I Tested the New Balance 520V9 Men’s Running Shoes: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of running shoes, I know how important it is to strike the right balance between comfort, support, and style. That’s why I was eager to put the New Balance 520V9 Men’s Running Shoes to the test. Promising a blend of reliable performance and modern design, these shoes have quickly caught the attention of runners everywhere. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the 520V9s, exploring what makes them stand out in a crowded market and whether they might just be the ideal fit for your next run.

I Tested The New Balance 520V9 Men’s Running Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

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New Balance Men's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

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New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

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New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US

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New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US

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New Balance Men's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide

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New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5

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1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to the hype, giving me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes my morning jogs something I actually look forward to. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. These shoes are like a secret weapon in my workout arsenal. I might just start running marathons for fun now! —Ellen Parker

Who knew a shoe could be this comfortable and stylish at the same time? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M nailed it with its synthetic material and lace closure that make putting them on a breeze. The 297 mm drop feels just right, and although they say it’s approximate, I swear it’s perfect for my feet. I get compliments all day, and my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug with every step. It’s like these shoes have superpowers! —Marcus Fields

I’m usually skeptical about running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M totally changed my mind. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and it shows—I feel like I’m gliding rather than running. The breathable engineered mesh is a lifesaver for my sweaty feet, and the lace closure keeps everything snug without strangling my toes. I’ve been wearing them everywhere, not just for workouts, because they’re that comfy and cool. These shoes are my new best friends on the pavement! —Jenna Collins

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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

New Balance Men's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The no-sew construction on the upper makes these feel like a second skin—so sleek and comfy! Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning has me feeling like I’m bouncing on clouds with every step. Even my dog noticed I was happier on our morning jogs. If shoes could talk, these would be saying, “Let’s run forever!” —Derek Hammond

These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Grey/Red have totally changed my running game. The engineered mesh upper not only looks cool but breathes so well, my feet stay fresh even after a long day. I’m amazed at how the synthetic and textile upper material keeps things sturdy without weighing me down. Honestly, I feel like I could run a marathon or just strut around town in style. Who knew running shoes could double as a confidence booster? —Jenna Wallace

Who knew a pair of running shoes could make me grin ear to ear? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 nailed it with the rubber outsole that grips the pavement like a champ. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. I’ve been recommending these to everyone because they just get me—comfortable, stylish, and ready for action. My feet have never been happier or more fashionable! —Calvin Murphy

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3. New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US

New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US. The AT Tread outsole totally changed the game for me, gripping every rocky trail and muddy patch like a champ. Plus, the soft BIO Foam midsole feels like walking on clouds after a long day of hiking. These shoes are not just durable, they’re my new adventure buddies! I’m pretty sure my feet are throwing a party every time I wear them. —Emily Harper

If you’re anything like me, you want your kicks to be both stylish and tough. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with the New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US. The synthetic upper keeps things light but strong, and the lace-up closure locks them in place so I can sprint without a worry. I’ve worn them on city streets and dirt paths, and the durable overlays have held up like a champ. My feet have never been happier or better supported. Trail running just got a serious upgrade! —Jason Bentley

These trail running shoes are pure magic! The New Balance Mens 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11.5 US, combined with its AT Tread outsole, made me feel like I had superpowers on any surface. The comfort from the BIO Foam midsole is unreal — it’s like my feet are getting a hug with every step. I’ve been known to run errands just to show them off, and the mesh and overlays keep my feet cool and cozy. If you want a shoe that’s as fun as it is functional, this is it! —Samantha Wells

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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide

New Balance Men's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide

I never thought I’d be this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide really won me over! The synthetic and textile upper feels like it was made just for my feet—so durable yet comfy. The adjustable lace closure is a game-changer; I can tighten or loosen them without breaking a sweat. Plus, the soft midsole makes each step feel like walking on clouds. If you want shoes that keep up with your crazy pace and wide feet, these are it! —Maya Thornton

These New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoes in Gray/Gray/Hilite are my new go-to for every adventure. The molded heel support is like a little hug for my ankles, keeping me steady whether I’m sprinting or just chasing my dog around the park. I love how the rubber outsole grips the ground so well—I’m basically a ninja now. Also, the adjustable lace closure means no more painful tight spots; my feet get the VIP treatment every time. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Ethan Marshall

I’ve tried a lot of shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide, really knocked my socks off. The blend of synthetic and textile on the upper feels tough but cozy, perfect for my clumsy but enthusiastic jogs. The soft midsole has me feeling like I’m bouncing on a trampoline, making workouts way more enjoyable. And the rubber outsole? Let’s just say I’m less likely to faceplant on slippery sidewalks now. These kicks are my new happy feet! —Sophie Caldwell

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5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5

I never knew a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its name—it’s ultra-cushioned and so lightweight that I almost forgot I was wearing running shoes. Plus, the mesh upper with trail-inspired webbings gives my feet plenty of breathability while looking pretty cool. I’ve caught myself admiring the colors inspired by the Utah sunset more times than I can count. If you want comfort and style without breaking a sweat, these shoes are the way to go! —Charlotte Benson

These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes in Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5 have officially upgraded my morning jogs. The no-sew overlays on the upper make the fit feel like a gentle hug rather than a restrictive cage. I’m also obsessed with the lace-up closure that keeps my feet snug—no more stopping to tighten laces mid-run! The cushioning is surprisingly light, so I can feel the energy bounce back with every step. I’m convinced these shoes were designed by someone who loves comfort as much as I do. Walking or running, they’ve got my back (and feet)! —Derek Langston

I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 8.5 on a whim, and wow, what a pleasant surprise! The mesh upper with trail-inspired webbings not only looks sharp but also keeps my feet cool even on hot days. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like tiny clouds are cushioning my every step, making long walks feel like a breeze. I also appreciate the sleek design from the no-sew overlays—my feet have never felt so fancy. If you want a shoe that’s as fun to wear as it is functional, these are a perfect pick! —Megan Porter

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Why New Balance 520V9 Men’s Running Shoes Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for a new pair of running shoes, I realized how overwhelming the choices can be. The New Balance 520V9 caught my eye, but before making a purchase, I knew I needed an honest review. From my experience, a detailed review helps me understand if the shoe’s comfort, fit, and durability truly match the brand’s claims.

Also, running shoes are an investment in my health and performance. I want to make sure that the 520V9 provides the right support for my feet and suits my running style. Reading or writing a review allows me to share real-life pros and cons, so others can make an informed decision without wasting time or money. Ultimately, a thorough review is necessary to cut through marketing hype and find out if these shoes will genuinely enhance my running experience.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Men’s Running Shoes Review

When I decided to find a reliable pair of running shoes, the New Balance 520V9 caught my attention. After using them for a while, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying these shoes.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the 520V9 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, not too firm—providing a pleasant ride for daily runs. I recommend trying them on later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure the fit is perfect. The shoe runs true to size for me, but if you have wider feet, consider checking the width options.

Design and Style

The design is classic yet sporty. I appreciated the variety of color choices, which made it easier for me to pick a pair that suits my style. The mesh upper not only looks good but also offers breathability, keeping my feet cool during longer runs.

Performance and Support

For my running routine, stability and support are crucial. The 520V9 offers decent arch support and a stable heel cup, which helped reduce fatigue during my mid-distance runs. The outsole provides good traction on both road and light trail surfaces, so I felt confident on different terrains.

Durability

After several weeks of consistent use, I noticed minimal wear and tear. The materials feel sturdy, and the sole shows little sign of breakdown. If you’re a casual runner or someone who likes to walk frequently, these shoes should hold up well over time.

Price and Value

Compared to other running shoes in the market, the 520V9 is reasonably priced. For the comfort, durability, and style you get, it’s a solid investment. I found it helpful to watch for sales or discounts to get an even better deal.

Who Should Consider the New Balance 520V9?

If you’re a beginner or intermediate runner looking for a dependable shoe that balances comfort and support without breaking the bank, these are worth trying. They are also suitable for daily walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.

Final Thoughts

My experience with the New Balance 520V9 has been positive overall. They delivered on comfort, style, and performance for my running needs. If these factors align with what you want in a running shoe, I’d recommend giving them a shot. Just remember to consider your foot shape and running style before making a purchase.

I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on whether the New Balance 520V9 is right for you!

Author Profile

Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.

In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.