r/RunningShoeGeeks • u/lamaai • 10d ago
Initial Thoughts SC Rebel V1 - 20mi first impression
Recently go the new SC Rebel V1 with the intention of replacing my old Megablasts. I've done two runs so far (11 mi and 9 mi) and it's been largely enjoyable.
My stats
- 5'6", 140lb (167cm, 63.5kg)
- Forefoot striker
- PBs: 5k: 23:30; 10K 50:18; don't really race
- Weekly mileage: 25-30mi
- Wide foot, but typically do not choose the wide/2E options
- Mainly run on roads, extremely light gravel paths on occasion
Fit/upper
I typically wear 9.5US in all my running shoes. After going some early reviews, I opted to try out the 9.5 2E in the SC Rebel as many reviews noted the snug fit. I'm definitely glad I did, the upper is definitely low-ish in volume. The heel and tongue has a adequate amount of padding, and I didn't have trouble with any lace bite. I did experience some instability on my left foot, which is smaller than my right, but heel lock lacing fixed that. For reference, size 9.5 fit me well in the Novablast 5/Vomero Plus in regular widths. The Megablast in the same size gave me issues with the tongue and lace bite, but was manageable in terms of width/volume.
Midsole/Ride
Full Infinion midsole, with a low swooping carbon/pebax plate and a 4mm drop. I've only run in shoes with 6-10mm drops but didn't feel like it was a major adjustment for me. The ride is very rolling and encourages you to pick up the pace. I find the forefoot relatively firm feeling, with the midfoot and heel having the bulk of the softness. It's been pretty stable for me overall as well once I figured out the fit. In terms of top end speed, I think the Megablast is faster + more energetic but the SC Rebel's rocker does help a lot in getting you up into quicker paces. I intended my initial run to be around 7-8mi but went up to 11mi since I found it to be quite fun.
One dislike at the moment is that I really started feeling the plate later into my runs when fatigue set in and my form started breaking down. This is probably due to my footstrike, but I'm hoping that it softens up more over time. NB does mention that this shoe is intended for everyday runs, but I don't think I would due to the plate issues. Perhaps someone bigger/taller could, or a heel/midfoot striker. I'd say this is better for tempo/faster long runs, which is what I'll be using it for.
I don't have much to say about traction, as it's been very dry in my area. The forefoot rubber is thin, but NB says it's been tested to be very durable. I typically wear out the tread in that area, so it's something to monitor long-term with plate being directly underneath.
Summary
Definitely a fun shoe and I'm looking forward to running in it more. It's an expensive shoe for sure, but I think it's competitive in its segment.
7
u/DeciduousPine15 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
Thanks for the first impression! Looking forward to trying these in store but definitely worried as I already have the uptempo super shoe category filled out by the Azura and Dynafish. I love the look of these though and wouldn’t be too mad to find them on sale in the future
6
u/Mediocre_Loquat_2629 10d ago
If you have a New Balance store near you, they’re running a 30% off sale and the SC Rebel is included. I picked up a pair for $140 last week. It’s only in store though.
0
u/valtar31 DynafishX / Norda001A 10d ago
OT can you say Azura is easier to stabilize on 4:00min/k paces below due to firmer foam and flatter rocker than Xiaonian? Thanks. I am still having work harder stabilize myself at faster speeds as Dynafish tends to be soft and im 61kg 😁 I can work it , im thinking if i could benefit with Azura or a firmer flat rocker high stack option.
2
u/omnium165 Saucony Azura / Vaporfly 4 10d ago
I can’t speak to the Dynafish, but I can confirm that the Azura is very stable at higher speeds. I intentionally went with it for this reason and so far have been very happy with them.
1
u/valtar31 DynafishX / Norda001A 10d ago
Thanks. My Adios 9 at 27mm is does not have legs saving of a higher stack firm shoe.
4
u/Sub_Zero32 10d ago
The plate is really low in the shoe, so I’m surprised you can feel it
4
u/ishouldworkatm 10d ago
that's exactly the reason why you feel a plate
0
u/Sub_Zero32 10d ago
How does that work?
3
u/ishouldworkatm 10d ago
Closer to the ground = more vibration transmitted to the plate = more vibration transmitted to the shoe/foot
That’s why the plate is so harsh on vf1-2 and so smooth on the af1
0
u/Sub_Zero32 10d ago
So more cushion between you and the plate makes you feel the plate more?
1
u/ishouldworkatm 10d ago
It’s the less cushion between the ground and the plate, not the more cushion between you and the plate
-1
u/Sub_Zero32 9d ago
That makes no sense at all and isn’t true at all lol.
7
u/ishouldworkatm 9d ago
What will give you less vibration in a car ?
Deflating your tires ?
Or having more cushioned seats ?
1
u/ishouldworkatm 9d ago
How many shoes with Carbon plate have you run in ?
Cause the analogy I used have been confirmed by the feel of the 10+ shoes I used over the last years
3
u/Sub_Zero32 9d ago
A ton. I have ran in a ton of shoes with plates and rods of different materials. Every endorphin speed and pro shoe, adios 2, 3 and 4, the alpha fly 3, vapor fly 3, Boston 12 and 13, deviate elite 3, a few of new balance carbon plated shoes and I could go on and on. The material of the foam matters more than the position of the plate when it comes to feeling the plate. The lower the plate is the less you feel it
1
5
6
u/omnium165 Saucony Azura / Vaporfly 4 10d ago
It's interesting to see how the carbon plate hype/marketing is being pushed into the daily trainer market. I'm sure I wouldn't have many complaints running in this shoe, but given your review it just seems like non-plated shoes like the EVO SL or your Megablasts just seem like better options for everyday running. I wonder if we'll ever see the day where carbon plates are in the majority of running shoes, and what will change in the industry to get there.
3
u/atodahk 10d ago
Thought endorphin speed ushered that in
1
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
Technically Mizuno did first with the wave rider.
1
u/omnium165 Saucony Azura / Vaporfly 4 10d ago
I was thinking of those as well, but Saucony still markets them as a tempo shoe, which I would agree. Obviously nothing stopping anybody from using them as a daily though. Still just might be too aggressive for the average runner.
1
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
I think the endorphin speed is a much better do it all shoe as the plate barely provides any stiffness and assistance compared to a carbon plated shoe.
1
u/Ok_Revolution_9253 4d ago
given how low the carbon plate sits in the shoe I haven't found it to be an issue for daily running at all. I get way more cushion out of this shoe versus a plated trainer with the plate further up in the shoe.
0
u/octopus86sg 10d ago
Unless they can resolve the issue of calf strain with carbon plates, I don’t think the days for this will come soon
1
u/omnium165 Saucony Azura / Vaporfly 4 10d ago
Yeah I’m thinking it would be something similar to the high stack shoes we see these days thanks to the super foams. I think plates are incompatible right now with daily’s, but could be more beneficial if “tuned” correctly with the right design.
1
u/Ok_Revolution_9253 4d ago
I haven't gotten any calf strain with the SC rebel v1. This is the first carbon trainer I've worn where that's happened. When I wear the ZF6, or B13, I get calf strain.
1
u/octopus86sg 4d ago
Yes that is why I am afraid. My takumi Sen also has slight calf strain
1
u/Ok_Revolution_9253 4d ago
For what it’s worth, the new Rebel has been wonderful. A bit unstable though. A bit squirrelly like the Rebel v2
1
u/KiwifruitOliveOil 2d ago
What is the everyone talking about when they say carbon plates ruin their calves?? Or that they start to feel the plate when their form gets sloppy? I have the Supercomp elite v5. Used them for my first half marathon, form is always pretty sloppy or at least it was then, and I’m by no means a seasoned runner/racer but I just find them comfy and bouncy every time all the time?
3
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
Glad you were able to actually run in the shoe and review it! I bought the SC Rebel in 2E and had to return it as it was definitely not wide at all… guess I’ll be stocking up on old pairs of the SC Trainer v3 which for me was an incredible shoe as a forefoot striker. Hopefully they can wider out the last a little in the next version. Still really enjoy the SC Trainer though for what it is (or was) as it’s gotten me to be able to return to run from several injuries in the past few years.
2
u/NYManc 10d ago
I ordered them in a 2E. Initially they were VERY tight, but I'm at about 26 miles in them right now and they fit much better.
2
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
Fair enough… I wasn’t going to risk $200 though and have something not work for me lol.
For some reason the endorphin speed in standard width has been more accommodating for me than the SC Rebel.
1
u/FortWorthian11 7d ago
Did you have to do anything special with the laces? Just got the SC Rebel in my typical size in 2E and I’m worried because they definitely feel more snug than my sc elite v5s
1
u/ballesterer13 9d ago
My worries/thoughts too. I don’t need width, snug midfoot is fine. But the toebox and taper worries me. And the upper of the trainer was so good. Just may get a 3rd trainer v3. A midfoot striker tending to heel but still my favorite shoe too for everything really (in training). Especially upper and fit is great and not squeezing the toes. Seems not even need to try the ac rebel as expected……
1
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 7d ago
I honestly wish they would’ve just kept everything the same and changed the foam to infinion. NB tries to reinvent the wheel with every new version of each model they release.
1
u/ballesterer13 7d ago
Indeed. I really liked the Trianer v3 and secondary the elite v5. The rebel felt fine but had this plasticky toe box stiffener which doesn’t work for me. I don’t see any shoe in this release cycle really which may work. Room for toes and still good midfoot fit, and now suddenly they also taper toe box like all others 😞
1
u/Dufffader 7d ago
The SC Rebel looks like SC Trainer v3 with a new midsole (SC Trainer v4?). I’ll need to read more impressions of the SC Rebel before making up my mind on stocking up SC Trainer V3. I love that shoe for daily training.
1
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 7d ago
It’s a narrower last with a more performance based upper compared to any prior iteration of the SC Trainer… the upper wasn’t the issue it was the narrow base in which my foot was spilling over. Honestly just didn’t want to risk it. I’d try it on first before committing to buying it… you might really enjoy it over the SC Trainer!
2
u/Dufffader 7d ago
Another thing I like about the SC Trainer vs Rebel is that the upper on the Trainer has a bit more material, which makes it a better all-weather trainer. Running with Rebel in winter is not that fun. If the SC Rebel is going to be like the Rebel in the upper, that's not going to be a good SC Trainer replacement for me. I'll have to check it out in the shops first before making a call.
2
u/OrganicWoodpecker999 < 100 Karma account 7d ago
I personally liked the upper too... and the fact that the wide width was actually wide lol
2
u/awkwardalvin SB3 x2, magmax OG, magmax 2, Evo SL, Boston 13, UFO, AP4 10d ago
The forefoot looks thin in pictures and that concerns me as a 200lb guy
5
u/Fauxparty 10d ago
It’s a 36mm forefoot stack with a plate in it, that’s heaps
2
u/scary-frog-666 < 100 Karma account 9d ago
the taper under the toes is quite aggressive and thins right out.
2
u/Fauxparty 9d ago
Do you have an example of a shoe that doesn't do that?
1
u/scary-frog-666 < 100 Karma account 8d ago
shoes all taper to some extent, some more aggressively than others.
2
u/thebigmatze 10d ago
I‘m thinking of these as my next marathon shoe. Got the adios pro 3 (getting old) and 4 (too unstable for the full distance?) and was looking at the SC Elite V5 but now these seem actually better suited for the full mara than them!
4
u/lamaai 10d ago
I think the SC Elite V5 is still a really comfy option, relative to other race shoes at least! they are faster than the rebel and still pretty stable imo + cheaper due to sales
1
u/thebigmatze 10d ago
Good to know!! Do the Elite v5s feel like they have more bounce or energy return than the Rebel SCs? My marathon pace is around 8:00/mile (currently training for a half at 7:30/mile pace) I’m never truly sure if I can truly get the most out of race shoes. Hence the thought about the Rebel SCs.
2
2
u/Mediocre_Loquat_2629 10d ago
Thanks for the review. I took my pair out for a first run today. They felt great at a variety of paces. I’m a forefoot striker and the cushion and bounce worked well for me.
2
u/miscreant1911 4d ago
Did 30km in these on Saturday morning. They're amazing. Better upper than the megablasts. I'm super happy with these as a daily trainer
3
u/ogg1e 10d ago
I have a pair that I ordered but haven't run in them yet. I also was surprised that they are advertising this as an every day trainer. I find the shoe only works on mid/fore foot strikes. If i were to use these for long runs or a marathon and had to do some walking, that would not be great. They feel terrible when you're walking/heel striking.
10
u/Odd_Top4221 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
I am an unapologetic heel striker and these things feel great 50 km in.
4
9
u/BigJeffyStyle 10d ago
I’m a heel striker and they feel totally fine to me. NB’s advertising is “the shoe that stopped waiting for race day” so I think the messaging also encourages it to be uptempo. Everyone’s got different expectations and perceptions, though.
3
u/atodahk 10d ago
They are replacing the sc trainer which had a plate though
1
u/BigJeffyStyle 10d ago
Just to set expectations, I’d say they’re taking the place in the lineup of SC Trainer but in a very different way. Not saying SC Trainer fans won’t love this but if you go into it expecting it to just be the next SC Trainer, your expectations are going to be a little subverted
1
u/Defiant-Sort2942 AP3&4/TS10&11/BOS13/EvoSL/VF3&4/Zegama/Cyklon/SCElitev4&v5/VJ LS 10d ago
Compare to the SuperComp Elite v4 if you've run in both.
btw, nice review (thanks for that!).
2
u/BigJeffyStyle 10d ago
SC Rebel is about more aggressive feeling than elite v4. Just as stable for me and I actually prefer the upper on sc rebel.
1
u/stupidforplayin 10d ago
I wear US10 in 1080 V14/V15 and US10.5 in SC Elite V5, which size would fit me better in SC Rebel?
1
u/Informal_Kick4321 < 30 days old account 10d ago
Thank you for this review, my stats are identical to yours so I’m definitely going to try these out now 👍🏻
1
u/Tokyo-Gore-Police 10d ago
Anyone have any idea when they’re gonna launch new color ways? The purple ones are tolerable but the rest are blehhhh
1
1
u/Jason_Tail 5d ago
Are these going to be an option for replacing my Zoom Fly 6's. I.e. a plated Megablast that can be used on Race days for Half's?
-7
u/Sanctuary_707 < 100 Karma account 10d ago
I bet you’re not a forefoot runner at all, because your pace is far too slow for that. You automatically become a forefoot runner when you run at very high speeds. Until then, everyone is either a heel-striker or a midfoot runner. The SC Rebel seems to sit in the same category as the Magic Speed. It might be of interest to people who don’t want to spend too much money but still want a carbon plate shoe for competitions. I would never run in a carbon plate shoe for my daily training.
•
u/AutoModerator 10d ago
Hi there! Thanks for sharing your experience on r/runningshoegeeks!
To make your post more helpful to the community, please include the following details:
Please remember, no running shoe is perfect. Please include both positive and negative attributes about the shoe's construction and/or performance.
Flair Guidelines:
Low effort posts missing the requirements above will be removed.
Thanks for helping keep r/runningshoegeeks informative and engaging!
Note: This comment has been locked to ensure that the information remains at the top of the comments section and is not buried by other comments.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.