Featuring leading trail technology and a sleek modern appearance, the FuelCore NITREL offers a winning combination of speed, traction, and style. The Nitrel v4 has grown into a nice crossover shoe where it fits well wearing it for casual use. However, don’t let its subtle aesthetics fool you. The off-road tread is enough to take off the tarmac and will get the job done on the trails. Who should buy the Nitrel v4 While this is not strictly the case anymore, the concept stays: you can expect the cost (and features) of the shoe to go up when moving from a “8” model to a “10” or a “12”. MR”: The first two letters identify the gender and the sport activity. “M” is for MEN, “W” for WOMEN. “R” is for Running. “WW” will be Women’s Walking, “MX” will be Men’s Cross-Training and so on. Each one of our New Balance FuelCell running shoes in the range offers subtly distinct performance characteristics, allowing you to select a model that perfectly matches your running style and goals. For a comfortable, well-cushioned ride – look no further than the New Balance rebel v2 (FuelCell), up for training runs and intense runs alike. Every piece has its iterations. Adding to the collection came with careful consideration, if it wasn’t adding to the racing experience then it had no place. Step forward the FuelCell SC Elite v3, it complements the midsole’s super springy rebounds with the dynamic energy return and stability of our Energy Arc system and a full-length carbon plate. Every aspect of its design is developed to deliver PB-busting race day speed. Meanwhile, the New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 offers exceptional day-to-day performance courtesy of lightweight uppers. If you’re after a versatile all-purpose runner that’s allows you to experience the high-rebound performance of FuellCell technology, then this is the collection for you.

After manually manipulating the upper to relieve this discomfort, I set out on my first run in the shoes and was pleased to discover how light yet responsive they were.The last two digits of the number used to indicate the level of cushioning: a “60” being a stability shoe while a “80” a neutral shoe. This is the actual list:

The Fuelcore Coast 4 upper is flexible, breathable, and minimizes the use of seams to keep the shoe lightweight. The upper is comprised of a pliable knit material on the outside and a smooth liner on the inside. This is a great shoe, tailor-made for triathletes. Yes, Zoot has had a BOA-enabled option for a few years, but now that big shoe brands are on board, BOA has made some necessary upgrades to their system. I loved the low-profile dial with a rubberized coating for wet-triathlete T2 paws, and I loved the low-seam, highly breathable upper that the BOA system allowed for. It also goes without saying that the tightening system was great at getting the laces super tight, super loose (duathletes take note!) or anything in-between. Weighing in at 6.1 oz. for women and 7.2 oz. for the men’s version, they are lightweight and agile yet still provide plenty of cushion for runs lasting up to 2 hours.

With the firm ride described previously, I did not find this shoe to break in and get any softer than its first day running. Don't get bogged down, however, because a firmer shoe like this is not always a negative point. For starters, the upper material is more protective than breathable with added protective welds along with the high wear areas (i.e., lateral forefoot, toe box, eyelets) which is a big advantage for off-road use. The Fuelcore midsole employs a combination of EVA foam densities to achieve the optimal balance between responsiveness and softness. Be a street style superstar in the latest casual women's shoes from New Balance. Our collection is curated to deliver timeless designs, contemporary fit and eye-catching colors. Strut in confidence with bold colorways and unique designs to make a statement wherever you go. Each piece in this collection pairs effortlessly with go-to tops and leggings for a casual classic look. These women's retro shoes feature year-round staples that are always a perfect fit. It's a wrap! And it feels good on the foot. I especially enjoyed the height of the upper surrounding the ankle which offered great support on the trails and reduced the potential for rolling ankles where the terrain got loose. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

The New Balance Nitrel v4 is true to size with just the right amount of toe box space that did not feel restricted. Overall length was consistent with just enough room in the toe box and no slipping in the heel. The width is moderate from heel to toe without any excess room for slipping. The midsole becomes slightly more rigid in the midfoot and heel where the foot is less flexible. New Balance’s Response performance insole rests on top of the midsole to further enhance the shoe’s responsive and supple feel. This shoe is wonderful for slow and steady training periods and anything else you want to use in your day. Given the price and quality of materials in its construction there really is nothing to complain about here. Less breathable design Runners should exercise caution on wet surfaces when wearing the Fuelcore Coast 4. New Balance FuelCore Coast v4 Upper InfoSince there is no tongue, tightening the laces bunches up the fabric in between the lacing eyelets were the tongue should be. This caused initial discomfort as the crinkled fabric poked and pressed into the top of my foot.