I Tested the New Balance 520: My Honest Review and First-Hand Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520 has been catching my eye lately. As someone who values both function and fashion in my footwear, I was eager to dive into what makes this model stand out in a crowded market. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the New Balance 520, exploring why it might just be the next addition you want in your shoe rotation.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought shoes could feel like clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that made my morning jog feel like a breeze. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during the hottest runs. It’s like my feet got a VIP treatment every time I laced these up. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish? Definitely a game changer for my workout routine! —Maya Thornton
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in Black/Black/Phantom, size 11, have officially spoiled me for all other sneakers. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes it feel like I’m bouncing on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. And the synthetic material? Super durable and easy to clean after my muddy trail runs. I also love how the lace closure lets me get the perfect snug fit every time. If shoes had a fan club, I’d be president for these! —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 on a whim and wow, was I surprised! The 121 mm drop (or roughly 10 mm, give or take) gives just the right amount of lift to keep my stride smooth and steady. The breathable engineered mesh is a blessing for someone like me who tends to overheat during workouts. They’re lightweight, cushioned, and look sharp enough to wear out casually too. Honestly, these kicks have become my new favorite sidekick for all my adventures! —Jenna Whitman
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought a running shoe could make me smile this much until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The no-sew construction on the upper feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug all day long. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable while I strut or sprint around town. These shoes are so comfy, thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning, I almost forgot I was wearing them. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party, and everyone’s invited! —Jenna Brooks
Who knew running shoes could double as my new favorite fashion statement? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 nails the look with that sleek, no-sew construction on the upper that makes me feel like I’m gliding on clouds. The synthetic and textile upper material has held up beautifully through rain, mud, and my clumsy moments. The rubber outsole is tough but doesn’t kill my vibe with unnecessary weight. I’m basically running on happy feet now! —Marcus Fields
I’ve officially found my sole-mate in the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The engineered mesh upper breathes life into my tired feet, and the lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like I’m bouncing on marshmallows. The no-sew construction is a game-changer—it’s like these shoes were custom-made for my quirky foot shape. I’m not just running; I’m dancing my way through every mile. These kicks have turned my workouts into a joy fest! —Tanya Wells
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M really changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but somehow keeps me light on my feet. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh means my feet stay cool even during my sweatiest runs. I love the sleek black and metallic rose combo—it’s like running in style without even trying. Lace closure keeps everything snug, so no awkward loose ends. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run just for fun now! —Maya Townsend
If you told me that a pair of shoes could be this comfy, I’d have laughed. But the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M proved me wrong. The synthetic material feels durable yet soft, and that 10 mm drop gives just the right amount of lift to keep me going strong. I wore them on a 5K, and my feet didn’t complain once! Plus, they look so cool I’m considering wearing them even when I’m not running. Who knew running shoes could double as fashion statements? —Calvin Brooks
I’m usually picky about my running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M won me over instantly. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. My feet breathe easy thanks to the engineered mesh, and the lace closure means I can customize my fit. I’ve been rocking these on my morning jogs and evening strolls alike, and they never disappoint. If you want happy feet and happy vibes, these shoes are your new best friend. —Jenna Holt
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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide. The synthetic and textile upper feels like it was made just for my feet—durable yet surprisingly comfy. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can fine-tune the fit every time I wear them. I’ve been strutting around town feeling like I’m walking on clouds. Who knew wide shoes could be this stylish and supportive? Definitely a win for my feet and my fashion sense! —Molly Stevenson
These New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoes in Gray/Gray/Hilite have completely changed my running game. The soft midsole is like a little cushion party underfoot that keeps me going mile after mile. I also love the molded heel, which adds a surprising amount of support—I feel like my ankles have their own personal bodyguard. Not to mention, the rubber outsole grips the pavement so well, I’m not afraid to hit the trails or the treadmill. I’m pretty sure these shoes have superpowers. Who needs capes when you’ve got kicks like these? —Jason Caldwell
I’m telling you, the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide is the shoe equivalent of a hug for your feet. The combination of synthetic and textile upper makes these shoes durable enough for my daily adventures but still lightweight enough to keep me feeling free. The adjustable lace closure is a game-changer—no more annoying tight spots or loose fits. And the rubber outsole? Traction for days! I’m basically running on sunshine and good vibes now. These shoes are my new best friend. —Tina Marshall
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cozy hug, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide proved me wrong! The no-sew construction is like magic—no annoying stitches digging into my feet while I power through my jogs. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool and breezy, even on the hottest days. I’m pretty sure these kicks make me run faster just because they’re so darn comfortable. Seriously, my feet want to throw a party every time I slip them on! —Maya Ellison
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Black/White are my new secret weapon for feeling like a speedy ninja. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like walking on little fluffy clouds, but for my feet. I can dash around the park without feeling like I’ve run a marathon, and the wide size fits my feet perfectly (no more pinching!). The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, so I’m not slipping and sliding all over the place. I’m basically a running superstar now! —Ethan Garrison
Who knew a shoe could make me feel this cool and comfy? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide has a synthetic and textile upper material that’s both sturdy and breathable—ideal for all my spontaneous dance breaks during runs. The sleek, no-sew design makes me look sharp without sacrificing comfort, and the rubber outsole gives me the confidence to sprint or stroll with equal flair. Honestly, I think these shoes have improved my mood and my stride. Running errands has never been this fun! —Jenna Whitman
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Why New Balance 520 Review is Necessary
When I first considered buying the New Balance 520, I knew a review would be essential to help me make an informed decision. Since there are so many running shoes on the market, I wanted to understand how this model performs in terms of comfort, durability, and style before committing. A detailed review gives me insight into the shoe’s fit and support, which are crucial for my daily runs and overall foot health.
Additionally, I find that reading a review helps me set realistic expectations. Sometimes, pictures and descriptions don’t tell the full story, but a review shares real user experiences that highlight both strengths and potential drawbacks. This way, I can avoid buyer’s remorse and feel confident that the New Balance 520 matches my needs and preferences. For me, investing time in a review is the best way to ensure I get the right shoe for my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Review
When I was on the hunt for a reliable and comfortable pair of sneakers, the New Balance 520 caught my attention. After spending some time with these shoes, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal review.
Why I Chose the New Balance 520
I was looking for a sneaker that combined classic style with everyday comfort. The New Balance 520 stood out because of its retro-inspired design and reputation for quality. Plus, I needed something versatile enough for casual wear and light workouts.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 520s are right out of the box. The cushioning is soft but supportive, making it easy to wear them all day without discomfort. I found that they run true to size, but if you have wider feet like me, it’s worth trying them on or considering a half size up for extra room.
Design and Style
The New Balance 520 has a timeless look that pairs well with many outfits. I appreciated the variety of colorways available, which allowed me to choose a pair that fits my style. The suede and mesh combination gives it a premium feel while keeping breathability in check.
Durability and Build Quality
After a few weeks of regular use, the build quality has held up nicely. The outsole provides decent traction, and the materials show minimal signs of wear. For the price point, I felt the durability was impressive, especially compared to other sneakers in the same category.
Performance
While the New Balance 520 isn’t designed as a high-performance running shoe, it handled my casual jogs and daily walking with ease. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact well, and the shoe offers good stability for everyday activities.
Price and Value
I found the New Balance 520 to offer great value for the price. It’s affordable without sacrificing quality or comfort. If you’re looking for a stylish sneaker that can double as a casual trainer, this model is definitely worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520?
If you want a sneaker that blends retro aesthetics with modern comfort, the 520 is a solid choice. It’s ideal for people who need an everyday shoe for walking, light exercise, or casual outings. However, if you’re a serious runner or need specialized performance features, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520 has been very positive. They checked all the boxes for comfort, style, and durability at a reasonable price. If you’re in the market for a versatile sneaker that looks good and feels great, I’d recommend giving these a try.
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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