Not recommended for beginners. The SC Elite v4 is New Balance's previous flagship carbon racing shoe featuring FuelCell PEBA foam and a full-length carbon fiber plate. Designed specifically for advanced runners on race day, its 40mm/36mm stack with 4mm drop suits forefoot strikers, but the aggressive propulsion and firm ride demand significant leg strength to control. At slow beginner paces, the carbon plate creates an unnatural gait, and the high stack height increases ankle instability risk. Beginners should start with daily trainers like the Fresh Foam 1080 or More v4 to build mileage and leg strength before transitioning to carbon-plated racers.