Comparison Overview
In this popular matchup, both shoes deliver excellent performance.
How the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and Nike Vaporfly 4 differ
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and the Nike Vaporfly 4 sit in the same racing bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the Nike Vaporfly 4 comes in roughly 0.3 oz lighter (7 oz vs 6.7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (8mm on the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, 6mm on the Nike Vaporfly 4) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 rides on the taller stack (39.5mm/31.5mm vs 32mm/26mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is $40 cheaper at MSRP ($230 vs $270).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 | Nike Vaporfly 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance | Nike |
| Model | FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 | Vaporfly 4 |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 7 oz | 6.7 oz |
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm |
| Price | $230 | $270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 or the Nike Vaporfly 4?
- The Nike Vaporfly 4 is the lighter shoe at 6.7 oz versus 7 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is the more affordable option at $230 compared to $270.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 has a 8mm drop and the Nike Vaporfly 4 has a 6mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?
- Yes — both the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 and the Nike Vaporfly 4 use a carbon plate, so they're built primarily for race day and key workouts rather than daily mileage.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Nike Vaporfly 4 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.