New Balance FuelCell Rebel Trail review

The FuelCell Rebel Trail keeps its stack height relatively moderate, which also translates into below-average shock absorption. For runners who prioritize maximum impact protection, we recommend the ASICS Trabuco Max 4 instead.

We also believe that runners expecting a road-to-trail or gravel-ready version of the road-focused Rebel will be disappointed. In our view, the Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL or ASICS Blazeblast are much better alternatives for those seeking that type of shoe.

Impact protection is fairly modest in the Rebel Trail due to its moderate stack height. We measured 113 SA at the heel and 96 SA at the forefoot, leaving both results below average. The rear absorbs more shock than the front, but neither end stands out in this test.

FuelCell branding raises expectations, but we found fairly ordinary rebound here: 57.8% in the forefoot and 55.5% in the heel. Both results sit slightly below average, so the midsole's energy return isn't one of the shoe's strongest selling points.

For comparison, the FuelCell Rebel v5 achieved 67.3% in the forefoot and 59.8% in the heel, which helps explain why we found these results somewhat disappointing.

After cutting the shoe in half, we measured a heel stack of 30.6 mm. That's a relatively restrained height among modern trail shoes and keeps the foot close to the ground.

We think that this moderate profile will be loved runners who prefer less material underfoot. However, anyone looking for a tall platform to separate the heel from rough terrain will find the Rebel Trail a bit too conservative.

The forefoot measured 25.3 mm, giving the front a moderate amount of material between the foot and the trail, although it lands closer to average than the heel.

Our stack measurements revealed a 5.3 mm drop, close to the advertised 6 mm. In our view, this makes the shoe a familiar option for runners already comfortable with lower-drop trail shoes, especially those who find Topo or Altra models too wide.

We pressed our digital Asker C durometer into the exposed FuelCell foam and recorded 43.8 AC. That's firmer than average, giving the midsole a more resistant feel under pressure.

Runners expecting a deeply plush sensation from the FuelCell name should take note, as we found that New Balance has clearly tuned this foam for a firmer trail-ready feel. Furthermore, after 20 minutes in our freezer, the foam became 18% firmer.

Most of the platform follows a fairly conventional shape, with the rocker curvature concentrated toward the forefoot. We would describe it as mild, leaving clear that, despite sharing the Rebel name, this shoe feels very different underfoot from its road-running sibling.

Our gel replica measured 95.0 mm at the widest part of the forefoot, putting the standard version close to average.

New Balance also offers a wide version, which is always appreciated. We'd explore that option before expecting the standard upper to accommodate substantial extra width, especially with the Toe Protect overlays reinforcing the sides.

Near the big toe, we measured 75.2 mm of internal width. That's close to average, so we wouldn't describe this as an unusually narrow toebox. Instead, we believe it offers enough room to accommodate most runners comfortably.

Vertical space is more restricted than average.

At 24.9 mm, the toebox roof sits a bit low, bringing the upper closer to the tops of the toes.

We recorded a coefficient of friction of 0.76 from the Vibram Megagrip rubber, a positive result that confirms its strong traction. 

And, of course, getting a Vibram outsole in such a versatile trail shoe at a reasonable price makes the package even more appealing.

We measured the lugs at 4.0 mm, enough to give the Rebel Trail a versatile setup, with enough depth to engage loose ground without using an especially aggressive tread.

Vibram Megagrip runs from heel to toe, with angular, multidirectional, downhill-friendly lugs across the main landing areas. We also found small protrusions around the lug edges, part of Vibram's Traction Lug design that adds extra edges to the tread.

But for deep, sticky mud, we'd favor longer, more widely spaced lugs. The closely packed blocks here leave less room for mud to escape, making the design better suited for dry conditions.

Despite having full-length Vibram rubber, it took just 11.6N to bend the shoe through 30 degrees. 

We enjoy this easy forefoot bend in a trail shoe, particularly for runners who mix running with steep hiking sections.

Our men's US 9 weighed 10.2 oz (289g), placing the Rebel Trail close to average for a trail shoe. We wouldn't call it a heavy shoe, but weight certainly isn't the standout advantage that the Rebel name might lead runners to expect from the road versions.

We found large overlays around the midfoot and raised midsole walls around the rearfoot, features commonly seen in modern running shoes. These elements add some structure around the foot, while the moderate stack height keeps the platform from feeling excessively elevated.

However, the narrow heel limits rearfoot support, especially during uneven landings. In our view, the shoe feels more stable for midfoot and forefoot strikers, whereas heel strikers with overpronation should avoid this shoe.

Our torsional test required 13.5 Nm of torque, showing less resistance to twisting than average. The heel and forefoot have more freedom to rotate relative to each other, which leaves the shoe less restrictive on uneven ground. Due to this design, runners seeking a rigid, supportive chassis won't like the Rebel Trail.

We rated the heel counter 3/5 after squeezing and bending it by hand. It provides moderate structure behind the heel, with some resistance to pressure and some give.

Across the widest part of the forefoot platform, we measured 112.3 mm. The whole shoe stays fairly compact, with modest side extensions rather than a strongly flared outline.

We see this as a sensible footprint for runners who prefer less bulk around the front and give priority to an agile shoe.

The heel narrows considerably, measuring just 82.5 mm.

Heel strikers have less platform beneath the first part of each landing here. And as we said before, we would look for a wider rearfoot if that support is a priority.

The upper disappointed us a bit in the Dremel test, earning just 2/5 for toebox durability. We noticed that the toe bumper and printed overlays cover exposed areas, but they don't make every part of the mesh resistant to rubbing.

The heel lining handled abrasion much better, earning 4/5 in our Dremel test.

As usual, Vibram Megagrip also delivered a good result in our abrasion test. After applying the Dremel, we measured a dent of 0.7 mm, showing that the rubber resisted the tool well.

Beneath the lugs, we measured 2.4 mm of outsole rubber.

That's a substantial layer protecting the foam, and it adds material available to wear through. We welcome that coverage on a mountain shoe, although it also contributes weight as we proved before.

The upper performed well when we pumped smoke through it, earning a 4/5 for breathability. That's a useful positive for warm-weather trail running, especially given how much reinforcement New Balance has added around the front and sides.

Our microscope photos show clear gaps between the woven strands, helping explain the good airflow... and poor durability too!

Traditional flat laces run through a mixture of punched eyelets and fabric loops around the middle of the instep. We like the freedom to adjust tension, and the spare upper eyelets allow a runner's knot for additional heel lockdown.

Underneath, we measured a generous 10.6 mm of tongue padding, an ultra-thick layer that adds to the plush, cushioned feel of the entire upper.

We found elastic gussets on both sides of the tongue, with a semi-gusseted construction that leaves the upper edges free and felt inherited from a road shoe.

The insole measured 2.9 mm, making it a fairly thin layer beneath the foot.

We removed the insole without difficulty, making replacement straightforward. However, the low toebox and thin insole by default leaves limited room for a thicker insert. We'd compare the thickness and shape carefully before fitting a personal orthotic, that's for sure.

We noticed that New Balance includes a sturdy, horizontal finger loop at the heel, giving you a clear place to grip when pulling the shoe on.

We found no reflective elements when checking the upper in the dark. Missed opportunity here!

We think the full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole is the strongest argument for the price of the Rebel Trail, backed by good rubber abrasion resistance and a flexible platform.

But the value is less convincing if your priorities are exceptional rebound or a particularly tough upper.