New Balance FuelCell Propel V3 Performance Review

What You Need To Know

• Weighs 8.9 oz. (252 g.) for a US M9 / 7.7 oz. (218 g.) for a US W8
• Durable outsole feels built to last, at least on dry terrain
• Trimmed about half an ounce from the Propel V2
• Available now at Running Warehouse for $99

JEREMY: When the New Balance Propel 1 first arrived, FuelCell midsoles were a brand new concept. By now, most runners are familiar with New Balance’s premier foam utilized in most shoes, from the racing models to the training models. A couple of years later, the New Balance FuelCell Propel V3 remains essentially the same with some slight updates to the upper, which switched to a mesh design. Most importantly, the price has remained the same at $99, while other daily trainers and racers have skyrocketed in price. Without further ado, let’s dive into the newest iteration of New Balance’s neutral trainer.

The Good

JEREMY: Right out of the box, this shoe had a great aesthetic first impression, it looks sweet with the white upper, yellow and black accents, and a pink “N” logo. The upper switched to a breathable knit mesh design on the V3, and it fits very comfortably and true to size.

Another thing I quickly noticed on runs is the lightweight feel of the shoe, the weight is about half an ounce lighter than the FuelCell Propel V2, which is significant. The foam is somewhat bouncy, with a softer feel, but it still functions effectively to pick up the pace. I used the New Balance FuelCell Propel 3 on a couple of workouts, and it performed surprisingly well for a bargain daily trainer. Speaking of this shoe as a bargain, $99 for a daily trainer is tough to beat, with only the Saucony Axon and Brooks Launch representing competition at this price point.

One final piece of praise, these shoes have a durable outsole that showed no sign of wear over 50+ miles, I would expect it to last for a while before breaking down.

The Bad

JEREMY: While the outsole wasn’t showing any wear, it was a nuisance on wet pavement and rainy days. Each step felt like I was slipping slightly on those surfaces to the point where it almost felt like I was sliding around in place instead of moving forward. 0/10 do not recommend this shoe on rainy days.

New Balance FuelCell Propel V3 Conclusion

JEREMY: All in all, the New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 is a good shoe — it looks dope, it’s not too heavy, performs well for daily running, and only costs $99, which is a heck of a deal these days for trainers. While the issues I had on the wet pavement were a nuisance, there is the simple fix of not wearing the shoe on wet days. Problem solved.

If you’re looking for a great budget option daily trainer, the New Balance FuelCell Propel V3 is a great bet. It feels significantly better than the other $99 competition in the Brooks Launch, which has a much firmer, less comfortable ride.

You can pick up the New Balance FuelCell Propel V3 for $99 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.