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Telegraph
15-04-2025
- Telegraph
Under Armour Velociti 4 review: a lightweight running shoe built for speed
Our rating: 8/10 We like: The responsive midsoles The lightweight package The strong cushioning We don't like: The basic tongue The narrow toe box Performance in middle and long distance runs What is the Under Armour Velociti 4 running shoe? The Under Armour Velociti 4 is the latest iteration in a range which began in 2021, when Under Armour released the Flow Velociti Wind. Like its celebrated predecessors, the new shoe offers speedy energy return with a simple design and budget price tag. To stay in touch with their speedier rivals, Under Armour has stripped away any unnecessary features and weight. Having struggled for a while in the face of competition from Saucony and Brooks, Under Armour gained something of an edge with their third outing, mostly because of its super responsive FLOW midsoles. JUMP TO: Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. How we test running shoes for men For the last four years, I've tested dozens of brands and models in the hunt for the best running shoes for men. I wanted to test the Under Armour shoes on the main five metrics that every runner would want: comfort, bounce and shock absorption, responsiveness, stability and durability. This means I tested them on everything from the big details (cushioning and support) to smaller details like lace position. As the author of The Runner's Code and Running: Cheaper Than Therapy, I've been obsessed with running shoes for as long as I can remember. I'm running my fourth marathon in April, and after that I want to focus exclusively on speed for the summer months. I've spent recent months running on every surface and in all conditions in these shoes, discovering how they respond to absolutely anything a runner might reasonably put them through. Comfort Score: 7/10 Nobody could accuse comfort of being these shoes' main quality, but I've tested far less comfortable shoes over the years and the cushioning of these ones is pretty well balanced. These days, the tongues of many running shoes can be almost mollycoddling in their comfort but this tongue isn't having any of that nonsense – it's the definition of budget functionality. But it kept what comfort it had in all weathers. Where these shoes lose marks on comfort is in the toe box, which seems shorter and much narrower than ideal. My toes felt squeezed together in these and I could see friction marks after longer outings. Bounce and shock absorption Score: 7/10 The Velociti 4 is built in the style of a racing flat but with a little bit more support. The cushioning of these nimble shoes soaks up more of the shock than you'd expect from shoes in this price range. They have a snappy feel and a firmness that helps you pick up some speed. But the shoes don't offer massively generous support, so leave them at home if you're setting out on longer runs or longer split workouts. For those sorts of runs you'll want more bounce and shock absorption. That said, I noticed I consistently felt a bit less fatigued during and after any runs I did in these shoes, which gave them another significant advantage, because it meant I was more motivated to head out morning after morning, knowing these shoes had my back (or my legs, to be precise). Ground feel and responsiveness Score: 8/10 The snappy style of these shoes meant that I didn't feel the details of the surface I was running on. As I moved between concrete, trail and even grass, the experience was much the same. These would be good for parkrun-style outings where you want to move between different terrains without changing speed or having to adjust your gait. They have a low centre of gravity and a strong grip, which gave me a bit more confidence as I ramped up the speed. Thanks to the responsive cushioning, I felt more confident to extend my gait in these shoes and that only made them even speedier. Stability Score: 9/10 To test out their stability, I took shoes on all the terrains mentioned above and more. I sped up and down hills, I whizzed along gravel and ran on pavement and grass. I also took them out in all weathers. Basically, if these shoes could be caught out I would have managed it. But quite the contrary: where some more fussily designed shoes only work their magic in fair weather, these shoes' no-nonsense structure meant that they performed as well in all conditions. That said, I felt shorter when I wore them when compared with other brands which have deeper soles. Durability Score: 9/10 Here is where these trainers score highly. The rubber-less outsole continued to look and feel new with every mile. I carefully checked the toe box and heel area for any signs of wear and tear but they stayed strong, even after many dozens of miles. You may not want to take them on individual long runs, but these shoes are in it for the long run in terms of the mileage they can cover before you need to replace them. Some of the more expensive shoes on the market these days offer intricate and flash features that don't last long, but these ones will be your friends for a good while. This means they are doubly good value: a cheaper price tag and longer mileage. Technical specifications Here's how the Under Armour Velociti 4 shapes up against a similar competitor, Nike Air Zoom Pegasus. As you can see from the comparisons, both are similar in price, but the Nikes are lighter and cheaper, with a greater drop. Should you buy the Under Armour Velociti 4 running shoes? Under Armour has been a fairly consistently great brand for speed runners and these shoes are definitely its fastest models yet. If you're a fan of Brooks, Saucony or previous Under Armour models, then these should be a good match for you. Yes, if: You're looking for a speed shoe You prioritise responsiveness You don't want to have to repurchase new running shoes after every race No, if: You have wide feet You run more long distance than short distance Comfort is the most important thing to you FAQs What are the key features of the Under Armour Velociti 4? The grippy, responsive rubber-less outsole. What type of running is the Velociti 4 best for? Short, speedy runs of up to 10k. How does the UA Flow technology work? By eliminating the rubber outsole, it allows for a seamless and light ride on any surface What is the fit like? They feel very slightly smaller than the quoted size.
Telegraph
11-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The best running socks for men and women, tested by marathon runners
Whether you're planning a 5k or a marathon, your running socks will be the most important part of your kit after your running shoes. Finding the best running socks can mean more comfort, greater support, fewer blisters and even succumbing to fewer injuries. Many leading sports and fitness brands like Nike, Under Armour and Sweaty Betty make their own, and there's a wide range available on the market from compression socks and those with individual toes to different ankle support and breathability. Prices prices can range from £12 to £35, but as you'll see below, more expensive doesn't always mean better quality. You can read our full reviews below, separated into guides for men and women, which are regularly checked and updated. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top five: The best running socks: At a glance How to choose the best running sock for you Selecting the right running socks isn't wildly different to choosing a best running shoes. If you generally run long distances then you should choose a pair with plenty of cushioning, but if you're more of a 5k runner or you want to run faster then a slim or lightweight sock is more important. Waterproof socks are an obvious boost on wet days and thicker socks can be good friends during winter runs. If you enjoy trail running you'll want socks that offer more stability on uneven surfaces, and if you're injury prone or keen to avoid becoming injury prone, then compression socks, which apply gentle pressure to reduce muscle fatigue and excessive inflammation, will speed up recovery post-workout and help you avoid the dreaded layoffs. How we test running socks Each running sock below has been tested by either me, Chas, or Lisa Buckingham. I'm the author of The Runner's Code and Running: Cheaper Than Therapy, and I'm training for my fourth marathon. Lisa tested these socks on daily runs around local parks, runs through the countryside, and wore them to the gym as an extra test of breathability and temperature control. All in all, we wore the socks on repeated runs, from speedy 3k dashes to 20 milers and everything in between. We ran on smooth pavements in London and rocky, hilly trails in the South Downs, paying close attention to how much cushioning they offered and how much friction and other irritations they produced. Long runs can get sweaty, so we wanted to know how well each pair wicked away moisture, too. We also recorded much compression the socks offered during runs and what benefits we got from this after we'd got home and taken them off. Other factors we tracked were how they fared when we ran through puddles, the accuracy of their sizing, the overall quality and how well they survived repeated washes. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Score: 8/10 We like: the anatomical shaping means socks are snug We don't like: only light cushioning These mid-price socks absolutely smacked of quality even before I put them on my feet. Out on the trails, their stabilising qualities were palpable and that gave me extra confidence on the most uneven and challenging of my local terrains. Although I try to tackle difficult surfaces at least once a week, I've never been a big fan of tricky terrains but these will make me feel much safer. The cushioning felt light, but none of the power in my strides was lost and I could still feel myself moving faster than usual. They have a moisture-wicking three-layer construction and this kept my feet dry and free of any friction. They gripped my feet well and there wasn't even a hint of a slide, which helped me feel confident when I was hitting top speeds. Some of the cheaper socks felt quite basic in shape but these anatomic wonders are expertly designed and shaped, with the left and right socks optimally fitted to my feet. The sizing was great all round and they kept all their great qualities after several washes. Key specifications 2. Best Value: Stance Performance Ultralight Cushion If you like thinner socks that you won't even notice you're wearing, then these are the ones for you. Although their ultra-light cushioning only offers some bolstering, there was nothing bulky or cumbersome about how these supported me. Their targeted ankle and foot compression made every stride more supported and seamless. They excelled at keeping my feet dry and cool as they wicked away sweat and kept odour to an absolute minimum. They're a cheap pair in price but they feel like top quality and were more durable than some running socks I've tried, making them even greater value for money. The final nice touch is the Y-shaped heel, which meant they fitted beautifully and there was no slipping. You'll find these socks do much of what you need for a run but without you noticing they were there at all, making them a particularly fine option for long summer runs, when you want as little fuss as possible from your garments. Key specifications 3. Best for Breathability: ON Core Run Sock Low 2p I tried these out as spring kicked in and they definitely feel like good running socks for the warmer months. Their ventilation through the long side panels makes them incredibly breathable socks and meant I experienced practically zero moisture even on a long outing, which kept my feet feeling fresh. Most of the socks I tried were fairly well ventilated but breathability of these socks is on another scale. As if that wasn't enough to make these a great choice for marathons, their preferred cotton and high-impact terry cushioning in the sole meant my feet got an added layer of supportive padding. The fit is comfortable, particularly around my arches, and felt almost like getting a cuddle from a pair of socks. The low-cut design and the rib structure on the cuff will be attractive for fans of minimalist running socks. We used to have to choose between low cut socks or supportive socks. These show you can do both brilliantly in one design. Key specifications 4. Best for Hilly Runs: Injinji Ultra Run Crew Running Toe Socks Everyone will remember the first time they tried shoes with individual toe sections. It feels silly at first as if you're wearing gloves on your feet. But once you get your head around having your toes separated like a glove, you get to see how beneficial this design is. The anatomical five-toe sleeve design fit my digits well, preventing me from developing blisters while helping to give me a stronger posture and balance. The reinforced heel and superior arch support only made me feel more balanced, and I could feel the ribbed knit material giving me a more snug and ergonomic fit, with the tight double cuff keeping them firmly in place. Although I tried them during winter and early spring, these features would work well for hilly running in any season of the year. Key specifications 5. Best for Marathons: Hilly Marathon Fresh Anklet Score: 8/10 We like: the anti-slip chevron grips We don't like: the overly bold colourway The Hilly Marathon socks are a close but comfortable fit and have a medium degree of cushioning, which made them feel nice and soft as I set off on runs. They kept my feet protected without weighing me down in the latter stages too. The chevron grips meant there was zero slipping within the shoe and the protective ankle fenders made these much easier to run in than some of the others. Another great feature is the merino wool, which wicked away moisture fairly well, leaving them as comfortable 20 miles into a run as they did at 20 metres. This is important to me because I've sometimes had to walk the uncomfortable latter parts of a long run, so I was glad to avoid needing to slow down. Although I didn't try them at a warm time of year, my feet felt cooler deep into long runs and, as I discovered when I got home and took my shoes off, their polygiene anti-odour control had happily kept its promise. I'm a size nine but their medium size (6-8.5) fitted me well. They have a cheap price tag but they feel like top quality and they survived washes, proving these are great value for long distance running. The only downside is the rather bold lime green colouring. Key specifications 6. Best for Cushioning: Balega Hidden Comfort I tried these cushioned running socks on a particularly broad range of distances and terrains. The cushioning was impressive, especially on the long outings. My shoes had done plenty of miles, but adding these socks to the mix made the experience feel like that first run you do in a brand new pair of running shoes. I've never used this word for any sort of running gear before but these were luxurious, offering cushioning without ever becoming bulky or obtrusive. The heels are particularly protected, which I continued to feel the benefit of in the hours after each outing. However many miles I put them through there was never even the slightest hint of slippage and they kept my feet warm and dry, even on cold, wet days. Their only let down was that they gave me a blister after a long run, a punishment that all the other socks I tried managed to avoid inflicting. Key specifications 7. Best for Compression: CEP The Run Compression Socks The blend of materials in these socks combines into a wonderfully comfortable experience, with well-positioned padding that makes every step more pleasurable. I didn't even come close to any blisters with these and I suspect I could have run in them for the rest of time without any unpleasant friction thanks to the thoughtful lack of stitching in the toe box. These socks were developed in collaboration with Medi, which makes compression clothing for medical purposes and the compression was palpable without being at all oppressive. The brand's promise of 'deep sensory stimulation' to ensure greater stability even on rocky trails may be a bit of a stretch (I didn't quite sense the stimulation), but I enjoyed every step I took in these socks nonetheless. The only downside was that they felt slightly smaller after a few washes, so you might want to keep that in mind when choosing your size. Key specifications 8. Best for Waterproofing: Sealskinz waterproof Ankle length Even as I took these out of this pair out of its packaging, there was no particular comfort or warmth. But then I don't think the socks are meant to make you feel gooey and soft – they just mean business. Sealskinz claims these socks are 100 per cent waterproof and when I ran through puddles, long wet grass and even streams I didn't get the slightest bit wet. They also kept my feet warm in the most wintery conditions and despite this my feet didn't overheat, which helped me to keep running over long distances. Although they seemed a little bulky in my hands, these socks have a lightweight feel when you're wearing them, making them a smart choice if you favour lightness over cushioning on long trail runs. The mid foot grip helps keep the socks in place and that positioning survived countless washes. The packaging boasts that the Sealskinz branding around the top of the socks offers 'increased visibility' but I doubt many runners in their nineteenth mile will be worrying about whether the brand's logo is visible. Key specifications 9. Best for Hot Weather: Men's Fusion Double Layer Anklet Sock Running socks usually either offer protective padding or layering for reduced friction, which means you're either left with thick padded socks or thin layered socks, but this pair manages to break the mould and do both. The padded zone on the heel and ankle should help you avoid injuries and strains in both parts of the foot. There are ventilation zones on the top of the foot section that boosted their breathability and helped keep my feet cool and comfortable. The braced arch means they slip on nicely and are a good fit, but were a little clingy. I also tried the 1000 mile Run Anklet, which offers a single layer and absorbs a lot of the shock of running. They fitted snugly and I imagine would work well for other activities, including gym visits, cycling and even a kickabout down the local park. I tested these socks on my daily runs around local parks, heathland and some on the South Downs. I also wore them to the gym as an extra test of breathability and temperature control. Key specifications 10. Best for Performance: Absolute 360 Performance socks quarter These socks slipped slightly as I put them on and they felt a little cheap on my feet. But once I set out to run, I felt how well padded they are in the instep, heel and toe box around my feet. The brand uses a moisture wicking technical fabric that I found worked however hard I ran. The claim that infrared fibres redirect infrared radiation back into the body for microcirculation and thermoregulation is one I'm not quite qualified to judge, but if what all that jargon means is that I was able to run faster and more effortlessly, then I can confirm the science was doing the trick. Given how unpleasant they felt when I first put them on, these proved to be durable and enjoyable socks to run in. If you're hoping to leave your friends behind at your local running club or Parkrun, these lightweight running socks would be a sound investment. Key Specifications: 11. Best Buy: Sweaty Betty Crew Running Socks Dreamy is the word I'd use to describe pulling on these butter-soft socks which I'd happily wear all day, every day. They were my sock of choice for endless miles of walking on a city break, and I wear them to the gym now, too. Most importantly, they're great for running in the summer. The padding on the forefoot and heels helps with shock absorption with more over the seamless toe box for protection, but they're still thinner and more breathable over the top of the foot. My feet stayed cool and dry on a warm run and the cushioning took pressure off the right areas without being too bulky. There's a left and a right foot for an anatomical fit and they're made specifically for women. They come up a third of the way up the calf and didn't move or sag during my runs. They came out of the wash with a little bobbling but stayed soft, and the £25 price tag for two pairs is a bargain. There are only size options however - 2-5 and 6-8 - and I'd recommend sizing up if you're on the cusp. I'm a size 5.5 and the 6-8 fit me well. Key specifications 12. Best Value: New Balance Run Repreve Midcalf 2 Pack These socks manage to keep your feet warm without being too bulky, making them ideal for the transitional weather of spring and autumn. The Coolmax fibres helped regulate the temperature of my feet on a long run and the fast-drying fabric wicked sweat away effectively but they would be too warm for the hot summer months. The cushioning sits over the heel and the ball of your foot and toes, which helps the arch of your foot to sit closer to your shoes, and makes longer runs more comfortable. The leg part of the socks has ribbing but the foot of it is smooth and seamless which meant I didn't suffer any blisters after a run. These socks are incredibly comfortable and close fitting without being too compressive. They come to around two-thirds of the way up the calves, which helps to stop dust and debris getting into them and I loved the vintage look with their seventies ribbing and horizontal stripes. The socks come in a two-pack and there are four options for colour combinations. They're unisex and have four size options, ranging from 4 up to 14.5. They feel well made, wash well, and at £14 for the two pairs are superb value. Key specifications 13. Best for Long Distances: 1000 Mile Fusion Double Layer Sport Sock Comfort is the order of the day with these socks, which are smooth, soft and silky. That would mean nothing, though, without their technical attributes; the two layers rub against one another when you're in motion rather than against your skin, preventing blisters. It means these are the socks for long distance runners. There wasn't a hint of a blister after I used them for a half marathon. The Fusion socks also have padded cushioning that extends to the front and back of your leg, which simultaneously takes the pressure off your feet and gives you great Achilles and ankle protection. If you follow standard advice and your running shoes are at least a half size bigger than your street shoes, then these socks will be fine, but not if you wear your running shoes close fitting as they're relatively thick. They will be too warm for summer but great for the rest of the year. They come in small (3-5.5) and medium (6-8.5) and the brand recommends that if you are on the cusp of sizes, then you should go up or down a size depending on whether you have wide or narrow feet. I'd also recommend washing on a cool cycle like 20C as they do shrink over time and and up being hard to pull on. Key specifications 14. Best for Bigger Feet: Smartwool Women's Run Targeted Cushion Stripe Low Ankle Socks These socks have a narrow heel shape and a fit that closely follows the contours of your feet without compressing them too much. They're made from 54 per cent merino wool, which has natural odour-resistant and moisture-controlling properties. I prefer to keep my feet cooler so found these comfortable in transitional seasons and winter but would find them too warm for summer. They're partly made from merino wools so they wick sweat away effectively and help with foot odour, though my feet didn't get overly hot on a warm day. The socks are virtually invisible under your trainers but stopped short of letting them rub around my ankle or sliding down off my heel. There's also good cushioning on the heel, forefoot and over the seamless toe box with a breathable panel over the arch. Given that these socks are made for women it's refreshing to see they have a large size range from 2 – 10.5, and fit true to size. They feel high quality and durable, and wash well but I'd always err on the cooler side, on a delicate cycle. Key specifications 15. Best for Breathability: UA Armour Dry Run Cushion They're not cheap, but these are well-made and a good investment. For a start, they kept my feet the coolest of all the socks I tried, aided by mesh ventilation on the top of the foot and under the arch, and the fast-drying and sweat-wicking materials used by Under Armour. They provide significantly more cushioning than regular socks, but it's not extreme – it sits in the heel and forefoot of the socks which keeps them fairly slimline. The seamless toe box is wide and allows your toes to splay. The socks are unisex and are available in children's size 13 up to adult 15 (I'd size down if you're on the cusp of sizes) and there's a right and left foot to ensure a good fit. A small niggle is that each size range spans 3.5 shoe sizes, which is quite broad. They're described as no-show socks but do pop up a little. I don't rate true no-show socks anyway as they allow your shoe to rub against your foot and don't provide Achilles protection. The heel tabs on these socks are lightly cushioned and help protect your Achilles, while the design also means the socks sit softly around your ankle without cutting into it. They don't move an inch while you're running, either. Key specifications 16. Best for Small Feet: Asics Performance Run Crew Sock These Asics socks are advertised as having 'deeper cushioning' but in reality it was only moderate, which suits me fine. I'd prefer a little more protection over the toes for longer runs, but these are suitable for running up to 10k. The socks are soft and comfortable, made from a smooth mesh knit. They're designed anatomically for left and right, fitting closely to your feet. The toe box is seamless, which is vital for any long runs as even the smallest uneven bump or lump will result in a huge blister. They're surprisingly long, coming up to mid calf (I'm 5ft 5in) and while they're not a compression sock, they don't fall down when I run. Relatively thin, they don't add much bulk inside your shoes and my feet stayed cool on warm runs with no hint of rubbing or blisters. The tie dye is a refreshing change from the traditional preppy look of crew sports socks and a good option you like your fit kit to look more like street wear. They come in four different size ranges, starting at 2.5 (good if you have petite feet) and go right up to size 13. The socks fit slightly large so size down if you're between sizes. Key specifications 17. Best for Toes: Injinji Ultra Run Mini Crew Women's Socks There's something quite strange about seeing your feet gloved like hands with each individual toe in its own sleeve and the sensation takes some getting used to, but these socks are comfortable to run in. Designed for ultra marathons, the socks allow your foot to splay naturally because your toes aren't contained in one area, which in turn stops your toes from rubbing against each other. The socks are soft and have ample cushioning on the sole and between the toes. But as my toes are on the shorter side there was a tiny bit of excess material at the ends that could potentially cause a problem for me over longer distances. Made of a mixture of CoolMax, nylon and lycra, they stayed fairly cool and dried quickly when my feet got sweatier towards the end of a long run. Having something between your toes does add a bit of width to your feet, so you need ample space in your shoes to allow for that. They're available in crew, mini crew and no-show, but I'd opt for one of the first two to limit debris getting into the socks if you're doing a long race. Key specifications Style: Crew sock Material: CoolMax, nylon, lycra Gender: Women 18. Best for Trail Running: Nike Trail Running Crew Socks Designed specifically for trail running, these socks have several technical features that set them apart from the rest. Firstly, the wool-mix NikeGrip yarn and the way it ridges across my forefoot gave me great grip inside my shoe, which is handy if you wear your trail shoes on the bigger side as I do. These breathable, moisture-wicking socks also did a good job at keeping my feet dry and fairly cool. They come up to mid-calf, so nothing gets inside them even on the dustiest trail and they cling fairly tightly, providing mild compression (but not as much as a compression sock) along with a tight grip across your arches to prevent fatigue. There's a nifty extra sleeve that wraps around like an ankle sock with a cushioned tab at the back, giving great Achilles protection and a bit of padding around your ankle. I'd prefer a little more cushioning in the seamless toe box and they're not the softest of socks because of the various technical features. I'd wash at a cool temperature to prevent them from stiffening. They're unisex and go from small to extra large, but there's nothing for small feet as they start at 5.5. However there is a small range within each size bracket (1.5) so you can guarantee a close fit. Key specifications Style: Midcalf length Material: Nylon, wool, polyester and spandex Gender: Unisex £22.95 Buy now Price at Sportsshoes 19. Best for No Cushioning: Adidas RUNxADIZERO Running Ankle Socks Score: 7/10 We like: the tab design at the ankle We don't like: harder for long distance £11.99 Buy now Price at Sportsshoes These are a good option if you like an ankle sock to keep out debris but don't like want them to grip too firmly on your leg. They have a tab-like design at the front, so they stay up but don't cling tightly. They're not cushioned at all apart from over the toes, so they're ideal if you like a more minimal sock with a barefoot feel or find that cushioning overheats your feet. They have a tighter, ventilated band over the arch for support and felt fine on a 10k run with no signs of rubbing or sore points, though I'd want some cushioning for longer distances. They're relatively thin socks and that combined with the technical materials means that they're good at keeping feet cool and dry. There was no bobbling after a couple of washes and they're made with at least 50 per cent recycled materials. They're unisex and come in small up to extra large. Key specifications Style: Ankle length Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane Gender: Women Running Sock FAQs What are the best running socks to prevent blisters? You should aim for socks that offer good moisture-wicking and that have less stitching around the toes. Are cushioned running socks better? Yes. Unless you're solely a sprint runner taking on short distances, cushioning is important and there are now socks that offer great cushioning without being heavy. Which socks are best for long-distance running? Cushioned socks are the best for long-distance running and you should also look out for anti-blister running socks or features. How often should I replace my running socks? To a degree, this can be intuitive: until socks lose their shape, grip and cushioning, they should be fine to continue. If you're a fairly regular runner this probably means you replace your socks ever four to six months. How do I choose the right size of running socks? Your feet swell during runs and socks will eventually start to shrink after repeated washes, so it's better to 'size up'.
Telegraph
05-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 review: is this super shoe the best choice for a marathon?
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Our rating: 9/10 We like: The impressive energy returns The cushioning which reduces injury The smooth ride We don't like: The stone-collecting midsole voids The heaviness The cheap, thin laces which are fiddly to tie £260 Buy now Price at New Balance What is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4? The SC Elite v4 is New Balance's first big entry into the 'super shoe' or carbon-plated market. When Nike fired the gun on the carbon running shoe era in 2017, it was widely hailed as the biggest breakthrough in distance-running tech for decades. As well as carbon, super shoes also usually have the super-bouncy PEBA (polyether block amide) foam, which offers good energy return. But while some experts continue to praise these innovations, others have questioned whether they actually offer anything of worth to the average runner, particularly given that these sorts of shoes usually cost up to £100 more than other running shoes. I wanted to take a deep dive into all this and find out if the extra cost is justified for everyday athletes. New Balance seemed my best way in because its Elite series has already received rightful plaudits and the v4 has promised to take it to new heights. It's already caused a fuss among reviewers, so it felt like time to take a long look at the New Balance carbon plate racing shoe. How we test running shoes for men For the last four years, I've tested dozens of brands and models in the hunt for the best running shoes for men. I wanted to test the New Balance shoes on the main five metrics that every runner would want: comfort, bounce and shock absorption, responsiveness, stability and durability. This means I tested them on everything from the big details (cushioning and support) to smaller details like lace position. As the author of The Runner's Code and Running: Cheaper Than Therapy, I've been obsessed with running shoes for as long as I can remember. I'm also running my fourth marathon this year, making me a good candidate to try out this year's running shoes and test whether these New Balance super shoes are suitable for long distance. I've spent the winter months running on every surface and in all conditions in these shoes, discovering how they respond to absolutely anything a runner might put them through. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about Telegraph Recommended reviews. Comfort: 10/10 While they look comfortable, appearances can be deceiving with running shoes, so I was very keen to see what they would feel like in reality. The moment I slipped these on, I was thrilled with how comfortable and plush they were. With their soft cushioning, they're as heartening to wear as a pair of slippers. The soles of my feet felt supported and comforted by the plush but firm base, and the top of my feet felt comfortable against the thin upper mesh. This is certainly an improvement on the brand's previous models and sets a decent bar for its rivals. Made of Fantomfit air mesh (a lightweight and technical New Balance created upper), the upper did take a bit of fiddling to get it perfectly positioned but once I got it there it stayed put. To test how comfortable the shoes are in different contexts, I ran in all weathers, including torrential rain, and took them on the sort of long outings that separate the wheat from the chaff comfort wise. The shoes stayed as snug throughout. Bounce and shock absorption: 10/10 I was pleasantly surprised by the shoes' landing pads, which offer a very soft touchdown. I could literally feel the impact disperse around the shoe, making each stride a much nicer experience for my legs. They've got a fairly wide base and this was undoubtedly a big factor in the way they caressed the ground. The middle of the shoes in particular really absorb the shock and makes them so buoyant that they almost felt hilariously springy at first. I really felt the benefit of this FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 midsole technology in the days after long runs. I felt almost none of the fatigue and soreness in my legs that usually rear their ugly heads in the 36 hours after a long outing. For the first time in a while, I woke up in the morning after a long run, and I felt ready to get the shoes back on and head back out for another run. Ground feel and responsiveness: 9/10 As we've seen, these New Balance FuelCell SuperComp trainers have a slender carbon fibre plate, which means the lightweight feel of these shoes doesn't come at the price of poor energy return. In fact, these give more energy return than I could ever imagine was possible. They are such effortless shoes to run in that it almost felt like I was cheating as I flew down the road. With the midsole's PEBA, a soft, super responsive foam, and the carbon fibre plate each working in tandem, I could actually feel the shoes compress and spring back into shape. I sensed that each stride was that bit longer than usual, which is a feature that could offer a significant advantage on race days. Once I started wearing these, my average finish time in my Saturday 18-milers was 20 minutes faster. Stability: 9/10 One of the first things I noticed in these shoes was how tall and balanced I felt in them. They gave me a feeling of invincibility that I think would be a particularly welcome feature for nervous runners. Once I set off, I found they did take a little bit of getting used to because the Energy Arc style includes strategic midsole voids, which meant my feet accidentally rocked to the side in my first few miles of testing. But once I'd gotten used to that feature, these shoes felt more stable than any I've ever run in before. Even as I ran deliberately erratically, switching suddenly from pace to pace, surface to surface and from flat to inclination, these shoes gave me the sort of stability that a Himalayan yogi would envy. Durability: 8/10 Thanks to my marathon training I've put these shoes through hundreds of miles of winter training. I kept a regular eye on the hardness and depth of the outsoles, to watch for wear. Although the rubber is quite soft, it wore well and these shoes should see you through hundreds of miles. I also checked the toe box and heel padding, because when either of those parts of a shoe start to wear down, shoes can become very uncomfortable and cause blisters. Neither area showed much sign of wear, which was particularly remarkable in the toebox, because breathability usually comes at the price of a lack of durability. Technical specifications Here's how the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 up against a similar competitor, Nike Zoom Vaporfly 3. As you can see from the comparisons, both are similar in price, but the Nikes are lighter and cheaper, with a greater drop. Telegraph verdict: 9/10 Long-distance runners who are happy to invest a bit extra in return for a luxurious, easy ride should certainly consider buying these shoes. I'll definitely be using these for my forthcoming marathon. Overall, I found that some of the hype around super shoes is justified – these shaved significant minutes off my finish times on long outings. Runners who are very focused on shorter runs might like to look elsewhere. If you prefer your shoes to be on the lighter side, you should also give these a swerve. They perform equally well in heat and cold, but I found that they perform particularly well in the wet, so you might like to invest in these by the time autumn comes our way. In short: these are the best running shoes I've ever tested. FAQs Who is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 best suited to? Runners who want to try out carbon shoes for the first time. How does the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 compare to other super shoes? This model offers greater energy return than rival models. Is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 suitable for wide feet? Yes, they have a wider platform than most models.
