I have worn the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 for quite a while. Given that they are getting harder to find and the v5 has received great reviews, I decided to give the new version a shot. Unfortunately, on my first run yesterday, my second toe (which is my longest) kept hitting the front of the shoe. I might even end up with a black toenail. I trimmed my toenail afterward—though there wasn't much to cut—and I'm going to try thinner socks today.There must be a subtle design or upper change here, because I never had this problem with the exact same size in the v4, or with New Balance shoes generally. Because I already ran in them, I know I can't return them for a half size larger. It was my mistake to assume the sizing would be identical. Due to the constant toe discomfort, I wasn't able to appreciate any of the shoe's other qualities. Buyer beware: consider sizing up a half size from the v4.
New Balance Men's FuelCell Rebel v5 in Shipyard with Arid Stone and Silver Metallic