All in all, the New Balance FuelCore Sonic is a great shoe and the BOA system is a huge upgrade over traditional laces. While it’s not a perfect setup yet, I think most triathletes will find the FuelCore Sonic solves a lot of big problems and leaves only a few tiny ones to iron out in later iterations. The Fuelcore midsole employs a combination of EVA foam densities to achieve the optimal balance between responsiveness and softness. The Nitrel v4 has grown into a nice crossover shoe where it fits well wearing it for casual use. However, don’t let its subtle aesthetics fool you. The off-road tread is enough to take off the tarmac and will get the job done on the trails. Who should buy the Nitrel v4

Upon unboxing, it’s obvious that the FuelCore Sonic is a very different-looking shoe. Without traditional laces—and the laces’ necessary accoutrements—the shoe resembles something a little more velcro-y than what we’re used to. The good news? With less “stuff”, there’s less opportunity for rubbing and chafing—super important for barefoot running and for keeping the shoe at a thrifty advertised 8.5oz weight with a small dial. The bad news? They’re not exactly fashion-forward, though to be honest, I actually did get a few compliments, so what do I know? The Fit: The Fuelcore Coast 4 is an economical choice for novice runners with a neutral foot-strike. The shoes offer a smooth, natural ride, and a gentle heel-toe drop (8mm).It's a wrap! And it feels good on the foot. I especially enjoyed the height of the upper surrounding the ankle which offered great support on the trails and reduced the potential for rolling ankles where the terrain got loose. While this is not strictly the case anymore, the concept stays: you can expect the cost (and features) of the shoe to go up when moving from a “8” model to a “10” or a “12”. Featuring leading trail technology and a sleek modern appearance, the FuelCore NITREL offers a winning combination of speed, traction, and style. As I tightened the laces for my first run in the Fuelcore Coast 4, I noticed that the tongue was integrated into the knit upper with eyelets for the laces stitched onto the outside of the upper.

The Fuelcore Coast 4 runs a half to full size big, so I definitely recommend trying these shoes on before purchasing.The Fuelcore Coast 4 upper is flexible, breathable, and minimizes the use of seams to keep the shoe lightweight. The upper is comprised of a pliable knit material on the outside and a smooth liner on the inside. The fit was good, but not perfect. The way the FuelCore was set up didn’t extend the laces too far down the forefoot, so the toebox was given a pretty wide berth. It worked well for me—I have a pretty wide forefoot—but it could be an issue for those with very narrow feet. I also had some early issues with my arch/knee caving inward. Clearly this is a lightweight, low-support shoe, but I’ve raced with shoes that have had the support equivalent of a flip-flop, and I’ve never had the same issue. Fortunately, the inward movement seemed to go away after a few miles, so I’m not sure if it had to do with the lateral-side BOA mounting area loosening up or just the shoe’s foam. Either way, it was fine after a few runs and didn’t cause any actual pain. The Verdict:

Developed to meet the ever-evolving demands of serious distance runners, the New Balance FuelCell collection is the perfect combo of speed, rebound and energy return. Showcasing an exciting array of cutting-edge performance-driven technologies, it promises to propel you to the next level. The core component of FuelCell running shoes is our nitrogen compound FuelCell foam technology - game changing midsole cushioning that delivers radically improved energy return performance. In a pair of New Balance FuelCell running shoes, you’ll feel the benefits with every propulsive stride. This shoe is wonderful for slow and steady training periods and anything else you want to use in your day. Given the price and quality of materials in its construction there really is nothing to complain about here. Less breathable design The midsole becomes slightly more rigid in the midfoot and heel where the foot is less flexible. New Balance’s Response performance insole rests on top of the midsole to further enhance the shoe’s responsive and supple feel. Be a street style superstar in the latest casual women's shoes from New Balance. Our collection is curated to deliver timeless designs, contemporary fit and eye-catching colors. Strut in confidence with bold colorways and unique designs to make a statement wherever you go. Each piece in this collection pairs effortlessly with go-to tops and leggings for a casual classic look. These women's retro shoes feature year-round staples that are always a perfect fit.Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Runners should exercise caution on wet surfaces when wearing the Fuelcore Coast 4. New Balance FuelCore Coast v4 Upper Info The midsole is equipped with an innovative foam compound providing the same responsiveness and durability of New Balance foams 30% heavier. REVlite offers a lightweight ride without minimising construction or sacrificing underfoot cushioning or stability. Added underfoot cushioning and comfort comes from the NB Response 2.0 performance insert. This material aims to provide the runner with a seamless and comfortable running experience. Improved responsiveness is encouraged by IMEVA which also offers additional underfoot cushioning. AT Tread Rubber Outsole With the firm ride described previously, I did not find this shoe to break in and get any softer than its first day running. Don't get bogged down, however, because a firmer shoe like this is not always a negative point. For starters, the upper material is more protective than breathable with added protective welds along with the high wear areas (i.e., lateral forefoot, toe box, eyelets) which is a big advantage for off-road use.