Look, if you're serious about running fast, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is gonna be your new best friend. These babies are built for speed, plain and simple. The mesh upper isn't just breathable as hell – it actually looks pretty sick too, so you won't feel like a total dork wearing them around. What really sets these apart though is the FuelCell foam. It's got this crazy bounce that basically launches you forward with every stride. You can actually feel the difference.
New Balance beefed up the midsole this time around – made it wider and taller so you're not wobbling all over the place when you're pushing the pace. They also added more rubber up front where you actually need it, so these things will last longer than your average trainer. If you're one of those people who runs at stupid-early o'clock or after work when it's getting dark, the reflective bits will help keep you from becoming roadkill. Plus, they totally redesigned the heel and tongue, so no more annoying hotspots when you're knocking out those tempo runs.
The 6mm drop keeps things pretty natural – your foot hits the ground the way it's supposed to. Bottom line? These aren't just another pair of running shoes. They're legit performance gear that happens to look good too. Perfect if you're tired of choosing between going fast and looking decent.