Ran the marathon portion of Ironman Lake Placid in these shoes last weekend. Perfect for an Ironman marathon where comfort and a little bit of extra stability goes a long way. (I saw *a lot* of people hobbling their way around the course in Vaporflys.) Plus, people cheered me on with, "Go, purple shoes!" And the best indicator of how good they were: I'll be wearing them again at Kona in October.
Appreciate your hard work 😓 and dedication Ben! And a quick thanks to Sara for always being on her bike for you. Your absolutely transparent and honest and it is reflected in all your videos. Love your channel!
I just bought these!!! Found them more comfortable than the vaporfly, maybe the vaporfly is slightly faster, but for me as an amateur I went for comfort. 👍🏼
I have 150 miles in this shoe. It’s more of a high end trainer. Vaporfly, Alphafly, Metaspeed Sky and Adios Pro 2 all have much more “pop” and energy return. You really have to turn over to get the plate to kick in. Also, it’s much heavier. You notice it in the rain or in hot runs where you sweat a lot. It is super soft. That’s ok, but the sinking in the shoe uses energy to keep pushing. It’s not near as effortless a run as in other shoes. Now it’s very versatile. You can use it on a easy run, long run, tempo, hills and track (but not very good). For $225US that’s pretty expensive. I feel it is like the endorphin speed, I’ll train in it, but won’t race in it.
I’m a newbie runner and feel the same way. I bought it as it is so soft, and I had a bad tendon injury in the past and wanted something the most cushioned I could find at my local store. It was not until I bought the Adidas Adios Pro 2 and noticed how much of a super shoe the Adidas feels like. The New Balance is so perfect at comfort but it does not feel fast, I do not feel any pop at all, whereas the Adidas is amazing in its response. I love the New Balance still and I’ll learn more with it as time goes on, but I’m very blessed to have both.
I concur! The most comfortable and reasonably fast shoe. I do think the Vaporfly and Alpha Fly are possibly faster but a comfy, springy shoe for longer distances, is what this shoe is all about.
I have been alternating between the Adios Pro 2 and the RC Elite 2. Took them both for 25k runs now and i would have to say i like them both equally. I'm currently training for the Amsterdam Marathon coming up in October and i have no clue which one i'm gonna pick. I have been training with an older Adios Pro 1 and every time i did a 20+ km run i made new records, but at the end of a run my feet, knees and legs felt completely banged up (no blisters or hard injuries, just severe fatigue). I've had the same in the Adios Pro 2 even though it got a little softer and a little lighter. I'm wide footed and a heavy runner so the fit and comfort that i had running with the RC Elite 2 was incredible on my 25k, but i have to say that after a while i felt i became sluggish in the shoe and it was hard to keep up my marathon pace, where as with the Adios Pro 2 it felt easy and almost efortless to overdo or keep up my pace. Although my feet, knees and legs felt great after running with the RC Elite 2. So i'm super torn between these 2. For my shorter runs during the week i use an Endorphin Speed, great all-round shoe. But when it comes to racing, i really have no clue whether i prefer a little more comfort and less speed or my run being more effortless keeping myself at a decent pace.
Really enjoying your videos whilst I’m on my summer break! They’re 100% fuelling my return to running following an injury. Thanks for the inspiration and information Ben.
I'm loving mine. Bought them from ballarat running company after I heard about them on shoe geeks. Great shoe, for sessions or longer tempo runs. Haven't tried on a race yet
£205 is a lot! If I were a better runner I might consider it but as the saying goes you can put lipstick on a pig but it’s still a pig. Glad they bring you joy!
Just picked this up for my marathon, been training with the saucony speed. Extremely excited to try this out, I’ve tried the adios adizero 2 and that’s a no go, and the Vaporfly 2 just doesn’t really fit me well. Hopefully this is a go for me!
I have only ever tested two carbon plate shoes (a couple minutes each): the Hoka Carvon X and the Saucony Endorphin Pro. Out of those two I would definitely choose the Saucony for fit (Hoka was too narow for me) and also the performance
Glad you're enjoying your pair of New Balance FuelCell RC Elite V2. I just treated myself to my first pair of carbon plated shoes in the guise of the New Balance FuelCell TC. Totally agree with you on the comfort. These felt so good when putting them on for the first time (UK 12) and I've loved my first couple of runs in them. I'm hoping these will be the ones to get me around London on October. Love your videos. Just about to track back and double check what size Rebel V2s you've got, as I found the UK 12.5 too small for me, but the 1080 V10 in a UK 12.5 are spot on. Keep up the good work.
Ran my Boston qualifier at Dorney Lake in April wearing the Alphaflys! My best marathon experience (out of 9 marathons). Definitely my shoe of choice 👌😊
Picked up the London Marathon version for £160 today. Thought it'd be a good one for my first ever half marathons this autumn/early winter and Manchester Marathon in April. Prioritising comfort over the supposed pop of the Nikes as venturing into an unknown territory for me. Also have flat midfoot which would probably get choked by the narrow Nikes.
For me the Next% is still the King of supershoes. I will try the 2 that I just ordered and decide if taking the 1 or 2 for my next Marathon. I loved the NB Fuelcell TC for my long fast training runs, so I may look for this one for that if I ever find a deal. Did you try those? How do these compare?
thank you Ben, it is always so nice to see your review and you smiling and enjoying what you do. it is motivating. I love the shoes, i also use it for all kind of training session it is the most comfortable carbon plated shoes, i only discovered one issue, the insole tends to slip backward in the shoes. i heard it first from a youtuber that was testing it, i did not want to believe it, but it is true for me, after the run i find the insole moving toward the back, i tried to glue it with bicycle repair glue, but it did not work, i heard others using double tape.
@@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics i have tried with the glue to fix bicycle tyres, but i did not put enough i think because it still happened. i was trying to be careful not to use too aggressive glue that might affect the midsole. i did not try the double tape yet, i heard it might work, but for me it needs to be thin otherwise i would feel it. Different outsole i tried, it is not easy, the shape of the outsole is kind of unique. In my experience, it moves a bit but i can still run and not think about it. hope it helps, good luck
I'm 65 I ran a 10k end June in Adidas adizero adios pro v2 in 42:26, today I ran another 10k in the NB RC elite v2 in 42:36 both routes were reasonably flat. Luv both shoes. I got 10% off the white and a new colourway pink with 25% discount from NB.
I used the 1st version in my marathon and my feet loved me. I'll wear them again for my coming next but will defineately get another pair may be by then they'll be on special.
Been running with that shoes for over a month now I love it. been usen it for any type of runs... And I sometimes use it for recovery runs over my Cliftons 7s because is actually more comfortable than my Clifton 7.
I have the Clifton 7 and they are narrow and the foam feels dead after an hour or so.. I am a senior citizen.. How does the RC V2 compare? Is it more stable yet soft?
RC Elite 2 (white) is in the rotation. You’re correct, the feel & looks add to the smile factor. It’s a great companion to the Rebel v2. A contender to the Next%.
@@i.p2088 The RV2 has a 26/20 stack and the RC Elite 2 is 39/31. The Elite 2 has a stiffer heel cup and the plate should help with stability with higher stack. However over pronators might be cautious. Try them on and test them out!
I have the Vaporfly 2, Adios Pro 2 and just gotten the RC Elite 2 as well. Still trying to get a feel of it but by far most comfy and trainer-like. Whoever the NB designer is deserves a bonus. Previous NB designs were ugly
I know you can't use the Nike Tempo Next% for races but it's fantastic for keeping my fast pace training. If its any thing like the Alphafly I might use it for race day.
I bought these shoes for the upcoming Berlin marathon. Can’t wait to go out there! They look fenomenal in purple and feel great. Now awaiting your hats i ordered and then heading for new PR’s😉🥳
Thank you for your reviews, they are really well constructed ! That would be interesting to have a longevity criteria on the supershoes. My Vaporfly 4% (first carbon shupershoe) lasted about 250 km (then the carbon plate was visible to the naked eye). The Alphafly / Vaporfly 2 seems to be more robust in terms of longevity. The Nike Tempo I've had bubbles problems (at km 450 on first pair and at km 150 on second pair during a 800m interval session at around 19.5 km/h). I've always had good experiences and my feet fits well on New Balance shoes - all my recovery runs are performed with New Balance. They are also very resistant, most of them lasted around 600 km. That's why I'm interested in that RC Elite V2 model - it's true that it's a bit heavier but if it's for the sake of having them last 500 km instead of 250 that's a good drawback.
Did my first run in my purples last night, which was the 5x 1mile tempo repeats from your marathon plan week10. Went very well, averaged close on 4min/km, so above tempo but didn't feel that fast. They feel pretty stable maybe not as much as the Adidas adios pro2, better than vaporflys (horses for courses eh). When I cooled down and I think started to actually use the heel section on tired legs, felt like I'd picked something it, think it's just that super soft feel. race slippers is certainly a good description.
Hi Ben. I’ve got my eye on a pair of these on eBay at the mo for £130 and they are nearly new so a bargain. My question is I’m looking for a marathon shoe for Chicago in October and I’m a 4 hour man so not fast pace. Would this suit me do you think ? Thanks Ian
Loved this review. Thanks! With my next marathon in five weeks & never having owned a "super shoe", I was on the fence on whether to invest in these or the vaporfly. Your observations helped to reinforce where my brain was going. I already train daily in the NB fuelcel rebel v2. So, your commentary makes complete sense to me.
I bought the 1st version for my 21k+ races later this year. Really enjoyed the feel of the RC elite on a 5k test run after the purchase. I even wore it on a 3k track session and it made me run a massive PB. Shortly after that, the 2nd version came out and the 1st version was at just 128GBP, so I instantly bought another pair for later on. Planning to wear the 1st pair on my marathon pace training sessions and shorter races, and keeping the other pair for long races exclusively.
Recently bought a pair of vaperfly's and have to say love them. 1.race in them 1 PB! Haven't tried any of the other shoes however managed to get a pair of VFs for 160 so at that price I dont think I'll be changing any time soon. Loving the reviews tho Ben
Before buying these, and any running shoe for that matter, try it out first as two shoes including this one I bought recently had manufacturing defects. One shoe was collapsing on the inside causing one of my feet to pronate. The other shoe I had the same problem with was the Nike Vapour Next% 2 and on this shoe it was the opposite foot that the shoe caused to pronate. Thankfully, I tried the Next% 2 in the shop and didn't buy it. I went back to several of my good shoes and all was perfect with no pronation issues. I lost a lot of money on the RC Elite. I probably should have taken them back to NB for an exchange or a refund.
I'm really enjoying these shoes, they are extremely comfortable for the type of shoe they are. However, I have had to glue down the insoles as they kept slipping back a bit. There's no danger of them slipping out completely but it's annoying as it seems many people are having this same issue and it would have been simple to fix.
I have these on order. I own the next%2 and metaspeed sky. I'm looking for a slightly more forgiving marathon shoe as I'm not a young runner any longer 😂.
@@mitchyruns7818 probably the metaspeed. The RC has more cushioning though. I ended up using the RC for Chicago last week and my feet were in great shape at the end. If you watch kofuzi on RU-vid, he ran in the metaspeed at Chi and seems to have liked his choice. Both great shoes IMHO.
@@eriktred hey, well done on Chicago! Yeah I follow all these guys, watched kofuzi and he seems to like it. Did you find the RC holds your marathon pace well? Sorry for all the questions, really want the Metaspeed but have a feeling the RC is the best bet for me as a slight heel striker, my pace is going for sub 3. I ran Brighton in the alphafly a few weeks ago and was holding a 6:45 quite well but picked and injury up and found I was just sinking in the zoom x too much in the heel
Great review Ben! I’ll add these to the list of shoes I want but don’t need 😂 I believe the white ones are more expensive as they are the Olympic colour way… the pink/white vapourflys were the same - just a guess though!
Solid review as always, Ben. I'm thinking to pick up a pair of this shoe. This will be my first race shoe. Is it true to size? I read some comments elsewhere saying it fits half size (UK) smaller. My size is 8.5 in Adidas and 8 in Nike? Should I go for 8? Any thoughts? Thanks!
well Ben you did not like the Adios Pro 2 because of the lateral bias but its works really well with my pronation. would be interesting to hear what you think about stability for the NB and how they compare. keep up the good work! 👍
Hi Ben, great vids - really helped get me into running - first official marathon in October. Any chance you could review the brooks hyperion elite 2?? Considering for race day!
Hey Ben! Hope the recovery is going well, was keeping an eye out for you at the ASICS 10K last week but then seen your video the next day, hope you’re back at it ASAP! Question for you, if the London marathon was tomorrow, what shoe would you pick!? I’m trying to decide between the alphafly and RC elite 2 for Brighton! Best wishes to you both!
@@BenParkes hey Ben. I did my workout this morning with 5 miles at marathon pace, did almost the same workout last week in the alphafly. Definitely find the RC soft, just felt like it took just a tab more effort to hit the same marks as the alphafly! I used the adios 2 for the ASICS London 10K and that’s fast but don’t think it would save your legs as much over the marathon so thinking about being safe and sticking with the alpha for my race! This being said, did have my second vaccine on Saturday so could have been feeling that still lol. Hope the recovery is ongoing mate and looking forward to the next update 👍🏻
I'm trying to decide if to buy the NB or adios pro 2. I tried them both yesterday loved them both. Kind of feel NB is a little more support around my ankle, Adidas i might have to learn how to run in them, but boy were they fun to run around the store in. I wish i could afford both
Thanks Ben!!! Did you try the Nike vaporfly next% I got it since 2 weeks and can say that I gain 5% of speed, my heart rate is the same comparing to a slower rate without these shoes, just fantastic!!! Just one default, very fragile.
It has happened to me on my long run just this past weekend (first time). Looking to see what others who have experienced this have been doing. The one fault with an otherwise superb shoe.
Great review thanks .. ..favourite shoe is the Nike Next %l, haven’t tried the RC elite…would you recommend it for a 100km road ultramarathon where my planned pace is 90 seconds per mile slower than my marathon race pace … I had planned to use the Hoka Carbon X2… could the RC hold firm or in this case soft and comfortable for the 100k distance ?
The longest run I've done so far was 30k.. but had zero problems there. So no evidence that the shoe wouldn't work. It's certainly the shoe I'd be using for a 100k race if I had one coming up!
I really want these. I have some Alphafly's but after I race in them my legs are complete trash for the next week. Maybe this might offer me a better marathon alternative with three coming up in the next six months.
@@maxloncar2758 Mostly calf pain feels like the tendons running from the back of my knee to my heel gets lit on fire if I go any farther than 10 miles in them. I have the Next % 2 and they are not as bad.
Hi Ben. I was be interested to know your thoughts on how this compares to the Nike Alphafly? I love the shoe so much abs like you I love a softer trainer. Nike are good in the fact you can try it but still send it back unlike any other manufacturer. I got the Endorphin speed 2 but just putting them on I just knew they weren’t for me, too small as well! Are we just spoilt with the Nike racing range? 😂😂
I have v1 and v2 I keep reaching for v1 maybe because v2 is so damn pretty I wanna keep it nice lol being a bigger guy, the alpha fly seems to fit my overall running style. Now I wanna try that clownish adidas prime x which drops a new color way here in the U.S. tomorrow 👍
hey ben, how come no posts / vids on your race to stones run? would love an update on it! was great to see you out there - i cycled past and shouted at you lol :-)
I just got these and am obsessed after my 1st run today! I saw a girl comment somewhere that after 5-6 runs in them they felt like quicksand and she had to return. Can anyone attest to this or do they still hold up over time? Thanks!
They sound a bit more quality than the tc found the tc injured me and fell apart when i needed them but I did a few miles in them would i change from my vaporfly don’t think 🤔 so But on the brighter side got a pair of Adidas prime x anyone else tried them
I found out the hard way that very soft shoes are unstable for me. The Saucony speed have given me knee pain and the NB fuel cell TC were even more unstable for me. I sticking with my Hoka for the foreseeable future
Wiggle have a premium discount so say you've spent £500 the last year you get 12% off so it's about 180. Tempted to get it for my marathon in october ngl, that the endorphin speeds or the hoka carbons
Can’t talk about the invincible, but they sure as heck are way softer than Endorphin Speed 2. Quite impressive IMHO, I bought them right away the moment I stood up on them. Haven’t been this impressed since the first time I tried Adidas Boost technology like… a decade ago?
Hello Ben! I ‘ve noticed that your shoe size is 12UK. Same here. But I was told that there is no size 12UK in the market for NB. Just 11 1/2UK and then 12 1/2UK. Is this true? If yes? What size did you chose? Thanks in advance!
Much, much, much to expensive. Stupid expensive. I'll rather stay with Atreyu, even if the Artist is so narrow in the front part (and a bit to loose in the heel hold padding), that it kills my toes on any distance above 25K (shaped just as bad as Nike !). New Balance 2EE fits me like a perfect glove, and the New Balance shoes are not as butt-ugly as Nike's, but not for that amount of money ! No way !!!
