New Steadiness FuelCell Propel v4 Introduction
Once you wish to make a operating shoe thrilling, you possibly can’t simply put a plate in it and hope for the very best: the Hoka Bondi X is proof of this. The Bondi X merely doesn’t make sense as a result of it’s a max-cushioned, easy-day shoe with a stiff carbon plate. Plates are designed to extend the shoe’s rigidity that will help you enhance your pace and the Bondi was designed for operating at sluggish paces so the Bondi X felt actually awkward.
A plate within the New Steadiness Propel makes numerous sense. The Propel, which was launched alongside the Insurgent again in 2019 has been largely overshadowed by the quicker, lighter, and extra flashy Insurgent.
I bought the Propel v1 and I cherished how comfortable and comfy its journey was. It was softer than most max-cushioned trainers on the time however there wasn’t a lot vitality return from the midsole foam, despite the fact that it was FuelCell so I used it for restoration runs solely.
The Propel was designed to be the every day coach whereas the Insurgent was designed to be the pace shoe on this FuelCell coaching vary. Within the final 4 years, the Insurgent has change into increasingly more like a every day coach: with every replace, it has acquired extra cushioning, a extra sturdy outsole, and a extra sturdy construct. This has cannibalized
gross sales of the Propel.
The 2023 Propel v4’s important, headline characteristic is a brand-new TPU plate in its midsole. It has a brand new formulation of FuelCell, which is identical density that’s in the a lot higher-priced New Steadiness SC Coach. The higher and outsole have additionally been redesigned.
It’s listed incorrectly as being 10.7 oz (303 g) on each the New Steadiness web site and the Working Warehouse web site. I weighed my US9 and it got here in at solely 9.7 oz (275 g). This can be a weight enhance of 0.8 oz (23 g) from the Propel v3. Like most trainers this yr, the value has gone up by $10 and it’ll now value you $110.
New Steadiness FuelCell Propel v4 First Impressions
My first run was 9 km at my straightforward tempo. I used to be actually impressed with how dynamic the journey of the Propel v4 felt. Transitions had been clean, the forefoot felt snappy and it had nice, comfortable landings with every foot strike with out being mushy.
The sneakers that it jogged my memory of most had been the Saucony Endorphin Velocity 1 and the New Steadiness SC Pacer that are additionally plated however versatile trainers. The plate within the Propel v4 was probably the most versatile of all 3 sneakers.
The higher was actually snug however I had to make use of a runner’s knot to get a safe heel lockdown. In comparison with the earlier Propel model that I had examined, the Propel v4’s cushioning felt extra substantial, whereas the journey felt extra secure and quicker as a result of TPU plate.
New Steadiness FuelCell Propel v4 Higher
The Propel has a cushioned higher which you’d discover on a typical every day coach. It’s padded sufficient to make lengthy runs snug and it has no main flaws.
It suits true to measurement and needs to be tremendous for many foot shapes besides extraordinarily broad toes. I discover that there’s sufficient forefoot and toe field room even with thick socks. The collar has the proper quantity of padding and there’s an inside heel counter for construction. Heel lockdown is sweet however I had to make use of a runner’s knot.
The padded tongue will not be gusseted so it slides round throughout runs. The higher can also be not that breathable so it’s on the nice and cozy aspect. These are the one issues I don’t like concerning the higher.
New Steadiness FuelCell Propel v4 Sole Unit
What makes the Propel v4 so versatile is that it feels secure and cushioned throughout straightforward paces whereas it feels energetic and agile at quicker paces. This can be a jack of all trades operating shoe which might be a straightforward day, regular day, tempo and even race day shoe.
Whereas the TPU plate will not be stiff and it doesn’t give as a lot propulsion as a brilliant shoe, it has extra pop than your common every day coach. The TPU plate of the Propel v4 takes inspiration from the Endorphin Velocity 3’s nylon plate. The Propel’s plate has a midfoot wing which extends outwards, below the arch.
The plate jogs my memory of the plate that’s within the ASICS GlideRide 3– it’s very versatile so it doesn’t make sluggish operating within the Propel v4 really feel awkward. The draw back of that is that it doesn’t provide as a lot propulsion as a stiffer plate. If you need one thing stiffer/quicker, I like to recommend the Magic Velocity 2 or the Puma Deviate Nitro 2.
At 31 mm, the heel stack top isn’t as excessive as a brilliant shoe and even the Endorphin Velocity 3 so your foot sits decrease to the bottom and stability is superb. When operating within the Propel v4, my foot strikes really feel very planted which makes it a wonderful long term shoe. It additionally has sufficient cushioning for a full marathon. The longest run I did in it was 35 km and it felt actually protecting all through the run.
I take pleasure in utilizing the Propel v4 most on steady-paced or fartlek runs. Its plate mixed with its full of life midsole foam make it very easy to select up the tempo. One other one of many elements which make the Propel v4 really feel like a nimble shoe is its 6 mm drop. This makes it simpler to midfoot or forefoot strike when it’s worthwhile to enhance your pace.
The midsole of the Propel v4 has a big cavity or void beneath it, much like the dimensions of the one within the NB SC Pacer. This characteristic is designed to return extra vitality because the midsole foam and plate deform throughout footstrikes. That is one thing which I can really feel throughout runs and it makes a distinction to the journey, making it extra energetic.
There’s sufficient rubber protection on all of the excessive put on areas so sturdiness is respectable. The rubber has a flat design which is receded into the midsole so transitions are actually clean. There are not any lugs which protrude outwards so grip is simply common.
New Steadiness FuelCell Propel v4 Conclusions
One of the best factor concerning the Propel v4 is that it doesn’t really feel like a $110 shoe. In the event you advised me that it prices $140, I’d say that it’s a good value, so $110 for such a flexible, plated shoe is a steal.
Once you examine it to different every day trainers, it outshines conventional stalwarts just like the Ghost, Pegasus and Clifton that are within the $130-$145 value vary.
As a plated pace coach, it additionally outshines rivals just like the Endorphin Velocity 3. I not too long ago ran within the Endorphin Velocity 3 to check and I truly choose the journey of the Propel v4 for the additional stability and its transitions. I really feel that the 6 mm drop of the Propel is best suited to me than the 8 mm of the Velocity. The Velocity 3 has extra cushioning however there’s one thing about its excessive toe-spring rocker which feels off to me.
In comparison with the NB Insurgent v3, the Propel v4 isn’t as comfortable or enjoyable on quick distances nevertheless it has extra cushioning depth and higher stability so it’s higher for lengthy runs. It’s a extra versatile coach and it prices $20 lower than the Insurgent v3.
Model 4 of the Propel is unquestionably an enchancment over earlier variations. The brand new TPU plate has made it a way more thrilling shoe, including stability, snappiness and all-round versatility to a coach which was too sluggish to be a every day coach.
