Best For

We runners have a new running shoe category to contend with in 2022, MAXIMALIST+! Or shall we call it the “behemoth” category of running shoes? Either way, that is where the New Balance SuperComp Trainer lands for runners around the world. This brand new running shoe line from New Balance is made for bopping along on those easy days; even with an “energy arc” inside that midsole. I will be using this shoe for the “old man leg” fatigue, that always arises when the mileage ascends through the training blocks. 

Upper

The New Balance SuperComp Trainer is a unique shoe from top to bottom. New Balance running shoe designers and engineers really pushed the limits with this one. In fact, that’s my overall “positive” for the shoe, they did not hold back! New Balance went big and bold with this design. From the stack height, to the upper, which is a unique “semi-gusset” tongue, coupled with a booty-style collar. The lockdown wasn’t perfect, but it got the job done. Perhaps a little more heel counter padding to help the shoe stick to the foot in the second iteration? The breathability of the upper was quite impressive, a superb toebox breezeway for those hot summer miles; wear some thick socks if you’re training in freezing temperatures this winter. One final note on the upper is this is not a plush collar or heel tab, which might be an idea for the 2023 version. I lean for the plush option for easy/recovery day running shoes.

Midsole

Energy Arc? For an easy day shoe? I suppose once I pass into the 100+ mile training weeks, I’ll be grateful for that plate inside the whopping 47mm/39mm of FuelCell understep, it’s a bold move New Balance! Many “elders” of the DGR running family are reporting much gratitude for their easy miles in the SC Trainer. If you pick up the SC Trainer, just beware of that stack height on uneven surfaces or sharp corners. Slow paces and mentally free recovery days is how I will use this midsole behemoth moving forward. 

Outsole

The “Grand Canyon Outsole” is here! Remember, BOLD is the name of the game for this easy day running shoe. Throw out all conventional easy day shoe design wisdom, including where the rubber hits the road. Check out that decoupled groove under step! WOW! (picture below) New Balance is not messing around, allowing its SC Trainer owners to peer right through to the Energy Arc! Out of the three areas of innovation, the outsole is probably my favorite. I’m a heart throb for a decoupled groove, and this makes the Novablast line up look like child’s play. The rubber outsole is fine, just enough, but beware in icy conditions.

Would I Buy This Shoe Again?

Overall assessment of the New Balance SC Trainer is that it’s a smidge too radical for my easy day running shoe rotation. However, what about a long run shoe? You could absolutely take it past the 18-mile mark. A little heavy for my liking when training for the 18+ mile distance. Nonetheless, I’m confident it would get the job done for you. My new favorite long-run shoe: think Saucony Triumph 20 if you need a new 2-hour+ shoe in 2023, that running shoe scored well above 8 in a recent DGR shoe review.