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New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 Review Analysis (2022)

New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 review

Last update: March 2024

The New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 is a sleek and lightweight stability shoe for moderate overpronation.

The Consensus

8.8Overall score
Good lightweight and relatively responsive stability shoes
Don’t have time to read the full review? Here’s what you need to know.

The New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 running shoes are stable and relatively lightweight (for a stability model). They allow runners for overpronation to find a trainer offering stability and comfort on mid-distance runs.

The FuelCell midsole comes with a 30 mm heel stack height and a 6 mm drop. It provides enough cushioning and shock absorption to run many miles at different speeds.

The engineered mesh upper is new: it’s more breathable thanks to a one-piece design without stitches. It fits perfectly around the foot and contributes to the overall stability of the platform. However, it’s not ideal for running in the rain because it ends up soaked quite quickly.

The traction is also quite good. The outsole provides adequate grip on pavement and easy dirt roads. It’s equally at home for interval training, tempo runs, and even races over moderate distances. However, some testers say it’s less effective over longer distances.

In terms of ride, this shoe is surprising. It feels lighter than its weight suggests. It has a unique feel with a firmer sole than the previous version but is much more responsive.

The New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 are stability shoes for overpronators looking for a lightweight shoe for daily training and speed work.

For more information, please read our full review of the New Balance FuelCell Prism v2.
Comfort
8
Responsiveness
9
Foot lockdown
9
Stability
9.5
Durability
9
Value for money
9.5
Design
9
PROS
  • A revised sole for even better cushioning while stabilizing the foot
  • A relatively light shoe for overpronation runners
  • A comfortable and breathable upper
  • Good durability
  • Affordable price
CONS
  • Does not appear to be suitable for long distances
  • Stability remains moderate. Be careful for those who need strong foot support

New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 Complete Review Analysis

Introduction

New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 stability shoes

The FuelCell Prism v2 running shoe from New Balance is an improved version of the New Balance FuelCell Prism, a shoe launched in 2020 that seduced many runners with its design and lightness for a stability shoe.

On this subject, it does not disappoint. It is not bulky and comfortable while remaining as or even more attractive than the first version. The sole, put in the intermediate, is a good surprise. Less spongy and firmer, it provides comfort without forgetting to support the foot. As for the upper, it is pleasantly surprising.

It remains to be seen if this shoe is the solution for overpronators looking for stability or if it is more for neutral runners who want speed. There are many different reviews on this topic.

We will try to find out more in the following analysis.

Cushioning

New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 midsole cushioning

The FuelCell Prism v2 running shoe’s midsole delivers a springy, flexible feel while still feeling like it holds the foot well. For those who have tested it, it helps reduce foot roll throughout the stride. It is very comfortable.

The sole is 30 mm heel stack height which provides good cushioning. Runners who tried the shoe report that the FuelCell foam is much less spongy than last year’s model. For them, that changes everything. The firmness of the sole is denser with better support, especially on the medial side, creating the ideal support for overpronators looking for mild stability features.

The heel-to-toe drop of the shoe remains at 6mm. Low, it allows this shoe to be suitable for a wide range of situations. It supports well acceleration and slow paces. However, it becomes less comfortable over longer distances. For this reason, most testers recommend it for short to medium-distance runs.

Foot lockdown (upper)

New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 mesh upper

The New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 have a redesigned upper in this new version. If some runners noted friction on the previous model, it is no longer the case with this one.

The new upper, even if short, seems to be exceptionally comfortable. This upper is made of a very soft breathable mesh, allowing you to do without socks.

Prism v2 upper

The width of the upper appears normal in the heel and midfoot. As with the previous model, the toe box is spacious and suitable for wide feet. The heel counter prevents slippage and, overall, the collar contributes to better support. The laces are perfectly integrated into the upper and are easy to adjust.

Slightly heavier than the previous model, this running shoe remains relatively light for a stability shoe at 269 g/9.5 oz for men and 218 g/7.7 oz for women. In addition, runners note that it feels even lighter in use.

Grip and durability

New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 rubber outsole

The outsole of the New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 running shoe comes with a new design from the previous model. Made of N-Durance, this outsole has excellent traction and durability.

Intervals, tempo, easy trails: reviews show that it is comfortable everywhere, even on wet roads. Reinforced in all the right places, it doesn’t wear out quickly. It brings a little more stability to a shoe with already plenty of it.

The sole forefoot has a slight flare. It allows for centering the foot gently. It is precisely this softness that poses a problem. Some runners wonder if the stability of this new version is as effective as the previous one for athlètes who overpronate. They feel it’s better suited for people with more neutral or lighter stability needs in the heel.

The ride

New Balance Prism v2 road running shoe

The first model of FuelCell Prism was disappointing because of its lack of responsiveness that didn’t allow for a fun ride, according to many testers. Is it any different with the New Balance FuelCell Prism v2?

The answer is yes. These new shoes offer a pleasant ride overall. The transition is smooth to the forefoot and offers good flexibility.

This flexibility does seem to reduce in the forefoot, which feels firmer, but that’s not a significant issue. The heel-to-toe drop of the shoe is low, so many runners recommend that those used to a higher drop take time to transition.

Most of those who have tested this new version find it offers more responsiveness and comfort than its predecessor. They recommend it to all those who are looking for a light daily trainer to train on various distances, except maybe the marathon.

Conclusion

FuelCell Prism v2 New Balance

The New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 stability shoes offer clear improvements in the sole and upper of the first FuelCell. More responsive and more bounce without losing too much stability, these shoes are comfortable and feel lighter than their weight.

The new upper design offers better lockdown, and for many testers, the shoes even look better. Their low heel-to-toe drop is comfortable enough but may surprise those who are used to having their heel more elevated.

These shoes seem to suit many runners, even those with a neutral gait who are looking for lightness. The toe box, although short, accommodates wide feet without any problem, without compromising comfort. For those who have tested them, you can use these shoes for many workouts, including intervals, although they’re still not the best pick for long-distance.

Facts

Technical Specs

TerrainRoad
Pronation typeOverpronation
Drop6 mm
Heel stack height30 mm
Forefoot stack height24 mm
Weight (men)269 g/9.5 oz
Weight (women)218 g/7.7 oz
Release year2021

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)3 – Moderate
Bounce (1-5)3 – Moderate

Technologies

OutsoleNDurance
MidsoleFuelCell, Medial Post
UpperEngineered mesh

Use

SpeedModerate
DistanceShort, mid, long, 5k, 10k, half marathon
WorkoutDaily runs

Reference: New Balance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How’s the fit of the New Balance FuelCell Prism v2?

This NB shoe fits correctly (true to size), and the toe box is wide enough for wide feet.

Is this a shoe for pronation?

Yes, it’s a shoe for overpronation. However, the guidance is slight and may not be suitable for those looking for a high level of support.

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.

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