... I think they're dreadful and I can't send em back! They're by no means bad but they don't feel anywhere as responsive or up tempo as my old Mach 5's.
Alternative opinion: I find them more responsive than the Mach 5. Try them for yourself and decide. They’re very different, however, from the Rebel 4. For me, the Mach 6 use case is general trainer including long runs, but not for speed work. I have other speedy shoes better for that. The Rebel 4 is not ideal for long runs. While versatile, it doesn’t have as much cushion in the forefoot.
1080v13 has a great upper if anyone wants a better NB mushy recovery shoe. Up half size over Rebel for whatever reason. Both super easy/recovery pokey run shoes.
I honestly don't understand the purpose of the Rebel. To be fair I've only had the v2, but my experience with that was very similar to your v4 review: Fit is kind of loose, very squishy midsole (in v2 soft + lower stack was a weird combo, but the stack has increased), and there seem to be better choices for any given purpose. One example: For me, the Saucony Endorphin Speed (again I'm still on v2 ha) is superior at every pace or distance I might want to run.
Glad one of the manufacturers is making more accommodating uppers. Adizero range, puma in general, nike in general, hoka in general, Salomon in general and saucony toe boxes all cater to narrow footed people. Medium footers can get away with it, but us wide footers have nothing but New Balance and maybe a few from Asics. If we are lucky, we will be offered a wide version of specific shoes, but they will rarely be in stock, and they will never be discounted
I think David Johansen aka Buster Poindexter deserves some credit for the evolution of plates in running shoes. Back in the day, he would take his high heeled shoes to the shoe maker to put a metal shank in the heel so they would be stable enough for him to run around on while performing on stage. He's in his 70's now and him being a devotee and originalist of glam punk, I think he's still wearing his white cuban high heeled ankle boots. Maybe to this day, he's still going thru a "Personality Crisis" 😂
@@EDDBUD Like Beast, I'm more of a digitigrade than a plantigrade. So for better or worse this shoe might work for me. But I'm buying them from a website that allows you 90-days to try them out return policy because your review gives me pause for concern.
Got the Rebel v2 like it but wished it had a little bit more midsole. Then the v4 arrived to a lot of fanfare for other shoetubers like the runtesters, believe in the run and kofozi. I did the NB Warsaw half marathon last month and saw the rebel v4 at the expo. They had a 30% off voucher making them £90. I didn't bite as I have a lot of shoes in my rotation or waiting to go into my rotation when other retire. Like the honest review Ed. Runtesters compare the Rebel v4 as a lower stack superblast or pacier novablast v4. I guess that's not what you'd compare it to? But that's probably for another video 😉
I have been wondering about New Balance sizing for a while now. I hear people having to always size up in something like the 1080, but for Fresh Foam x, I have to go down half a size (I have the 1080 v 12 and the More v4. Both the regular and permafrost versions). Fuel Cell will fit me true to size (RC Elite v2, SC Elite v3, SC Trainer v1 and v2). I wear a women's 40 or 40.5 EU.
I'd never get these to work, what with my narrow-ish and low volume feet. Frankly, most of the NB lineup has been this way for a while now. A shame, as they've had some otherwise good stuff going.
Thanks for the review Edd! On point as always. I was glad to hear your thoughts lined up closely with my own impression of the shoes after 100km. I had the v2 a number of years ago and actually quite liked them but these feel too wide to me and I'm having similar issues with the upper (heel locking has helped a great deal). The ride is nice and light but not incredible (as some other reviews would suggest). They're by no means terrible and I'll continue to wear them for daily use/maybe some short workouts but certainly won't be picking up a second pair.
I bought it online a few weeks ago and tried it on once in the house and sent it straight back and went Nimbus 26 instead. I’m glad I did! Not a fan of this shoe at all!
If there’s one thing I really don’t want to do with a daily trainer, it’s having to fuss with it to get a good lockdown - just need to be able to throw em on and go :D
NB brand shoes just have not worked for me. I liked the Rebel 2 OK. The race models have fallen flat for me so far. Hoping to actually try the SC Pacer 2 out later in the year for Sydney.
those dents on the outer part of the toe box look awful. i have enough problems without all that going on. thanks! what is that red and white hoka back there? btw those Jordans 😍
Interesting the de-evolution of the NB Rebel. I still have a pair of v1: quite different! Not sure NB ever knew what this shoe was for. But NB makes what? 50 different running shoe models. NY Dolls! Prime X review appropriate
Good review, won’t be buying! They certainly look lovely though On a separate note: I recently asked you if there was a good alternative to the now discontinued Nike Tempo Next %. I think I just found it, they are called ASICS Superblast. I know they have no plate but first try today when absolutely knackered, and they’re phenomenal Also you are so correct about DHL, they say they tried to deliver them you have to go and pick them up from a random corner shop 7 miles away 😂
