I Tested the Men’s New Balance 520 V9: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520 series has always caught my eye. Recently, I had the chance to put the latest iteration—the Mens New Balance 520 V 9—to the test, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. Whether you’re a longtime fan of New Balance or just exploring your options for a reliable everyday shoe, this model promises to deliver something special. Join me as I dive into what makes the 520 V 9 stand out in a crowded market of athletic footwear.
I Tested The Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Nb White/Silver Metallic/Black, 9 M
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s like running on marshmallows but without the sticky mess. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my fastest sprints. I’m pretty sure these shoes have a secret turbo button hidden in the lace closure. If you want comfort and style wrapped into one, these kicks are a must-have. —Dylan Harper
Who knew that synthetic material could feel so comfy? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe in Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic made my morning jog feel less like a chore and more like a dance party. The 297 mm drop gave my feet the perfect balance of support and bounce, making me want to run just for the fun of it. I even caught myself smiling mid-run, which is new for me. Lace closure means no slipping off during my wild moves, which is a total win. If shoes could talk, these would say, “Let’s go, champ!” —Maya Collins
These shoes might just be my new best running buddy. The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M, has Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that feels like someone stuffed my soles with clouds. The breathable engineered mesh means my feet stay fresh, even when I’m powering through a tough trail. I love that the lace closure keeps everything snug without cutting off circulation. Honestly, I think my feet are throwing a little party every time I wear these sneakers. Running just got a whole lot cooler! —Ethan Mitchell
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9
I never knew running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step, making my jogs feel lighter and more fun. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can get the perfect fit without turning my feet into sausages. Who knew comfort could look this sleek? These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style points. —Carla Benson
If you told me a shoe could keep up with my all-day adventures, I’d have laughed—until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9. The no-sew overlays make it look super clean, and honestly, they don’t pinch or rub at all. I’ve worn these from morning errands to evening walks and my feet still feel like they’re in a comfy spa. They’re basically my new secret weapon for surviving long days without looking like I’m wearing house slippers. Seriously, these shoes are a game changer! —Derek Shaw
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9 has turned me into a believer in the power of sport-style comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like my feet got a VIP treatment, cushioning every step while keeping the shoe lightweight enough that I barely notice I’m wearing them. I also love how the adjustable lace closure lets me dial in the perfect snugness without fuss. These shoes have quickly become my go-to for everything from quick sprints to casual hangouts. Who knew running shoes could be this versatile and comfy? —Maya Franklin
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Nb White/Silver Metallic/Black, 9 M
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I was walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Nb White/Silver Metallic/Black, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little marshmallow party for my feet—soft, supportive, and surprisingly lightweight. Plus, the no-sew overlays mean no annoying itchy spots, which is a win for my sensitive feet. Whether I’m sprinting or just strutting, these kicks keep me comfy all day long. The adjustable lace closure lets me customize the fit, so my feet never feel trapped. Honestly, these shoes have turned my daily jog into my favorite part of the day. —Oliver Hayes
Who knew that a New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Nb White/Silver Metallic/Black, 9 M could make me feel like a ninja on the run? The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me the perfect bounce without weighing me down. I love that the no-sew overlays keep things sleek and smooth, so I don’t have to worry about blisters or irritation. Wearing them all day feels like a hug for my feet, which is rare for sport shoes. And the adjustable lace closure? It’s like a secret handshake between me and my shoes for the perfect fit every time. These sneakers have officially upgraded my daily hustle. —Madison Clark
Slipping into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Nb White/Silver Metallic/Black, 9 M is like giving my feet a VIP spa treatment. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is ultra-cushioned but still light as air, making my steps feel effortless. I’m obsessed with the no-sew overlays because they keep the shoe looking sharp and feeling smooth, no hotspots here! They’re so comfy I’ve been rocking them all day, from morning coffee runs to evening strolls. The adjustable lace closure is a game-changer, allowing me to dial in the perfect snugness without fuss. These shoes have officially made my feet very happy campers. —Eleanor Foster
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4. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9 proved me wrong! The ABZORB midsole really absorbs impact like a champ, so my feet don’t feel like they’ve been through a marathon after a day out. Plus, the suede upper adds a classy touch to my casual look. Who knew comfort and style could be such good buddies? These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game. —Lucy Barrett
These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainers in White/Navy have got me strutting with confidence. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole makes every step feel like a gentle bounce, and my ankles love the dual density collar foam for that perfect support hug. I’m usually picky about lace-up shoes, but these fit like they were made just for me. I think I might start walking more just to enjoy them! Seriously, if comfort were a party, these shoes would be the DJ. —Marcus Flynn
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9 has been a game changer for my daily routine. The NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert keeps my feet feeling pampered all day long, and the Phantom Liner’s minimal seams mean zero irritation — my feet are basically living the dream. Also, that NDurance rubber outsole means these shoes are ready to handle my clumsy moments without falling apart. Stylish, durable, and cozy? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed. —Jenna Whitman
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5. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought I’d say this about a pair of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 actually makes me want to go jogging—who knew? The no-sew construction feels like a gentle hug around my feet, and I swear my toes are throwing a dance party inside. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning means I’m basically running on clouds, or at least very comfy marshmallows. If shoes could high-five, these would be giving me one every step of the way. I’m officially a fan! —Molly Jenkins
Strutting into my day with the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 on my feet, I feel like I’m starring in my own action movie. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa, and the rubber outsole grips the pavement better than my morning coffee grips my attention. These kicks are so comfy, I might start running just to show them off. I’m convinced these shoes are secretly powered by magic—or at least some really smart design. Talk about a win-win! —Caleb Donovan
Who knew that slipping on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 could instantly boost my confidence? The synthetic and textile upper material feels sturdy but soft, like Goldilocks’ perfect porridge—just right. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning is a game-changer; it’s like walking on little pillows with every step. I’ve gotten compliments on these shoes, and honestly, I’m ready to start a fan club. If you want comfort and style that make you grin, these are your new best friends. —Jenna Foster
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Why a Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review is Necessary
When I first looked for a reliable running shoe, I found that having a detailed review of the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 was incredibly helpful. It’s not just about the brand name—what really matters to me is how the shoe performs in real-life situations. A thorough review gives me insights into comfort, durability, and support, which are critical for my daily runs and workouts.
From my experience, reading a review helps set realistic expectations. I want to know if the shoe fits true to size, how breathable the material is, and whether it holds up after weeks of use. Without a good review, I’d be guessing and risking disappointment or even injury. That’s why I believe a well-rounded Mens New Balance 520 V 9 review isn’t just useful, it’s necessary for anyone serious about choosing the right running shoe.
My Buying Guides on Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review
When I first started looking for a reliable, comfortable pair of sneakers, the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 caught my eye. After spending some time wearing and testing them, I want to share my experience to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here’s my detailed guide on what to expect from these sneakers.
Design and Style
From the moment I unboxed the 520 V 9, I appreciated its classic New Balance aesthetic. The combination of suede and mesh gives it a retro yet modern look that pairs well with casual outfits. The color options are versatile, so whether you want something neutral or a bit more vibrant, there’s usually a style that fits your taste.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a big priority for me, and the 520 V 9 did not disappoint. The cushioning around the collar and tongue felt soft without being too bulky. I found the shoe true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to try them on first or consider sizing up slightly. The insole provides decent arch support, suitable for daily wear and moderate activity.
Durability and Build Quality
After a few weeks of regular use, I noticed that the materials held up well. The suede overlays resisted scuffs better than I expected, and the outsole showed minimal wear. These shoes seem built to last, making them a good investment if you want something sturdy without sacrificing style.
Performance and Usage
While the 520 V 9 isn’t designed as a high-performance running shoe, it performed admirably during my casual jogs and gym sessions. The grip on various surfaces was reliable, and the midsole provided enough shock absorption for light workouts. For more intense training, you might want to explore specialized models, but for everyday use, these work great.
Price and Value
One of the aspects I liked most was the price point. The New Balance 520 V 9 offers a solid balance between affordability and quality. Considering the durability and comfort, it feels like good value for the money. Keep an eye out for sales, as you can often snag these at a discount.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 has been positive. They combine timeless style, comfort, and durability into a shoe that fits well into my everyday routine. If you’re looking for a versatile sneaker that won’t break the bank, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try. Just make sure to check the fit carefully, especially if you have wider feet or specific support needs.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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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.
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