Which is better for tempo runs?

The Rebel v5. It is roughly 40 g lighter and its FuelCell foam returns more energy at speed. The Phantom 4 is better saved for easy days.

Which is better for long easy runs?

The Phantom 4. Its 35 mm heel stack and ZipFoam 2.0 absorb more impact over distance, and the roomier toe box reduces rubbing late in a run.

The Phantom 4, on balance. Its full rubber outsole and thicker midsole hold up to daily mileage better than the Rebel's light, speed-focused build.

I have wide feet. Which should I pick?

The Phantom 4. It comes in normal and wide widths with an anatomical toe box. The Rebel v5 is listed in standard D width only.

Is the Rebel v5 worth stepping up to from an older Rebel?

If you liked earlier Rebels, yes. The v5 adds forefoot rubber for traction and durability and a redesigned heel and tongue for comfort, without gaining much weight.

Can either work for walking?

The Phantom 4 is the better walking shoe thanks to its cushioning and roomy fit. The Rebel is usable casually but is tuned for running.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 vs Topo Athletic Phantom 4

The FuelCell Rebel v5 is the lighter, livelier shoe and the better pick for tempo runs and fast daily miles. The Phantom 4 is the more cushioned, roomier trainer that suits long easy days and walkers who want a wide toe box. Owners of the Rebel line praise the foam's bounce but note the thin upper and modest outsole life; Phantom 4 buyers value the comfort and fit but find it heavier and less energetic.

Choose the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 if you want a light, fast, responsive trainer for tempo runs and quicker daily miles.
Choose the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 if you want a cushioned, neutral daily trainer with a roomy toe box and a wide fit option.

Prices

New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5: $75.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
Topo Athletic Phantom 4: $96.55 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
Difference: the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 is $20.56 cheaper than the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 at the latest prices (Nov 9)

What separates them

	New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5	Topo Athletic Phantom 4
Weight	About 226 g in a men's size 42	About 9.3 oz (264 g) in men's sizes
Cushioning	Lower-profile FuelCell foam, PEBA/EVA blend, tuned for response	Higher stack (35 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot) ZipFoam 2.0 for softer landings
Heel-to-toe drop	6 mm	5 mm
Fit and toe box	Standard D width, snug performance fit	Normal and wide widths, roomier anatomical toe box
Ride feel	Bouncy and quick, rewards faster paces	Steady and protective, better at easy effort
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh with FantomFit support	Technical jacquard mesh with OrthoLite insole
Outsole durability	Forefoot rubber added on v5, still a light race-style build	Full rubber coverage built for daily mileage
Best use	Tempo runs, speedwork, fast daily training	Daily running, long easy miles, walking

Specs compared

Spec	New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5	Topo Athletic Phantom 4
Weight	226 g (size 42), 180 g, (size 39)	7.6oz (W7)
Heel-to-Toe Drop	6 mm	5MM
Heel drop	6mm (Men/Women)	—
Closure	Lace Up	—
Occasion	Activewear, Casual	—
Year Manufactured	2025	—
Release Year	2025	—
Outsole Material	Rubber	—
Style	Sneaker	—
Season	Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter	—
Signed	No	—
Lining Material	Synthetic	—

Show all 35 specs

Spec	New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5	Topo Athletic Phantom 4
Theme	Modern	—
Insole Material	Foam	—
Country / Region Of Manufacture	Vietnam	—
Country Of Origin	Vietnam	—
Shoe Shaft Style	Low Top	—
Stack Height	—	35mm (heel) // 30mm (forefoot)
Support	—	NEUTRAL STABILITY
Upper Material	—	technical jacquard mesh
Midsole	—	ZipFoam™ 2.0
Insole

New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 vs Topo Athletic Phantom 4

Prices

New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 vs Topo Athletic Phantom 4

Prices

Topo Athletic Phantom 4

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store