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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:New Balance RC5000v2 Review}} The RC5000v2 is remarkably well cushioned given it's so light. It's as well cushioned as some shoes that weigh three times as much..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:New Balance RC5000v2 Review}}
The RC5000v2 is remarkably well cushioned given it's so light. It's as well cushioned as some shoes that weigh three times as much, and while it's upper is unpadded, it's not uncomfortable.
I love the stunningly fast RC5000, which provides far more cushioning than you'd expect for one of the lightest shoes on the market. The cushioning is not as soft and plush as many other shoes, even those most would consider lightweight, but it's just enough cushioning to provide the benefits to [[Running Economy]]. The name "RC5000" is uninspiring, so I'm voting to rename it the "New Balance Damn That's Fast" or the "New Balance Oh Yeah". Of course, a shoe this light may not provide enough cushioning for everyone, but I'd recommend trying it out if you're a reasonably efficient runner looking for an edge. It would be my first choice for a fast marathon, and I adore this shoe. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. If you're after the best in running shoes, check this out.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The RC5000v2 is stunningly well cushioned, providing more cushioning for its 4oz than many shoes weighing 2-3x as much. Unlike the original RC5000, the second version has nearly as much cushioning to the outstanding [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] that weights 50% more. This shoe has enough cushioning for me to consider it an optimal rather than a minimalist shoe, though depending on your weight and biomechanics, you may find the RC5000v2 is a little thinner than you'd like. (Insufficient cushioning in a minimalist shoe reduces [[Running Economy]].)
* {{H:drop}}. The RC5000v2 has a more drop than I'd like at 7mm, and this is reflected in the greater cushioning in the heel than the forefoot. In practice, the 7mm did not bother me like it does in some shoes, though I'm not sure why.
* {{H:structure}}. The RC5000v2 uses a single density of foam with no noticeable "arch support" to cause problems. There is a gap in the midsole in the middle of the midfoot that can act as a stone trap, and it can pick up stones when running over gravel.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The RC5000v2 is flexible due to the relatively thin midsole.
* {{H:outsole}}. The RC5000v2 has lots of small, hard plastic lugs over the forefoot, and the outside edge of the heel. These are not the type of lugs you'd find on the trail shoe, but are intended to provide extra grip on asphalt, something they do nicely.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the RC5000v2 does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is thin, but not as thin as you'd expect in such a hyper-light shoe. It's an inflexible and seamless upper, with no padding other than the most minute bit around the ankle opening. The upper is surprisingly tough, with no issues even where I've cut the toe box open.
* {{H:tongue}}. The RC5000vc2 has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is thin and unpadded, but I didn't find it uncomfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. The RC5000v2 has traditional flat laces that are a bit thinner than most, probably to save weight. I found that they stayed tied more easily than most shoelaces I've tried.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. Not surprisingly, there is no real heel counter in this shoe. There is a tiny tab that sticks up from the back of the heel, but nothing else. I find it interesting to run in a shoe without the heel counter, and I believe it emphasizes how useless they are and how much better off we'd be without them.
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000 v2}}
=How Far Can I Run in the RC5000v2? =
Different runners want different levels of cushioning, so this shoe may not suit everyone. Some runners want a [[Minimax]] shoe when they run a 5K, while others will run a 100 mile race barefoot. Most people find that as the distance increases, they want a little more cushioning to protect their feet from the pounding and to offset a little of the fatigue that sets in over time. You can see from the charts below how the cushioning compares with other shoes I've tested for some comparisons. Remember that a thicker, firmer shoe would have the same cushioning rating as a thinner, softer shoe, but would feel rather different. I've run the marathon distance in the RC5000v2, but I might want more cushioning for a road 50-mile race depending on how fast I was intending to be. If I wanted to run my best to time in the marathon, this would be the shoe I choose.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==New Balance RC5000v2 and RC5000 ==
While the new RC5000v2 appears similar to the original, I'm considering it different enough that I think of it as a new shoe rather than simply an iteration. The original was the fastest shoe I've tested, with just enough cushioning and a stunningly low weight. RC5000v2 is quite a bit heavier (~17%), but it offers a lot more cushioning, about half as much again at the heel. The upper is quite a bit thicker and stronger, though I never had an issue with the original tearing or wearing out. So the original is a faster shoe, but the v2 will suit more runner.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000}}
==New Balance RC5000v2 and Mizuno Wave Universe ==
On paper the [[Mizuno Wave Universe]] seems similar to the RC5000v2, but I found them very different, with the Universe being a minimalist shoe that reduces my [[Running Economy]]. This means that while the v2 is not as fast as the original, it's faster than the Universe. The RC5000v2 (and RC5000) are also last a lot longer than the somewhat ephemeral Wave Universe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|}
==New Balance RC5000v2 and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] was one of my favorite shoes until the RC5000v2 came along. The RC5000v2 offers nearly the same cushioning for only two thirds the weight. The levels of comfort is not terribly different between the shoes; neither has much padding in the upper. The Hyper Speed is a wonderful shoe, but the RC5000v2 is better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==New Balance RC5000v2 and Asics GT 2000==
These are obdiously radically different shoes, but the differences are interesting. I like to compare shoes against the [[Asics GT 2000]] as it represents the traditional running shoe. The GT 2000 weights nearly three times as much as the RC5000v2, but the RC5000v2 gives more heel cushioning. What else do you get for all that extra weight? Mostly you get over engineering, with excessive features that go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]]. This is more likely to cause problems than solve them, as well as adding a lot of extra weight. Of course, you also get a huge amount more padding in the upper, especially in the tongue and ankle opening. Running in the GT 2000 after the RC5000v2 feels like you're in high heels and ankle weights. This weight difference impacts your [[Running Economy]], and the calculations suggest that an average runner in the RC5000v2 is around 10 seconds/mile faster than in the GT 2000. (In practice, I feel like it's a bigger difference than that.)
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The RC5000v2 is remarkably well cushioned given it's so light. It's as well cushioned as some shoes that weigh three times as much, and while it's upper is unpadded, it's not uncomfortable.
I love the stunningly fast RC5000, which provides far more cushioning than you'd expect for one of the lightest shoes on the market. The cushioning is not as soft and plush as many other shoes, even those most would consider lightweight, but it's just enough cushioning to provide the benefits to [[Running Economy]]. The name "RC5000" is uninspiring, so I'm voting to rename it the "New Balance Damn That's Fast" or the "New Balance Oh Yeah". Of course, a shoe this light may not provide enough cushioning for everyone, but I'd recommend trying it out if you're a reasonably efficient runner looking for an edge. It would be my first choice for a fast marathon, and I adore this shoe. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. If you're after the best in running shoes, check this out.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The RC5000v2 is stunningly well cushioned, providing more cushioning for its 4oz than many shoes weighing 2-3x as much. Unlike the original RC5000, the second version has nearly as much cushioning to the outstanding [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] that weights 50% more. This shoe has enough cushioning for me to consider it an optimal rather than a minimalist shoe, though depending on your weight and biomechanics, you may find the RC5000v2 is a little thinner than you'd like. (Insufficient cushioning in a minimalist shoe reduces [[Running Economy]].)
* {{H:drop}}. The RC5000v2 has a more drop than I'd like at 7mm, and this is reflected in the greater cushioning in the heel than the forefoot. In practice, the 7mm did not bother me like it does in some shoes, though I'm not sure why.
* {{H:structure}}. The RC5000v2 uses a single density of foam with no noticeable "arch support" to cause problems. There is a gap in the midsole in the middle of the midfoot that can act as a stone trap, and it can pick up stones when running over gravel.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The RC5000v2 is flexible due to the relatively thin midsole.
* {{H:outsole}}. The RC5000v2 has lots of small, hard plastic lugs over the forefoot, and the outside edge of the heel. These are not the type of lugs you'd find on the trail shoe, but are intended to provide extra grip on asphalt, something they do nicely.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the RC5000v2 does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is thin, but not as thin as you'd expect in such a hyper-light shoe. It's an inflexible and seamless upper, with no padding other than the most minute bit around the ankle opening. The upper is surprisingly tough, with no issues even where I've cut the toe box open.
* {{H:tongue}}. The RC5000vc2 has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is thin and unpadded, but I didn't find it uncomfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. The RC5000v2 has traditional flat laces that are a bit thinner than most, probably to save weight. I found that they stayed tied more easily than most shoelaces I've tried.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. Not surprisingly, there is no real heel counter in this shoe. There is a tiny tab that sticks up from the back of the heel, but nothing else. I find it interesting to run in a shoe without the heel counter, and I believe it emphasizes how useless they are and how much better off we'd be without them.
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000 v2}}
=How Far Can I Run in the RC5000v2? =
Different runners want different levels of cushioning, so this shoe may not suit everyone. Some runners want a [[Minimax]] shoe when they run a 5K, while others will run a 100 mile race barefoot. Most people find that as the distance increases, they want a little more cushioning to protect their feet from the pounding and to offset a little of the fatigue that sets in over time. You can see from the charts below how the cushioning compares with other shoes I've tested for some comparisons. Remember that a thicker, firmer shoe would have the same cushioning rating as a thinner, softer shoe, but would feel rather different. I've run the marathon distance in the RC5000v2, but I might want more cushioning for a road 50-mile race depending on how fast I was intending to be. If I wanted to run my best to time in the marathon, this would be the shoe I choose.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==New Balance RC5000v2 and RC5000 ==
While the new RC5000v2 appears similar to the original, I'm considering it different enough that I think of it as a new shoe rather than simply an iteration. The original was the fastest shoe I've tested, with just enough cushioning and a stunningly low weight. RC5000v2 is quite a bit heavier (~17%), but it offers a lot more cushioning, about half as much again at the heel. The upper is quite a bit thicker and stronger, though I never had an issue with the original tearing or wearing out. So the original is a faster shoe, but the v2 will suit more runner.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000}}
==New Balance RC5000v2 and Mizuno Wave Universe ==
On paper the [[Mizuno Wave Universe]] seems similar to the RC5000v2, but I found them very different, with the Universe being a minimalist shoe that reduces my [[Running Economy]]. This means that while the v2 is not as fast as the original, it's faster than the Universe. The RC5000v2 (and RC5000) are also last a lot longer than the somewhat ephemeral Wave Universe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|}
==New Balance RC5000v2 and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] was one of my favorite shoes until the RC5000v2 came along. The RC5000v2 offers nearly the same cushioning for only two thirds the weight. The levels of comfort is not terribly different between the shoes; neither has much padding in the upper. The Hyper Speed is a wonderful shoe, but the RC5000v2 is better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==New Balance RC5000v2 and Asics GT 2000==
These are obdiously radically different shoes, but the differences are interesting. I like to compare shoes against the [[Asics GT 2000]] as it represents the traditional running shoe. The GT 2000 weights nearly three times as much as the RC5000v2, but the RC5000v2 gives more heel cushioning. What else do you get for all that extra weight? Mostly you get over engineering, with excessive features that go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]]. This is more likely to cause problems than solve them, as well as adding a lot of extra weight. Of course, you also get a huge amount more padding in the upper, especially in the tongue and ankle opening. Running in the GT 2000 after the RC5000v2 feels like you're in high heels and ankle weights. This weight difference impacts your [[Running Economy]], and the calculations suggest that an average runner in the RC5000v2 is around 10 seconds/mile faster than in the GT 2000. (In practice, I feel like it's a bigger difference than that.)
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]
|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}