The New Balance SC Elite v4 was my last marathon race shoe and the SC Pacer v2 my last half marathon race shoe. Therefore I decided to put them side by side and write this comparison. Like so many other running shoe brands, also New Balance produces two racing shoes. One was developed as a marathon race shoe and the other one was developed with a professional marathon runner.
I wrote reviews of both shoes and I will make sure to link to the reviews at the end of this article, so you can find more information about each of the two shoes.
SC Elite v4 vs. SC Pacer v2 Upper and fit
I went in both shoes half a size up, because New Balance race shoes can run a bit short. I’m glad I did so. The New Balance SC Elite v4 would still be good in my regular running shoe size (US 12) but I think I would not be able to use the SC Pacer v2 in my normal running shoe size.
The upper in the SC Elite v4 is quite wide in the mid and forefoot area. The SC Pacer v2 has more of a snug fit. When you lace up the shoes, the Pacer is the one, that will give you more of a race day feel. Both uppers are breathable, more so the upper on the SC Pacer v2 with all the little holes that provide excellent breathability.
It can be a bit tricky to find a good heel lockdown in both of the shoes. I know, that a lot of runners complained about the heel counter on New Balance running shoes. I took some time to find the best way to tie the laces. Once I did I had no issue with heel slippage and had no issues with hotspots or blisters.
Since both of the shoes are race day shoes, the upper is thin. So is the tongue of both shoes. The one on the Pacer v2 is even thinner. Just minor padding on the top, be prepared to play around a bit with the lacing to reduce lace pressure on the top of your feet. Non of the tongues is gusseted but I had no issues with them sliding around. Once you lace up the shoes, they stay in place. It’s not a deal breaker but something to consider.
SC Elite v4 vs. SC Pacer v2: Midsole and outsole
First to the outsole. If you look at it you will see, that it looks similar. Both have a lot of rubber on the front of the shoe, some exposed foam in the middle part and two stripes of rubber at the heel. There is some more rubber on the heel area of the SC Elite v4.
However, I would say they are made of the same material. Well, they both feel the same. Both are grippy, almost a bit sticky at first and provide good grip, even on wet roads and some light trails. However, none of the two shoes is a trail shoe. Keep that in mind.
Both shoes have a wide base and as such are very stable shoes to run in. I never had any issues turning even tight corners in any of the two shoes.
The midsoles in both, the SC Elite v4 and the Pacer v2 are made of the PEBA based FuelCell, New Balances premium midsole material. Both shoes have a full length carbon fibre plate. The difference between the two shoes is in the drop and the stack hight. The SC Elite v4 has a 4 mm drop from heel to toe and the SC Pacer v2 an 8 mm drop.
The differences in the midsole are the reason why the ride is different in these two shoes.
Performance of the two shoes
Considering the differences in the midsole, there are quite some differences between the two shoes. Both shoes have a wide platform and are among the most stable and comfortable racing shoes. However, the ride in the two shoes is different.
The SC Elite v4 has more midsole foam and less of a drop, therefore significantly more foam in the forefoot area. It’s something you can feel while running. The Pacer v2 is a more direct shoe and rolls faster through, therefore the turnover is faster and I feel, that it is easier to run faster paces in the SC Pacer v2.
On the other hand, the Elite v4 has more bounce under the forefoot and through the lesser drop get’s you easier on your midfoot, if you are a heel striker. While running faster paces, like 1k repeats I felt almost sinking into the midsole foam in the Elite v4, while the Pacer v2 felt more direct and I could feel the forward propulsion.
That said, I think that the Elite v4 is a great marathon and potentially half marathon race shoe, while the Pacer v2 is more of a 5k and 10k racer and also great for half marathons. Lately I used the SC Pacer v2 in a half marathon and I need to say, that it felt great. As for the half marathon distance I would say it comes down more on your personal preference. The SC Elite v4 is more comfortable.
If you want to find out more about each of the two shoes, you can find my reviews of both if you click or tap on the links below:
New Balance SC Elite v4 review
New Balance SC Pacer v2 review
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