Editor rating:
7/10 on
OLIVIA YODER
User's rating:

PROS

  • Versatile daily trainer for long and short runs
  • Improved upper
  • Breathable and Comfortable

CONS

  • Collar rubs ankel
  • Toebox is slightly narrow

OUR VERDICT

The New Balance Propel v3 is a versatile daily training shoe. It’s budget-friendly and unlike other daily training shoes, this one does surprisingly well when tested on faster training runs.
WHERE TO BUY
LOWEST PRICE
$61
merchant logo$100 $61See It
SHOE INFO
Brand
FuelCell Propel v3
Model
Type
8.9 oz. (252 gr.)
Weight
99.99 US$
MSRP
6 mm
Heel Drop
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
This shoe is for the individual who is looking for a daily training shoe that will be able to fit all their needs.

There is nothing wildly impressive about the shoe but it's a solid choice that will not disappoint.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 Intro

The New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 is a comfortable everyday running shoe with a soft, yet springy ride. This shoe is known to be a daily trainer in New Balance’s FuelCell line.

It is designed for the neutral runner and daily wear. This shoe makes a statement with its fresh bold outlined N logo and has some newer appreciated technology.

The technology this shoe offers includes its FuelCell foam that delivers a springy forward feel to help drive you forward with comfort. It has a lace-up closure for a snug secure fit.

The mesh upper offers no-sew overlays for a lightweight breathable feel. From the previous model to this current one, the biggest upgrade is the redesigned upper.

The Last of the shoe also has a VL-6 that is a running-specific last with a standard heel, toe box, and forefoot height. The New Balance Propel V3 will cost you $100, weighs in at 9.1oz, and has a 6mm drop.

I agree with this price for what the shoe offers and the quality of it. Overall, this shoe fits true to size. A similar choice of this shoe would be the New Balance Propel V2.

The major difference would be the updated upper. This new upper is lightweight and allows for more breathability.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 First Impressions

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Lateral Side

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Lateral Side

My first impression of the shoe was a positive one. I was surprised by how much I liked how they looked in person.

I received the white, black, purple, and a hint of hot pink color scheme. For being a lower-end daily trainer, they look and feel like a higher-end pair.

When I initially put them on I felt over comfort and support. I did notice right away how the collar rubbed my ankle. It was pretty bothersome the first time I wore them.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Heel+Lateral

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Heel+Lateral

I used them to teach a workout session and by the end, I couldn’t wait to take them off because of the rubbing around my inside ankle bone.

I laced them up for a different time and had no big problems with them. I’m not sure what my problem was the first initial time I tested them out.

Taking them out for the first run was a 5k distance. That is the furthest I would recommend running in these shoes.

They are a little on the firm side but did provide a great deal of energy return when striking the ground. They didn’t make me feel a lot faster but did a great job of making my runs fun and enjoyable.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 Sole Unit

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Medial Side

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Medial Side

The sole is made out of NDurance rubber. This rubber seems extremely durable and offers a soft and smooth ride. There are flex grooves that cover from the toe box to the heel.

These allow for additional grip and help with the flexibility of the sole. I took these out in many types of weather and they performed up to my standards.

I had no issues slipping in wet conditions. The traction is top-notch.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Sole

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Sole

Smooth is the feeling that comes to mind when describing the ride of the New Balance Propel V3. It offers a very quick toe-off, the moment your feet hit the ground you are propelled in a forward motion.

Balance and stability in these shoes were no problem. After running close to 100 miles, I have yet to notice significant wear on the soles.

New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel would be another great choice if you are looking for a shoe that’s a bit faster.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 Upper Unit

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Top

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Top

The New Balance Propel V3 has an updated upper since the propel V2. At first sight, you will notice the bold wrap around N logo. It’s a new design New Balance has introduced and I’m digging it.

It’s made of an engineered mesh material. The upper is a bootie construction which allows for you to have a secure feeling when placing it on your feet.

The shoe does fit true to size as I said before, but if you change up your socks it would be too snug up in the toe-box area. If your into wearing thicker socks then I would suggest to size up a half size.

Breathability is achieved in this shoe in wet, humid, and hot conditions. The times I did get them wet, they dried out very quickly.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Top Closeup

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Top Closeup

The only area I had any issues with was found in the upper. The higher collar did cause some irritation on my ankle. The tongue and lacing system is sleek.

The tongue is an ever just a thin piece of material that is comfortable yet supportive. The lacing system is your typical system but the laces are thin.

The thinness of the laces made my foot feel locked in no problems of hotspots on the top of my foot. Lastly, the heel cup makes sure your foot is nice and secure to eliminate slipping. It offers just the right amount of support.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 Conclusion

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 - Front

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 – Front

Overall I really enjoyed this shoe. After many miles in them, I have made them a staple in my rotation. I will use them on various distances and workouts.

If you like a firm ride or want a shoe to use on faster days, I would highly recommend the Propel V3.

We purchased a pair of New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 Price Comparison

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Similar shoes to New Balance FuelCell Propel v3

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 Review

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 is a neutral daily trainer that has many ... (Read expert review)

ASICS Novablast 4 Review

The ASICS Novablast 4 is a firm-riding daily trainer which is more suited to ... (Read expert review)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Review

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is a highly cushioned daily trainer that ... (Read expert review)

Brooks Ghost Max Review

The Brooks Ghost Max is a good, text book daily trainer which can perform a ... (Read expert review)

Saucony Triumph 21 Review

The Saucony Triumph 21 is a daily trainer that can log all the miles you want ... (Read expert review)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 Review

The New Balance SuperComp Trainer v2 is an excellent, versatile maximalist ... (Read expert review)