New Balance SC Trainer v3 Performance Review

The original SC Trainer was the first super trainer to hit the running industry and was a revelation for long runs. The SC Trainer v2 lost some of the magic but was still an extremely well-cushioned and bouncy running shoe. The New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v3 brings an all-new look to the SC Trainer (for the third time in its three year existence) – a look that matches well with New Balance’s long distance racing shoe, the SC Elite v4.

But does the SC Trainer v3 bring back the magic of the original? And does it keep pace with the increasingly crowded super trainer market? Let’s find out.

What is the New Balance SC Trainer v3?

New Balance describes the SC Trainer v3 as “[b]uilt for half- and full-marathon training, these shoes deliver comfort every step of the way.”

That’s pretty much been the goal of the SC Trainer line since the beginning – to support long distance race training with a comfortable shoe that makes training feel easier. While the original definitely checked those boxes, the second iteration fell short in several areas.

This year’s version brings a new midsole geometry and material. The geometric design matches up with the SC Elite v4, and the PEBA/EVA blend of foam used for the midsole is a step-up in terms of tech specs. And while this version of Fuelcell is a PEBA/EVA blend, it doesn’t feel very much like the PEBA/EVA blend of Fresh Foam X used in the New Balance Balos. Part of that is of course the amount of foam and the plate in the SC Trainer v3, but even the step-in comfort is different. The different densities of the foam are easily noticeable despite using the same basic building blocks.

As with previous SC Trainers, the SC Trainer v3 comes with a carbon plate bisecting the midsole. Like with the SC Elite v4, the shape was changed. The SC Trainer v3’s plate is now curved to help improve toe-off.

The engineered mesh upper is also brand new for this model, though the SC Trainer v2 did use a type of engineered mesh as well. However, this engineered mesh upper closely mimics the engineered knit upper on the SC Elite v4, giving the shoes a similar feel while increasing breathability versus the previous models.

The stack height of 40mm in the heel and 34mm in the forefoot for a 6mm drop stays the same as the SC Trainer v2. The weight, on the other hand, decreases from that of SC Trainer v2 by about half an ounce.

That’s a lot of changes. Let’s find out what they did for the New Balance SC Trainer v3’s performance.

How did the SC Trainer v3 perform for Drew?

Drew: Due to my fantastic experience with the original SC Trainer, I’m always excited to see a new version show up. The SC Trainer v2 wasn’t a bad shoe, but it wasn’t fun in the way the original SC Trainer or other super trainers are. From the moment I saw it at TRE 2023, I was hoping the SC Trainer v3 would knock my socks off.

Did it?

No. It’s better than the SC Trainer v2 but not on the same level as the Asics Superblast 2, Puma MagMax Nitro, and Brooks Glycerin Max. The New Balance SC Trainer v3 delivers reliable performance, but it lacks the fun factor needed to be at the top of the super trainer heap.

The New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a perfect complement to the SC Elite v4 in that it feels similar on foot. It’s easy to switch between the super trainer version and the race version in a way that only Saucony matches with the Endorphin Pro 4 and Speed 4.

But, while the geometry is solid and the squish is good, I just don’t get much bounce from the SC Trainer v3. On long runs, it felt comfortable underfoot the whole time; but I didn’t feel like my toe-offs were as forceful as in various competitors – and that’s with New Balance tweaking the plate to help with toe-offs.

The upper is a big improvement on the SC Trainer v2 as it fits closer to the foot without feeling restrictive, allows a lot more air flow, and features a comfortably soft, fully gusseted tongue. The upper handles long runs easily and never stops fitting well and feeling comfortable.

The whole package is very stable. The midsole’s geometric pattern is wide and prevents any issues when rocketing around corners. The SC Trainer v3 is highly dependable on slightly uneven terrain – at least more so than most entrants in this category.

There was one other thing I didn’t enjoy. I felt the SC Trainer v3’s heel was softer than the forefoot. As someone who lands on his heel more as the length of the run increases, I found this annoying. In the course of long runs, I felt my heel dropping lower than it should, making the drop feel less than the stated 6mm. 

This isn’t a huge concern, but those with achilles issues likely will quickly notice the extra strain this setup creates as the miles increase.

Overall, for me, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 performs well but lacks the fun factor to get a place on our best long distance running shoes list.

But I wasn’t the only one that tested the SC Trainer v3. Let’s see what Annie thought.

How did the SC Trainer v3 perform for Annie?

Annie: I can see Drew’s point about the fun factor not being quite as present in the SC Trainer v3 compared to some of the other super trainers currently on the market. The blended foam is fantastically protective, comfort never wavered, and the geometry felt smooth and natural. But I likewise felt there wasn’t a ton of bounce in the ride of the SC Trainer v3, and the plate definitely feels more like a stabilizing element to create easy turnover rather than a means to leverage force or create propulsion. Depending on the runner, however, that may or may not be a bad thing.

I felt the heel squish Drew mentioned when walking around, but the midsole otherwise felt amongst the firmer experiences I’ve had with a shoe in New Balance’s FuelCell line in recent memory. That’s not to say it’s firm by overall market standards, but I thought it was significantly less ‘mushable’ and bouncy than the PEBA/EVA blend in the New Balance SC Elite v4 or even the Rebel v4 (the latter of which, granted, does not have a plate).

That said, I found the SC Trainer v3’s restrained softness – along with the breadth/inherent stability of the platform – worked well when I really needed a shoe to go the distance on tired legs. It gave me security without sacrificing the feeling that I was still in a neutral shoe.

The SC Trainer v3 is capable of moderate paces, and I could see it being a marathon race shoe for some (as previous versions have been). And, in that vein, what perhaps impressed me most is how easy it was to stay relaxed in the SC Trainer v3 when running those efforts that pushed the limits of my energy stores on a given day. It just cruised along with a feel that was steady and reliable without getting too heavy. It’s no speed demon, but it handled long runs like an absolute champ.

I’ll note that if you are rather sensitive to the feeling of a plate underfoot, you might want to proceed a little cautiously in your first few runs. But the plate integrated much better into the rest of the midsole as testing continued. I also went with a runner’s knot for a super secure fit on downhills (which, in fairness, is not uncommon for me).

So while it may not initially show quite the seamless unification of elements found in the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, for example (a shoe in which the plate blends in so well that you almost don’t even know it’s there), every aspect of the SC Trainer v3 – from the midsole components to the upper – seemed to better conform to my feet with every run. I was ultimately very happy with it.

Is running in the SC Trainer v3 as intriguing of an experience as found in some of the super trainer options in the pricier $200 range (like the Asics Superblast 2, Brooks Glycerin Max, or even New Balance’s own Fresh Foam X Balos)? No. But it still performs excellently well, saves $20, and I didn’t have to worry about the upper collapsing inward when wearing it (iykyk).

When preparing to head out for a run in the SC Trainer v3, the overarching feeling was always one of ease and quiet confidence that I’d be able to comfortably focus on whatever distance I was trying to achieve that day.

Pros

• Highly stable
• Comfortable, breathable upper
• Midsole provides plenty of protection
• Perfect training companion to the SC Elite v4

Cons

• Midsole lacks bounce
• Heel is softer than the forefoot

Is the New Balance SC Trainer v3 wide foot friendly?

Drew: I don’t feel the New Balance SC Trainer v3 in its standard iteration is particularly wide foot friendly. There’s some extra room in the toe box, but the midfoot and heel aren’t that accommodating. 

That said, New Balance offers a 2E Wide version in men’s sizing. That will be the right move for wide footers wanting to rock the SC Trainer v3.

Annie: While my toes never felt cramped in a women’s standard B width, I did start to want more room through the ball of the foot on the lateral side (where my feet happen to be wide) by the later stages of 2-hour+ long runs.

If you have only slightly wide feet, the standard (women’s B) width might be fine. But true wide-footers will wish to go with the wide sizing (women’s D) if the SC Trainer v3 is going to be your go-to for long distance running.

Is the New Balance SC Trainer v3 worth $180?

Drew: Yes, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 is worth $180. It’s got the tech to support it: PEBA/EVA blend, 40mm of stack in the heel, carbon plate…all hallmarks of a shoe that provides value for $180.

But, my favorite super trainers are $180-200. The list of shoes I’d recommend before the SC Trainer v3 is longer than usual. So, while the SC Trainer v3 delivers value, it doesn’t deliver enough value to truly compete with this year’s crop of options.

Annie: Yes. I found the value prospect of the SC Trainer v3 to be comparable with other shoes I really enjoy at the $180 price point. 

As Drew intimated, the fun factor is interestingly what seems to be (at least in part) the delineating feature when comparing $180 super trainers to those priced at $200. So while I think the $180 price is right for the SC Trainer v3 and very much enjoyed running in the shoe myself, those looking for a more dynamic, more versatile, or more novel experience may find it worthwhile to explore what an extra $20 might…afford…them.

New Balance SC Trainer v3 Summary

Drew: While I give New Balance credit for creating the super trainer category, the team there is not doing enough to keep up with the pace of change in that category. That puts the New Balance SC Trainer v3 at a disadvantage as other companies push the limits of the cushion, bounce, and versatility in the super trainer segment.

The SC Trainer v3 is a solid shoe and won’t let you down during marathon training. It’s dependable, stable, and New Balance even improved it quite a bit from v2. But the SC Trainer v3 doesn’t have that extra bounce, liveliness, or provide the rollicking delight I get from my favorite super trainers.

Annie: The SC Trainer v3 does its job as a trustworthy, high-volume trainer. It offers comfort, protection, and plenty of sure-footed miles of use without bogging you down. It’s not the flashiest performer in today’s increasingly competitive super trainer category, but it’s still a really solid shoe that consistently delivers on its purpose.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 42, 6’6″ 195lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Annie Keris (age 39, 5’0” 117lbs): Typically follows a “two days on, one day off” running routine. “On” days include daily miles, speed work, and long runs. An “off” day usually involves yoga and mobility/recovery work. Enjoys occasional racing but perhaps enjoys the training process even more. Gravitates most toward the half marathon distance, but ventures into the 10k and 5k as well. The marathon is thus far uncharted territory…

Disclosure

While New Balance did send pairs of the SC Trainer v3 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.