New Balance SC Trainer v2 | Full Review | Great... But Different

Thomas and Meaghan review the New Balance SC Trainer v2, the evolution of one of our favorite shoes of 2022. But it comes with a lower stack and reworked upper. Did the changes ruin a shoe we lover, or is it just different? And is that okay? Let's find out. Available now for $180.

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INDEX
INTRO (00:00)
UPPER (2:47)
MIDSOLE (4:50)
OUTSOLE (6:23)
WEIGHT (6:58)
PRICE (8:22)
RED OR GREEN LIGHT? (9:06)
DROP (9:20)

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[dvdpfstr]

I have the first version out for delivery as we speak. As soon as they went on sale I ordered a pair. With rising costs of running shoes, I’ve started buying the previous versions of models I’m interested in once they go on sale.

[markspinozzi]

Just had mine delivered today!! All I have to say is wow!! It's an aggressive shoe!! The carbon plate inside really propels you forward!! Even walking, gives you a jolt forward!! I'm stoked about this one for my summer runs!!!

[NIKEFOOTBALLER]

I love my SC trainer v1, which I bought after I watched your guys review and I’ve been in love with them ever since. I didn’t have any upper issues surprisingly. So I’m probably going to stock up on v1s since they are gonna go on sale!

[FordyRuns]

Dream team killing it with the review! I’m pumped to try as lower and hopefully a pinch more stable

[nothingtoitbuttodoit]

As a bigger guy, I love v1. Love all that thickness

[RuhDolu]

the v1 also rubbed my ankles but it went away after a couple of runs.. the best shoe i ever had..

[ryansteffeck]

As soon as the V1 went on sale for $120 in the white colorway size 13, I IMMEDIATELY bought a pair. Just came in the other day and I love the stack height for my job as I’m on my feet all day. Feels as good if not better than the Invincible run 3 from Nike. Both outstanding options and I’m glad I have both. Im excited to try the V2 but at the end of the day I wanted to guarantee myself the proven product and crazy stack height of the V1. Thanks for the reviews. Really helped me in my decision making 👍🏻

[suitedmanx]

What I really liked about SC Trainer v2 is the styling. With strategic collaborations, these shoes would probably be the next top lifestyles shoes for New Balance. Just like what Gel Kayano 14 did for Asics. As for the cushioning and energy return; I think the SC Trainer v1 is better. Overall, it’s a very comfortable shoes to wear and a good looking one.

[Runbikecoach]

I'm 1.85m and 84kg with low fat so I'm a heavy runner and I've been suffering from knees and ankle injuries and pain over the years doing marathons and Ironmans. The Saucony Triumph put me back in the back in 2019 but after a couple of versions the trainer became stiffer which made me move to the NB More v3. I happily ran on those in 2020 and 2021 (3 pairs). When NB move to v4 it became narrower causing some undesirable friction on the upper and I didn't feel splush as the version v3. So I decide to try the NB SC Trainer v1 and it was fantastic. Best max-cushion shoe ever by far. I bought 2 pairs in the last 6 months. It's plush and responsive. I can do all my sessions on him and race safely. I'm quite afraid of the new version because of the height reduction and the review says that is narrower. I didn't try yet, but I'm quite sceptical and a bit deflated. For me narrower is not good and if its less plush, it will increase the risks of injury. If I don't like, probably I will need to try the Nike Invincible.

[BigKeith]

I'm 6'3 250lbs. The originals were a god send to me as a former football player. Absolutely, protected my legs. I have 400 miles in those and it's getting close to time for a new pair. Maybe I will give these a try. Missing the soft landing would be a negative for me.

[sjeffy]

I hope New Balance’s colorways stay on top, they’ve been really nice recently but I’m a little worried by the dullness of such a fun shoe.

[manuel_]

Thanks for this new information about nb2023. Like to Meaghan and Thomas. A nice weekend for everyone.

[davidernst]

Seems like they’ve pushed the V2 to be more like the Elite 3-less weight, less, stack, less drop. As a slight over-pronator with three pairs of V1, it’s nice to hear it’ll be more stable.

[thecaptainchas]

Sounds like good changes. I do like the v1, but with the FuelCell being softer and the shoe being lighter, I feel like I won’t be feeling as taxed after the 2 hour mark in a long run. This one’s on the “probably” list for me.

[arsenenaim]

Hi guys, great reviews! Just curious how's the ride of the SCT V2 compares to RCE V2

They look to have the same geometry, apart from 2mm different in drop. The RCE V2 was 1 of fav shoe ever! 😁

[FoxBox]

I love the stack and fun bounce of my v1, so I hope this one isn't just... 'meh'. It certainly looks a bit 'meh'. That upper makes it look like a shoe that's about 10 years older than the v1. Since you guys are currently being sponsored by New Balance, it's hard to tell for sure.

[RunWithCT]

I have the first version and do feel that it was to heavy but at the same time I love the shoe but I'm definitely looking forward to the v2 I do hope I can feel that it's lighter.

[peterledrew]

Nice review. I get a feeling it's almost exactly what i expected with a decent drop in midsole and the changes that were being discussed. It's going to be a different shoe. I am not sure where the v2 would fit in with my shoes and not sure it would replace my loved v1 for the same purpose. Especially as someone who finds the v1 perfect for the long runs with all the cushion. I never found it heavy and loved the upper. I think they should have aimed to lower the weight a little and maybe slight changes to the upper for those who had that issue but very slight changes. This seems like more changes that will have a lot of people going with v1 on sale. It sounds like a great shoe just different. I forsee V3 next year going back closer to v2 again. I could be wrong but I expect that illegal stack making a big comeback eventually. Love New Balance and love your videos either way!

[TheCenation]

Hit my first SUB 6 mile in V1! Loved the light feel of the upper! One of my favorite shoes for sure!

[detrajones]

LOVE THE V2! It's lighter, bouncier, easier to pick up the pace, the upper material is nice and the toe box has more room than the V1. It's springy and light. The V1 was a clodhopper. Loved the cush on V1 but couldn't pick up the cadence, was great for nice slow running and walking. QUESTION FOR MEAGHAN: you wear a 7.5, did you size up for this shoe? I am also 7.5 but sized up to 8 for the NB Rebel V2 and NB RC Elite. Did same for NB Supercomp Trainer V1 but the V2 has so much more volume in forefoot that my foot is swimming in it. I used thicker socks and will have to really lock the heel down, but considering going down to a 7.5. I dont want to kill my feet, oh what to do?!