Head-to-Head Comparison
New Balance · Race Super

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5

85
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Stack40mm
Weight207g
Drop8mm
Nike · Race Super
WINNER

Alphafly 3

88
Nike Alphafly 3
Stack40mm
Weight218g
Drop8mm

Key Differences & Advantages

88–85 · elite

Why choose FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5?Buy FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 if

+0.6 Durability

+0.6 Durability: Better measured rating in wear-test consensus.

Why choose Alphafly 3?Buy Alphafly 3 if

+1.1 Breathability

+1.1 Breathability: Better measured rating in wear-test consensus.

The Runner's Pick

Final Decision: Who Buys Which Model?

Side-by-side selection criteria grounded in verified mechanical specs

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
New Balance

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5

85
Choose the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 if:

Choose the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 if your priority is heavy-duty outsole coverage and resilient midsole longevity powered by 100% PEBA FuelCell supercritical foam paired with a carbon plate (207g). It is the better match for runners targeting logging 400+ grueling training miles without early breakdown over the Alphafly 3's focus on high-mileage protection and low-impact recovery cruising.

8mm drop · 207g · $280Audit
Nike Alphafly 3
Nike

Alphafly 3

88
Choose the Alphafly 3 if:

Choose the Alphafly 3 if your priority is an open, airy upper that circulates maximum airflow powered by ZoomX with two forefoot Air Zoom units paired with a carbon plate (218g). It is the better match for runners targeting keeping feet cool during warm, humid long runs over the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5's focus on all-weather grip and confident cornering on slick streets.

8mm drop · 218g · $295Audit
!

Dealbreaker Warnings · Who Should Skip These

Critical biomechanical trade-offs to avoid buying the wrong shoe

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5

Skip FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 if your typical workout calls for a specialized racer rather than a durable daily trainer.

Nike Alphafly 3

Skip Alphafly 3 if your typical workout calls for a specialized racer rather than a durable daily trainer.

8-Axis Telemetry Radar

Alphafly 3 leads by +3.0 PTS

FuelCell85vsAlphafly88
CushioningEnergy ReturnWeight EfficiencyStabilityTractionUpper ComfortBreathabilityDurability
🔬 Inspect Granular Lab Specs & Fit Telemetry▼

Fit & Sizing Consensus

Real-world wear-test consensus across runner foot profiles

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Alphafly 3
Sizing LengthSizing differs
Runs Small
Alphafly54%
True to Size
FuelCell84%
Runs Large
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: True to size(n=30)
Alphafly 3: Runs small — consider 0.5 size up(n=28)
Toe Box WidthMatch
Performance Tight
Standard
FuelCell78%Alphafly57%
Wide
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: Standard width(n=26)
Alphafly 3: Standard width(n=26)
Arch SupportSizing differs
Flat / Low
Alphafly72%
Neutral Stability
FuelCell68%
High Arch
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: Neutral stability / moderate arch(n=18)
Alphafly 3: Flat / low arch(n=22)
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 vs Nike Alphafly 3 — eight cohort-calibrated radar axes scored one to ten. Delta is FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 minus Alphafly 3; positive favors FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5. Score provenance: v1.0, data vintage 2026-10-27. Meta-Score weights score band names.
RADAR AXISFuelCell SuperComp Elite v5Alphafly 3Δ DELTACOHORT RANK
Cushioning & Softness8.99.5−0.6 (Alphafly 3 higher by NaN)#15/23
Energy Return & Bounce9.89.80.0 (dead even)#15/23
Weight Efficiency9.39.5−0.2 (Alphafly 3 higher by NaN)#15/23
Stability & Support6.46.6−0.2 (Alphafly 3 higher by NaN)#15/23
Traction & Grip7.67.4+0.2 (FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 higher by 0.2)#15/23
Upper Comfort & Lockdown8.09.0−1.0 (Alphafly 3 higher by NaN)#15/23
Breathability8.29.3−1.1 (Alphafly 3 higher by NaN)#15/23
Durability5.44.8+0.6 (FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 higher by 0.6)#15/23
Meta-Score85strong88elite−3.0Calibrated

The Record · Specification Telemetry

Cohort-relative percentiles and verified technical specs

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Alphafly 3
Weight (US Men's 9)Lighter than 96% of daily trainers
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5207g
Alphafly 3218g

›New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 saves 11g per stride, noticeable after mile 6 of continuous running.

Heel Cushion StackMore underfoot foam than 58% of trainers
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v540.0mm
Alphafly 340.0mm

›Both models deliver identical vertical impact clearance.

Heel-to-Toe DropΔ 0.0mm
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v58.0mm
Alphafly 38.0mm

›Both shoes share an identical 8mm drop geometry for balanced biomechanical loading.

Midsole Foam & Energy ReturnHigher rebound than 97% of tested foams
100% PEBA FuelCell supercritical foam9.8/10
ZoomX with two forefoot Air Zoom units9.8/10

›100% PEBA FuelCell supercritical foam yields a springier, high-rebound toe-off compared to ZoomX with two forefoot Air Zoom units's grounded, stable feel.

Outsole Durability & TractionTougher rubber than 57% of road shoes
Energy Arc curved carbon plate with lightweight rubber5.4/10
Fast Shot rubber (forefoot and lateral heel patches)4.8/10

›FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 utilizes Energy Arc curved carbon plate with lightweight rubber compound formulated for extended 500+ mile abrasive asphalt longevity.

Quiver Overlap

Direct Race Super Rivals

2-Shoe Rotation Strategy

Both models occupy the exact same race super slot on your shoe rack. Rather than buying both, runner consensus suggests picking the lighter FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 (207g) for quicker cadence, or the Alphafly 3 for its ZoomX with two forefoot Air Zoom units ride feel and structure.

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 RoleRace Super Workhorse
Alphafly 3 RoleAlternative Race Super

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