Nestled in the heart of Telangana, Pochampally is a village known for its exquisite Ikat weave and undulating terrain. It’s a place where tradition and modernity coexist on every street corner. I chose this location not just for its cultural relevance, but because the roads here offer a blend of smooth asphalt, dusty edges, and the occasional gravel patch, a perfect testing ground for any long-distance race shoe.
So when the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 landed on my doorstep, I knew exactly where I’d be taking them for a spin. The question wasn’t whether they looked good (they’re jaw-droppingly sleek), but whether they could handle the heat, the terrain, and the rhythm of a runner weaving through both history and hills.
First Impressions: Sparkles and Comfort
Right out of the box, the RC Elite v2 is a stunner. The purple hue with shimmering overlays catches the light like sequins at a wedding. But this isn’t a shoe that just looks pretty, it demands to be run in. Slipping my foot inside, I was greeted by an upper that felt snug but not suffocating. That initial tightness in the forefoot quickly gave way to a comfortable stretch, thanks to the forgiving knit material.
Pochampally’s mornings are warm and dusty, but the RC Elite v2’s airy upper kept my feet cool even after 10K under the sun. The breathability is instantly noticeable, and it’s one of the first things I appreciated as I jogged past handloom workshops and curious schoolchildren watching from the sidelines.
Technical Specifications
The information provided is taken from New Balances’s official website to secure reliability and accuracy.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Road Racing Shoe |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 34.1 mm (Brand claims 39 mm) |
| Stack Height (Forefoot) | 25.8 mm (Brand claims 31 mm) |
| Drop | 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 7.7 oz / 217g (Men’s US 9) |
| Midsole | FuelCell foam |
| Plate | Full-length carbon fiber plate |
| Outsole Rubber Thickness | 2.5 mm |
| Breathability Rating | 4/5 |
| Flex Test | 68.5N |
| Upper Material | Stretch knit with welded overlays |
| Fit | Slightly small, stretches to fit |
| Arch Support | Neutral |
| Insole Thickness | 1.8 mm (Removable) |
| Torsional Rigidity | Stiff |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | Flexible |
| Stability Rating | Moderate |
| Width (Forefoot) | 109.1 mm |
| Width (Heel) | 82.5 mm |
The Pochampally Road Test: Smooth Yet Snappy
Running in Pochampally is a visceral experience. The terrain is mostly paved, but I encountered sections with loose gravel and uneven patches near local markets and fields. Despite being a race-day shoe, the RC Elite v2 handled this variability with surprising poise.
The FuelCell midsole is plush, arguably one of the softest I’ve tested. It absorbs impact like a sponge but doesn’t sap energy. On the contrary, the carbon plate underneath adds a snappy responsiveness that propels you forward. Each stride felt like the shoe was spring-loading my toes and launching them with intention. The rocker geometry helps smooth out transitions, especially when picking up pace.
At one point, I took a sharp turn around a local dhaba, and that’s when I noticed the only real flaw: the heel felt a bit unstable. The platform isn’t particularly wide, and with such a soft midsole, heel strikers or slower runners might notice a slight wobble. It’s by no means a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning if your gait leans backward.
Comfort: Like Running on a Flex Deck
After logging nearly 20 kilometers on Pochampally’s roads, I can confidently say this shoe is made for going the distance. The FuelCell midsole’s softness reminds me of running on a flex deck treadmill. It cushions your landings yet doesn’t feel mushy. There’s a controlled bounce that encourages a midfoot to forefoot strike, which suits my running style perfectly.
The tongue, while thin, is cleverly designed. It has minimal padding and a swallowtail shape that contours around your ankle. That said, it’s not gusseted, and on one occasion the bottom corners folded under themselves, annoying, but manageable once you know to carefully position it.
The collar has more padding than you’d expect in a racer, which adds to the comfort without sacrificing too much weight. Speaking of which, at 217g, it’s not the lightest in its category, but the added comfort might justify the extra grams for many runners.
Performance in Heat and Humidity
Telangana’s climate in late spring is brutal. Temperatures easily climb above 35°C by mid-morning. But the RC Elite v2’s breathable upper was a lifesaver. With large perforations and a thin mesh, it vents heat efficiently. My feet never felt swampy, even during a tempo run under the blistering sun.
What impressed me most was how the breathability didn’t compromise structure. The upper is stretchy but still holds the foot in place. I experienced zero heel slippage and no lateral movement on turns, which is rare in a knit upper build.
Durability and Who This Shoe Is For
Let’s be real: this is not a daily trainer. The outsole rubber is just 2.5mm thick and strategically placed under high-wear zones. The upper is wafer-thin, and the midsole, while luxurious, may pack out with daily use. This shoe is designed for race day or high-intensity long runs.
If you’re training for a marathon or half-marathon and want a shoe that marries comfort with performance, this one’s for you. But if you’re looking for something to survive frequent use on Indian roads, the FuelCell Rebel v2 might be a better choice.
I also wouldn’t recommend this for trail runners. Pochampally does have some trails on the outskirts, and I took the RC Elite v2 for a quick detour. While the grip was surprisingly sticky on loose gravel, the lack of stability and minimal outsole coverage make it unsuitable for anything off-road.
Style and Road Presence
Did I mention these shoes sparkle? Under the Pochampally sun, the upper glitters like a bridal lehenga. I’m not usually a fan of purple, but this colorway had me doing double-takes every time I caught my reflection in a shop mirror.
The style isn’t just for show, though. There’s a performance edge to everything, the mismatched outsoles, the subtle branding, and the sleek silhouette make a statement. You will get noticed.
However, one drawback is the lack of reflective elements. If you’re running early in the morning or late at night, be cautious. You won’t be very visible, and the roads in rural Telangana aren’t always well-lit.
Conclusion
At ₹27,820, the FuelCell RC Elite v2 is a serious investment. But what you get is a race-ready shoe that competes with the best, Nike Vaporfly, ASICS Metaspeed Sky, Saucony Endorphin Pro.
Running through Pochampally’s scenic by-lanes, I felt like I was gliding more than running. The shoe adapts to your pace, encourages efficient mechanics, and keeps you comfortable for long stretches. It’s not perfect, the stability and tongue issues are worth noting, but it’s close.
In many ways, Pochampally was the perfect place to test this shoe. The balance of tradition and performance in the town mirrors the RC Elite v2’s own duality: comfort meets speed, softness meets structure. And in both cases, the result is spectacular.
If you’re eyeing your next PR or preparing for a race that matters, the FuelCell RC Elite v2 won’t just support you, it will elevate you.
