I continue to seek alternatives to the Vaporfly Next% series (they’re fantastic racers, but I’ve had repeatedly poor experiences with their durability) for the longest time. The RC Elite v2 is one of those carbon-plated alternatives I’ve had the chance to get my hands, I meant feet, on.
Your eyes will naturally be drawn to its bright colours, rightly so. Too flashy and garish for some, beautiful for others. Personally, I find it gorgeous from every angle, all 36/28mm of it. It has an identical weight to the Endorphin Speed 1 (8.25oz for my US10) and fits true to size. The overall fit is on the snugger side befitting a performance model - RC denotes Racing/Competition - but not uncomfortable. Like the Rebel v2, the Elite’s lacing is skewed towards the medial side. What’s unique is its V-shaped and shorter design (visually about 1/3 shorter) which starts further up the vamp. I employ a runner’s knot on the right shoe (my shorter foot) while there’s no need for the same on the left side.
The mesh upper is very breathable and there was never a case of soggy socks for me. The tongue is not padded and ungusseted but it never slid around either. Never had I experienced any heel slippage due to a secure heel lock. The Elite v2 has a soft heel but firm (but not harsh) forefoot. Most reviewers commented about how soft the heel cushioning is, with some lamenting that it felt too soft. Since I hit the ground midfoot, I don’t particularly experience the full effect of the thick slab of FuelCell there. However, I do get an enjoyable squish and rebound whenever I force a heel strike. The midfoot cushioning is average and as mentioned, the forefoot toe-off is somewhat firm. I can understand how a firmer forefoot benefits racing on account of a more efficient and urgent push-off but over a marathon distance, that could potentially translate to greater feet fatigue and discomfort. Of course, comfort is highly subjective - one man’s meat and all that - and very much depends on one’s preference. I, for one, would’ve preferred the forefoot a smidge softer. Nike’s racers continue to offer a higher degree of “pop” and hence are a little more fun to race in.
That being said, the Elite v2 would be what I’ll reach out for for the 10K. There’s more competition when it comes to the Half Marathon though, with the Adios Pro 2 and Next% 2 entering the fray.
The Elite v2 feels better going fast than slow as I’ve discovered over a 25km long run. I’ve not had any stability issues with it, no blisters, no hotspots and I hope to put it through a wider variety of paces after KLSCM.
Durability is top-notch and my fears of a shredded blown rubber forefoot has been proven unfounded. After 80km, the upper is like new as are the exposed FuelCell midsole and outsole. I’ve yet to have any rock lodged in the midsole cut-out.
Other than my wish for a softer forefoot, the only other weakness is the traction over sandy patches and slicker conditions. I’ve had several moments at MP or faster recently, so consider that a caution if you will.
Comparable shoes include the Vaporfly Next% 2, Adizero Adios Pro 2, Endorphin Pro 2, and Metaspeed Edge+. The RC Elite v2 are still being sold on the New Balance Malaysia store but may soon be phased out with the arrival of the redesigned and renamed SC Elite v3 (RoadTrailRun video below).
Disclosures: I bought the NB RC Elite v2 with my own money, so no obligations due to any parties whatsoever!