Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews. Today we’re comparing the New Balance Rebel v4 with the new Rebel v5—and there are some big updates, especially in the midsole and fit. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth upgrading, this breakdown will help you decide.
Midsole: New Materials, Softer Feel
The biggest change in the Rebel v5 is the midsole. It now uses a PEBA/EVA blend (roughly 80% EVA and 20% PEBA), which gives it a completely different feel underfoot compared to the firmer v4.
Stack height has also increased:
- Rebel v4: 30mm rear / 24mm forefoot (6mm drop)
- Rebel v5: 35mm rear / 29mm forefoot (6mm drop)
That extra 5mm of foam under the heel makes the v5 feel noticeably softer and bouncier—great for runners looking for a bit more comfort and protection, especially on longer runs. It’s still responsive, but those who loved the firmer, ground-contact feel of the Rebel v4 might find the v5 less snappy.
Outsole: More Coverage for Better Durability
The outsole has been updated with more rubber coverage and no longer features the flex grooves found in the v4. While we haven’t fully tested durability yet, the added rubber suggests it may hold up better over time.
Despite these changes, the v5 still maintains a wide base, giving you a stable ride. However, because the foam is now softer, we now classify the v5 as a classic neutral shoe rather than a “stable neutral” like the v4.
Upper Fit: Narrower, but More Secure
The upper fit has changed quite a bit. The Rebel v5 still uses a single-layer engineered mesh, but it’s a little narrower in the midfoot and forefoot. This might be an issue for runners with wide feet who like the spaciousness of the V4.
On the plus side, the slightly narrower fit helps eliminate midfoot slippage, and the thicker, gusseted tongue improves lockdown. The heel cup also has more structure and padding, making the shoe feel more secure at the rearfoot.
Weight: Slightly Heavier, but Still Light
- Rebel v4: 218g (Men’s US 9)
- Rebel v5: 225g (Men’s US 9)
The added weight is minimal and mostly due to the increased stack height. The Rebel v5 is still very lightweight for a performance trainer.
Performance: Mid-Distance to Marathon Ready
The Rebel v5 still shines on faster-paced runs. It’s ideal for:
- Tempo runs
- Fartleks
- Half marathon to marathon training
- Long runs with pickups
It’s not the fastest option for 5K race pace work, but it’s versatile enough to do a bit of everything. It transitions well from heel to toe thanks to its light rocker design, and the soft midsole adds comfort without sacrificing responsiveness.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Upgrade?
- If you loved the Rebel v4 for its firmness and width, you might want to stock up or skip this version.
- If you want more bounce, better lockdown, and a smoother ride—especially over longer distances—the Rebel v5 is a strong upgrade.
- It’s not a walking or casual shoe—it’s built for performance.
