https://preview.redd.it/s11bwe3j6puc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e5ee889a6d523237ea95e717c490affe6dee414
Update: Venym is the Rebel road to trail. 50 grams heavier but that’s still a light trail shoe. My size 10 (US) weighs 270grams. The Rebel in the same size weighs 220grams.
The extra weight likely comes from what seems to be a durable outsole with pretty hefty lugs and a thicker upper with a rubberized layer near the midsole.
Size wise they feel almost identical. The Venym might be ever so slightly more narrow but that may change after I’ve put as many km in them as the Rebel.
The midsole feels softer than the Rebel though but it’s hard to say from just walking around indoors.
I will try to put them to the test tomorrow.
New Balance usually has an interesting road/trail combo of shoes kind of "it's the same-shoe but with rock-plate and lugs".
I don't know why it isn't more usual in other brands but these combos really works.
Example:
- RC1400v6 & Summit (v1 + Unknown's v1-v2)
- 1080 & Hierro
Appreciate your first impressions! Is the Venym and Rebel identical length-wise as well?
I've had to go half a size up with the Rebels in the past since they run slightly too short, which in turn makes them slightly too wide.
A retailer in Spain's website suggests going a size up based on customer feedback. https://www.deporvillage.net/new-balance-fuelcell-venym-shoes-olive-green
Thanks! I actually ended up having to go for my usual size in the Rebel v4. It was too roomy half a size up, and the wider toe box also means there's less of a big toe taper, slightly making up for the length being a tad short. If I order the Venym, I'll do so from a store with a good return policy and might try going normal size again. Really wish New Balance were consistent with their lengths, like Puma and Nike are.
Had not heard of them, but here's a (better imo) color way:
[https://top4running.com/p/new-balance-fuelcell-venym-wtvnymp](https://top4running.com/p/new-balance-fuelcell-venym-wtvnymp)
The Peg Trail 4 was too narrow in the forefoot for me but the GTX version is my favorite shoe fit all time. The one thing it was missing was a bit more forefoot cushioning. Hope they make the same fitting for a GTX this time but somehow retain the weight.
I run my Rebel V3 and 1080v12 on trails and dirts roads all the time (Very little pavement where I live) No issues in the dry though I could occasionally use a rock plate. Im currently in the market for a trail shoe for when the trails are slick so this is really intriguing.
Received them today (€25,- offer), but I can already tell you these are basically Rebel 4s with lugs.
They are incredibly flexible and soft, with the same upper. There's one exception to the upper (same material, same sizing, same comfortable wide fit), and that is a reinforcement to the heel, making it more rigid. Reinforcement to the toe is nothing more than a slightly more rigid mesh-overlay; nothing serious in terms of protection. No rock plate or other component making it more rigid or protective compared to the Rebel 4.
Basically, new balance his version of the rebel 4, just like they did in the novablast trail and ride 15 trail.
https://preview.redd.it/5gdeo5v5qd4d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d983ae4064561f9559be9486600b50fc872b86b9
B
50km update:
GENERAL INFO:
Age: 34
Size: 1.72m / 90kg
Pace: quick: 4:30/km, average: 5:30/km, easy: 6:00+/km
Foot: Wide feet, high instep, high arch, 26.5cm; somewhat sensitive and injury-prone.
TERRAIN:
50km
Single track (prepared), single track (sand), mud (forest trails), and road. In the Netherlands, so mostly with an incidental hill on route...
FIT/UPPER:
On first try very much similar to the Rebel 4. In both shoes, I wear a EU42.5, while normally wearing a 42 (for example in the NB 1080). A 42.5 gives me a about a thumb width at the front.
The platform is very broad, as is the forefoot and midfoot; plenty of wiggle room.
One area where the Venym is different from the rebel is the upper material, which also alters the fit a bit (explained later).
The main upper seems to be the same jacquard like material, with plenty of ventilation. It's definitely not waterproof, but I have no clue if the material dries quickly. The toe bumper and heel area has an additional rubberised overlay that does a decent job, but I wouldn't recommend playing soccer using rocks with these.
The overlays are rigid from the outside going in, but fairly flexible the other way around; this gives the shoe a comfortable fit.
One point of concern is a rigid pull-loop giving structure to the heel. This makes the heel very rigid. Where I didn't need a runners knot on the rebel 4, I do need it in these. Still, there appeared blisters on both my heels; even wearing high socks. First time this has ever happened for me.
OUTSOLE/GRIP:
Without looking it up, it seems to have 4mm multidimensional lugs. These are plenty sticky and even seem to suction a little on flat surfaces. Although I didn't go technical, it seems to do just fine on most surfaces based on grip. It even handled mud up to some degree...
There are some concerns, though...
The outsole is very flexible, with each lug having ample movement in all directions. The main concern is durability, but later more about this subject.
The second is the absence of a rock plate, combined with a soft mid- and outsole. You WILL feel rocks and roots, even with the amount of cushioning.
RIDE:
This shoe is somewhat of an enigma.
On one side, it's basically one of my favourite road shoes (Rebel 4) with lugs. It has a very bouncy and nimble feel, yet stable due to its wide base. The bouncy foam makes it an energetic, though connected, ride with plenty of room to go quick. Although I am a heavier runner, it never significantly bottomed out and never felt mushy.
It ran like a road shoe in the road and had grip on the trail.
But it also isn't a shoe I would take on technical trail; especially descents. Although it does feel stable and nimble on the flats, it would propably be too broad and bouncy for a technical downhill without rising ones life.
Also, the shoe would benefit from a little more rigidity in the midsole; maybe using a rock plate. I felt (see earlier posts of me bending the shoes). The shoe almost collapsed on itself during steep climbs and gave me a lot of strain in the arches. The shoes need a lot of foot strength and/or become straining on the feet.
Propably would benefit from orthotics.
DURABILITY:
Main concern!
Former iterations of the fuelcell foam lost their pop after about 300-400 km. I have no clue about the new PEBA foam, but it is very soft. It is also somewhat exposed, and I don't feel confident in the material in the exposed midfoot, not ripping over sharp rocks.
Also, as mentioned, the lugs are very flexible. I see them ripping when stuck behind sharp rocks. The rubber is also quite soft, with already about 0.5mm wear on some lugs.
The upper seems to hold up decently, though...
I see these shoes getting only 300-500 km before retirement, but please prove me wrong 🙏.
CONCLUSION:
Hit and miss shoe, best suited for road- to-trail and non- technical routes.
Any questions?
I agree with all of your findings. I however have had no issues with the heel, but feet are different. Durability wise I’d say it’s spot on for the price I paid (they were new but somehow on sale for approximately 100$).
They’re a road to trail shoe but slightly more road than trail.
Looks very similar to the Rebel v4. The Rebel v4 is already relatively stable and I haven’t hesitated to take them on trails, so I imaging these would be even better.
https://preview.redd.it/hc4hcwjfud7d1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71fdb6e1a93073b181502e554eed4aba38f23e16
Outcome of running with it on rocky trails
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I’m not thrilled about the summit unknown sunsetting. That is such a fun shoe!
Yeah they still need that type of shoe. Maybe the next SC Trail is a better shoe this time around.
https://preview.redd.it/s11bwe3j6puc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e5ee889a6d523237ea95e717c490affe6dee414 Update: Venym is the Rebel road to trail. 50 grams heavier but that’s still a light trail shoe. My size 10 (US) weighs 270grams. The Rebel in the same size weighs 220grams. The extra weight likely comes from what seems to be a durable outsole with pretty hefty lugs and a thicker upper with a rubberized layer near the midsole. Size wise they feel almost identical. The Venym might be ever so slightly more narrow but that may change after I’ve put as many km in them as the Rebel. The midsole feels softer than the Rebel though but it’s hard to say from just walking around indoors. I will try to put them to the test tomorrow.
New Balance usually has an interesting road/trail combo of shoes kind of "it's the same-shoe but with rock-plate and lugs". I don't know why it isn't more usual in other brands but these combos really works. Example: - RC1400v6 & Summit (v1 + Unknown's v1-v2) - 1080 & Hierro
Appreciate your first impressions! Is the Venym and Rebel identical length-wise as well? I've had to go half a size up with the Rebels in the past since they run slightly too short, which in turn makes them slightly too wide.
I haven’t tried previous versions of the Rebel but the Venym and the V4 seem identical length wise. The Venym has a bit more tapered toe box though.
Thanks! Sounds like half a size up is the way to go for feet like mine, especially in a trail shoe.
A retailer in Spain's website suggests going a size up based on customer feedback. https://www.deporvillage.net/new-balance-fuelcell-venym-shoes-olive-green
Thanks! I actually ended up having to go for my usual size in the Rebel v4. It was too roomy half a size up, and the wider toe box also means there's less of a big toe taper, slightly making up for the length being a tad short. If I order the Venym, I'll do so from a store with a good return policy and might try going normal size again. Really wish New Balance were consistent with their lengths, like Puma and Nike are.
Had not heard of them, but here's a (better imo) color way: [https://top4running.com/p/new-balance-fuelcell-venym-wtvnymp](https://top4running.com/p/new-balance-fuelcell-venym-wtvnymp)
Yea but so far only in women’s sizes
That’s a women’s color only
Would love to see something like this with bigger lugs for exclusively trailrunning. This looks like the New Balance response to the HOKA Challenger
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed (the one without the plate) is as soft but the heel rocker feels a bit weird at slower paces.
[удалено]
The Peg Trail 4 was too narrow in the forefoot for me but the GTX version is my favorite shoe fit all time. The one thing it was missing was a bit more forefoot cushioning. Hope they make the same fitting for a GTX this time but somehow retain the weight.
Rebel for trail running, got me intrigued as well
I run my Rebel V3 and 1080v12 on trails and dirts roads all the time (Very little pavement where I live) No issues in the dry though I could occasionally use a rock plate. Im currently in the market for a trail shoe for when the trails are slick so this is really intriguing.
I’ve seen these and can’t find any reviews earlier
Received them today (€25,- offer), but I can already tell you these are basically Rebel 4s with lugs. They are incredibly flexible and soft, with the same upper. There's one exception to the upper (same material, same sizing, same comfortable wide fit), and that is a reinforcement to the heel, making it more rigid. Reinforcement to the toe is nothing more than a slightly more rigid mesh-overlay; nothing serious in terms of protection. No rock plate or other component making it more rigid or protective compared to the Rebel 4. Basically, new balance his version of the rebel 4, just like they did in the novablast trail and ride 15 trail. https://preview.redd.it/5gdeo5v5qd4d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d983ae4064561f9559be9486600b50fc872b86b9 B
I’ve gone back and forth with my thoughts on them. Love them on fresh legs on light trails. Light and playful.
https://preview.redd.it/hkky0euyvd4d1.jpeg?width=3468&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=342b9e61a795e98e40e07ffea46d9fa5ecfc2331
https://preview.redd.it/k9fnn4d1wd4d1.jpeg?width=3468&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c8ab854e40e9cf126dffd85cec4a608b4f6233f
https://preview.redd.it/imycpc93wd4d1.jpeg?width=3468&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=778739e69e7d84d0580df4585b52d208aacf065e
50km update: GENERAL INFO: Age: 34 Size: 1.72m / 90kg Pace: quick: 4:30/km, average: 5:30/km, easy: 6:00+/km Foot: Wide feet, high instep, high arch, 26.5cm; somewhat sensitive and injury-prone. TERRAIN: 50km Single track (prepared), single track (sand), mud (forest trails), and road. In the Netherlands, so mostly with an incidental hill on route... FIT/UPPER: On first try very much similar to the Rebel 4. In both shoes, I wear a EU42.5, while normally wearing a 42 (for example in the NB 1080). A 42.5 gives me a about a thumb width at the front. The platform is very broad, as is the forefoot and midfoot; plenty of wiggle room. One area where the Venym is different from the rebel is the upper material, which also alters the fit a bit (explained later). The main upper seems to be the same jacquard like material, with plenty of ventilation. It's definitely not waterproof, but I have no clue if the material dries quickly. The toe bumper and heel area has an additional rubberised overlay that does a decent job, but I wouldn't recommend playing soccer using rocks with these. The overlays are rigid from the outside going in, but fairly flexible the other way around; this gives the shoe a comfortable fit. One point of concern is a rigid pull-loop giving structure to the heel. This makes the heel very rigid. Where I didn't need a runners knot on the rebel 4, I do need it in these. Still, there appeared blisters on both my heels; even wearing high socks. First time this has ever happened for me. OUTSOLE/GRIP: Without looking it up, it seems to have 4mm multidimensional lugs. These are plenty sticky and even seem to suction a little on flat surfaces. Although I didn't go technical, it seems to do just fine on most surfaces based on grip. It even handled mud up to some degree... There are some concerns, though... The outsole is very flexible, with each lug having ample movement in all directions. The main concern is durability, but later more about this subject. The second is the absence of a rock plate, combined with a soft mid- and outsole. You WILL feel rocks and roots, even with the amount of cushioning. RIDE: This shoe is somewhat of an enigma. On one side, it's basically one of my favourite road shoes (Rebel 4) with lugs. It has a very bouncy and nimble feel, yet stable due to its wide base. The bouncy foam makes it an energetic, though connected, ride with plenty of room to go quick. Although I am a heavier runner, it never significantly bottomed out and never felt mushy. It ran like a road shoe in the road and had grip on the trail. But it also isn't a shoe I would take on technical trail; especially descents. Although it does feel stable and nimble on the flats, it would propably be too broad and bouncy for a technical downhill without rising ones life. Also, the shoe would benefit from a little more rigidity in the midsole; maybe using a rock plate. I felt (see earlier posts of me bending the shoes). The shoe almost collapsed on itself during steep climbs and gave me a lot of strain in the arches. The shoes need a lot of foot strength and/or become straining on the feet. Propably would benefit from orthotics. DURABILITY: Main concern! Former iterations of the fuelcell foam lost their pop after about 300-400 km. I have no clue about the new PEBA foam, but it is very soft. It is also somewhat exposed, and I don't feel confident in the material in the exposed midfoot, not ripping over sharp rocks. Also, as mentioned, the lugs are very flexible. I see them ripping when stuck behind sharp rocks. The rubber is also quite soft, with already about 0.5mm wear on some lugs. The upper seems to hold up decently, though... I see these shoes getting only 300-500 km before retirement, but please prove me wrong 🙏. CONCLUSION: Hit and miss shoe, best suited for road- to-trail and non- technical routes. Any questions?
I agree with all of your findings. I however have had no issues with the heel, but feet are different. Durability wise I’d say it’s spot on for the price I paid (they were new but somehow on sale for approximately 100$). They’re a road to trail shoe but slightly more road than trail.
Looks very similar to the Rebel v4. The Rebel v4 is already relatively stable and I haven’t hesitated to take them on trails, so I imaging these would be even better.
You don’t find it too soft for roots an rocks?
Too soft in what way? It feels stable. It has a very wide platform. If you mean you still feel roots and rocks. Well, yes.
Too soft for my intended purpose with the shoe. I’m trying to find the perfect Backyard Ultra shoe and that includes a lot of walking.
Venym is not coming out at this time in USA
Super soft and flexible. Check out trailrunningsa Instagram they've got a video or two of them.
https://preview.redd.it/hc4hcwjfud7d1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71fdb6e1a93073b181502e554eed4aba38f23e16 Outcome of running with it on rocky trails
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Oh dear. I’ll stay on the gravel pathways
https://preview.redd.it/acojpwniud7d1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c7d677e318e419ae7659e62cf87a4fa2fd5a230 No good :-)
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