New Balance SC Trainer v3 Review: Still More Change

What You Need To Know

MEAGHAN: New Balance isn’t afraid to make major changes, especially when it comes to the SC Trainer. The first version of the shoe was not just a change, but a revolution. It was the original modern super shoe, featuring a ridiculously large stack height of FuelCell foam and carbon plate inside of a daily trainer/cruiser package. In version 2 we saw less stack, a new foam formulation and a completely redesigned upper in a much lighter package. And here we are again, seeing a whole new set of features in the SC Trainer v3.

If you’re familiar with the New Balance FuelCell line, you’ll notice a very cohesive look in 2024, with similar midsole geometries and colorways across all models. The SC Trainer fits right in with that geometric silhouette and– in my opinion– could easily be mistaken for the SC Elite v4. And the SC Elite could be mistaken for the Rebel v4. That’s how close all the aesthetics are.

But while the SC Elite is designed with a 100% Peba foam, the SC Trainer comes with a 20% Peba blended foam (the same formulation that’s in the Rebel v4). The carbon fiber plate now has a forked design to help reduce weight, while a rubber outsole provides durability. A new engineered mesh upper with no-sew overlays features New Balance’s Fantomfit technology for a secure lockdown.

Last year the SC Trainer got my pick for trainer of the year, but will these updates flex my feelings? Let’s get into the specifics.

THOMAS: You know when a sitcom replaces an actor, but youre supposed to pretend that it’s the same character or the character’s cousin? That’s the SC Trainer line. The shoe looks similar in versions one through three. The make-up/set-up is similar. But each version is slightly different. The third version isn’t like the first two, so think of this review as a new introduction to the SC Trainer. The good news is, the use case for all three versions is the same.

What We Liked About the New Balance SC Trainer v3

MEAGHAN: I always start with aesthetics and New Balance is really crushing it this year, with the FuelCell line specifically. The jade colorway of the women’s SC Trainer v3 I received is one of my favorites and the geometries of the shoe are sleek. This shoe looks like it’s designed for race day, but it’s built in a structured, daily trainer package. The new mesh upper is comfortable and the Fantomfit locks the foot in place well. I know Thomas and others noted issues with rubbing in the forefoot, but I didn’t have any of that. I found they fit true to size and accommodate my wider feet just fine.

Although not at first (more on that later), I really enjoyed the ride of this shoe. The carbon plate provides a nice propulsive feeling and the PEBA blended foam is soft, but responsive. While the stack remains the same (40 mm/34 mm), it feels like there’s more foam underfoot, which in my opinion is a good thing. This is definitely a versatile shoe that works well for all sorts of running, from those short, easy days to the long run. 

From looks alone, I assumed the SC Trainer v3 was going to weigh more than version 2, but it turns out they’re the exact same. Both versions weighed in at 8.3 oz for my women’s 7.5, which is pretty good for a daily trainer with all that stack.

THOMAS: I agree with Meg on the shoe’s design. The whole FuelCell lineup is beautifully executed. I am in the minority, but I liked the v1’s upper the most out of the three. I liked the stretchy knit upper. However, the Fantomfit mesh upper on the v3 is an improvement over the last version.

It took a few miles to break in the SC Trainer v3. Initially, the foam felt firm, but it softens up and creates a ride that sits somewhere between too firm and too soft. The shoe’s purpose remains the same even with the differences between the versions. The SC Trainer v3 is a superb choice for marathon training, especially if you’re using it as a solid cruiser. The best part is how the shoe protects your feet and legs from feeling beat up after big mileage weeks. The carbon plate is more of a stability agent than a propulsion tool. The rocker shape to the midsole is supported by the plate. 

The outsole rubber has good coverage and I experienced no issues with traction. My pair of US men’s 10.5 weigh 10.5 oz./297 grams.

What We Didn’t Like About the New Balance SC Trainer v3

MEAGHAN: It wasn’t love at first run for me with the SC Trainer v3. I’m not sure if it needs a break-in period, or an adjustment period, but it took me a few runs before I really enjoyed the miles. 

And while I didn’t have issues with blisters or rubbing from the upper, I’ve heard that comment quite a bit, so it may be in everyone’s best interest to size up. 

THOMAS: The SC Trainer v3 gave me a decent blister on my big toe after a double digit mileage run. I won’t give the shoe all the blame. I was wearing a thicker sock in hot and humid conditions. However, the set-up of the shoe has my foot leaning forward. This contributed to my toes sliding to the front of the shoe. Proceed with caution, especially if you have more of a narrow foot.

Final Thoughts on the New Balance SC Trainer v3

MEAGHAN: The New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a solid update to one of my favorite daily trainers. I think fans of the previous version will be happy with the changes and I even think avid fans of version 1 will enjoy this update. 

The SC Trainer feels like it was designed for the marathoner, the runner who wants extra comfort for tired legs, but also a responsive, bouncy ride for their weekend long runs. This shoe will continue to stay in my rotation throughout the rest of the summer and as we head into the fall racing season.

THOMAS: Even with the multiple personality disorder, I am a fan of the SC Trainer v3. My FuelCell marathon training dream team is the Rebel v4, SC Trainer v3, and the SC Elite v4. Most of the miles would be in the SC Trainer v3, then switch to the Rebel v4 for days when your legs feel fresh and you want the option to feel light on your feet. Switch to the SC Elite v4 speed workouts and races in the SC Elite v4. Other shoes I would compare to the SC Trainer v3 are: Asics Glideride Max, Puma MagMax, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, Brooks Hyperion Max 2, Nike Invincible, Adidas Boston 12, and the Mizuno Neo Vista.

You can pick up the New Balance SC Trainer v2 for $180 using the buttons below.

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