As a heavier runner, 235lbs, I just picked up a pair of these and compared to my previous Saucony Endorphin Speed 2s, I love them! Very comfortable ride!
I ran a 50k ultra yesterday in the sc Elite 4 on a flat course (dirt road /asphalt mixture). It did harden up after the marathon mark, but is indeed extremely comfortable (especially the upper is awesome and fixed all of the issues with the sc elite line uppers of previous versions of the trainer and the elite line) , the cushioning is really good and while it subjectively lacks the last 2% of forward propulsion you get from other super shoes and is a wee bit heavier, it has that rare disappears-on-your-foot feeling of great shoes. I am super picky with shoes, but this one is really a great option, I would call it the super-shoe for mere mortals. Compared to the SC Elite 3 you lose a bit of groundfeel and speed, but you definitely get a more cushioned ride. No blisters after 50k btw.
I just ran a marathon (and BQ'd) in my NB SC Elite v.4 and loved them! I have had all of the versions and thought I wouldn't like this one because it is so different, but I actually think they are my favorite. Never have to think about my feet in these and they definitely have great energy return.
These come in wide that would be worth a try. I also have Altra feet. This shoe is more comfortable for me than the Altra Vanish Carbon. The Altra standard last they use for most of their shoes now makes my feet hurt!
Delivery just came for the rebel v4, v2 was my favourite shoe, worked really well with how i run, whereas carbon plated shoes change how i run, i go faster but i dont enjoy the ride, hopefully the v4 is better than the dull v3
Late to the party. Any reason to consider the NB SC Elite V4 over one of the so called "super trainer" options out there that cost lesss, and in a lot of cases weight less too? Endorphin Speed 3/4, Adizero SL2, Superblast,...?
I have two major problems with this shoe, after a couple of races in them. First, it's fun, it's dynamic, but somehow it feels like a super trainer. Second, I get bloody heels. The collar digs into the top of the heel like a hacksaw. So, no matter how much I wanted to love this shoe, it's now just sitting on my shoe rack.
Putting two elastic strips on the tongue would push the shoe over 10 oz. I'm kinda disappointed in the weight, there's no difference in these and my SC Trainers V2.
Welcome back! Wow, certainly intrigued by this shoe now. How do you think it compares to the Adios Pro 3? I really enjoy that shoe for a lot of the same reasons you like the NB. Also, wonder if the design/looks choices NB made are to save costs and/or a sustainability measure. Fewer dyes, materials reuse, lower overall climate and cost impact?
Loved everything about them at first until they gave me huge blisters around the front of my arches. I’d sunk into the midsole, and the sides on the midsole that’s supposed to cup the foot I guess pushed the insert up into the inner front of my arches and gave me huge blisters. Taping down the insole didn’t help. Got less than 50 miles before I had to stop wearing them. Upper seemed sturdy and fine to me and super well ventilated. Midsole was so cushy my legs felt great after. Outsole was a bit weird like waffle silicon potholders that would collapse either to one side or other if pushed down, but fine otherwise and good enough, would’ve preferred traditional treads\lugs. And trampoline affect was phenomenally good for me. Worked great for me at almost all speeds too - as versatile as superblasts for me… But, the blister problem, I couldn’t get over… even after my blisters went away I couldn’t run more than 10 miles before the area got sore again, and the shoes also give very little stability and I noticed I was pronating like I’ve never done before in any other shoes due to the squishy marshmallow foam, and the badly designed side supports that shoved up the insole inserts and gave me the blisters. If not for the insoles popping up inside the shoes and rubbing my feet raw, would’ve been the perfect shoes for me, but oh well…
Comfortable and accomodating shoe. It's so welcoming, you could have just gotten into running and wear these. They are stable and have a plush midsole. With that said...it's over priced. It's not a "super shoe" it's a daily trainer with a plate. There's a rocker, but not incredibly agressive. It's also too heavy to be in this price range. Also also...the tongue absolutely sucks. $200.00 MAX
The SC elite v3 is an incredible, fun shoe. The tight instep=ankle even helped heal/ soothe an instep tendo: compression. But paid only $125. $250- yikes!
Why do you have to state that the FDC requires a person making a RU-vid video on a shoe review if it was given to you or if you paid for the shoe with your own money who really cares can you explain to me please?Thank u I would like to start reviewing items or shoes
Thanks for the review GR! 🙏 So, this is a marathon racing shoe, right? I mean at $250 that’s where all the other marathon racing shoes are. From that perspective I think that some that lean toward the elite end of the spectrum would consider this a heavy shoe (compare to Vaporfly 3). That’s why I think NB should have kept the price at $225 - it just doesn’t compete with others at the $250 price point. That said, I will probably get this shoe at some point. I do NOT lean toward the elite end of the spectrum. However, I still have v3 which I like (except for the exposed carbon in forefoot) so maybe after that one reaches its shelf life. I think NB has made some good super shoes for those of us who are mid packers and below.
I love the Rebels, but the Supercomp is a no. I had high hopes, but the collar rubs on my achilles - blister on one and raw on the other. Tried them on two runs and am returning them.
thank you for sharing. Always love your reviews, happy, different, but to the point. I totally agree with everything you said. Regarding the raising of the price of the running shoes, unfortunately there is a trend that seems that even a 309$ for the new alphafly 3 are acceptable (they ran out of stock in less than a minute), not talking about the crazy adidas evo 1 that is prices at 500$. it is not only how expensive they are but how often they release a new version (but they are recycled material to save the planet ahah 🤣) so even if you manage to but an expensive shoes in a bit less than a year new model is out with latest tech, the question is do we need all these technology?
To the best of your knowledge is there a diagram visualizing the combination of the Runner's' weight and possible speed range optimal for different carbon plates? A lighter Runner would logically need to run at a higher pace to get enough Force to take advantage of the carbon plate.
