5K and 10K Champion: Pacer V1 vs Pacer V2
I almost never get the latest version of a shoe, but I liked the Pacer V1 so much, I jumped to get the Pacer V2. This is an improved shoe! The first version was fast with a very low sole (stack height) which I liked for my 3-5 mile tempo runs and reps/intervals/hills. But this newer 2024 model, version 2, has a touch more sole height without compromising the "race day" feel.Pro Emily Sisson, of whom I am a huge fan, designed this shoe with New Balance and made it more versatile. I would use this for 5K, 10K, and maybe even a half marathon although for me, as a mature runner, doing a "halfie" in this shoe may be asking for niggles. I will mostly use it for fast speedwork on the roads during my training.This shoe compliments the Rebel V3 or (latest) V4 well...the Rebel has slightly more stack height and no plate, is of a more robust build, and is still speedy. So the Rebel would be my choice if I was going 6+ miles for tempo; in inclement weather; if I already had a niggle pain yet not enough to keep me off the tarmac; and if I was simply trying to preserve the longevity of the Pacer.That is the one thing to understand: this is a race day, fast day shoe and, as such, it is very thinly manufactured. If you own the Pacer V1, this version is very similar in the lacing, upper, tongue. It is thin, light, breathable (wear pretty socks because you will see them lolol) and feels "lightning". That said, this is a shoe where I wear my Crocs and change into the Pacer just before I start the workout, and I always untie them (no kicking off at the heel). My version 1 Pacers, of which I own two, are still going at 150-170 miles each, but they are beginning to look like your old Aunt Hilda or Uncle Jeffie, attractive enough but not exactly huggable. lol The outsoles are worn and slightly fraying, but the uppers are fine. I am 165 pounds so a lightweight runner may have less wear, but for me, I anticipate about 250 miles in this shoe.Note that I own two pairs of the NB Supercomp Elite version 3 which I truly love; that plushy Fuelcell foam is divine. But I am not a marathoner and I would not use that shoe for fast events like a mile race or a 5K race as Elites can be a touch more squirrely on fast road race cornering; I would use the Pacer V2 as it is lower to the ground, lighter weight, and zippier.Enjoy this amazing shoe. Thank you, New Balance, for always offering wide width choices.