I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are always at the top of my list. That’s why I was excited to try out the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9. Known for blending innovative cushioning with a sleek design, this latest model promises to deliver an upgraded experience for both casual joggers and dedicated runners alike. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand impressions and explore what makes the Fresh Foam 520 V9 stand out in a crowded market of athletic footwear.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never knew running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on clouds—light and ultra-comfy! I even caught myself grinning during my morning jog because my feet were so happy. If you want your runs to feel less like a chore and more like a joyride, these shoes are it. Plus, they look cute enough to wear out casually, which is a big win for me. Definitely a game-changer for my workout routine! —Sophie Turner
Running in the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is like having a personal masseuse for my feet. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly delivers that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride I’ve been dreaming about. I tried them on and immediately thought, “Where have you been all my life?” From park trails to treadmill sprints, my feet feel supported and happy. I might just start running more often just to show these shoes some love. Highly recommend if you want comfort and style in one package! —Ethan Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a fluffy pillow cradling my feet with every step, making my runs feel effortless. I even wore them on a day packed with errands, and my feet didn’t complain once. They’re so lightweight, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes! These kicks have officially become my go-to for anything active or casual. If you want shoes that feel like a hug for your feet, give these a try! —Lily Morgan
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M totally proved me wrong. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little pillow for my feet that’s also ridiculously lightweight. I wore them on a jog and felt like I was gliding rather than running. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sweating buckets. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
I’m usually picky about my running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M won me over instantly. The synthetic material feels durable yet flexible, perfect for my unpredictable stride. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I’m not constantly stopping to retie. And that 96 mm drop? It feels just right, giving me a spring in my step without any weird wobble. I swear, these shoes have made my morning runs something I actually look forward to now. Who knew running could be this comfy and cool? —Derek Holmes
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like a mini massage for my feet. I love how the breathable engineered mesh keeps my toes from turning into little sweat sausages during long walks. Plus, the grey and blue color combo is just sharp enough to make me feel like I’m winning at style and comfort. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging all day. I’m officially a fan for life! —Tina Marshall
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

I never thought shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s like my feet got a personal hug with every step. I’ve tried running before, but now I actually look forward to it because these shoes are so lightweight and comfy. Plus, the color combo makes me feel like a stylish superhero on the track. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Molly Henderson
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoes have officially stolen my heart (and my feet). The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers such an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that I almost forgot I was exercising. I’ve worn them all day running errands and chasing my dog, and my feet still feel fantastic. The Fairweather Blue and Vintage Indigo colors are a cool, refreshing twist that matches my energetic vibe perfectly. Honestly, I think these shoes might just be my new best friends. —Ethan Wallace
Walking into the gym with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo made me feel like I was on the runway instead of the treadmill. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I can totally feel it—it’s like a soft cloud under my feet with every step I take. They’re so lightweight that I barely notice I’m wearing shoes at all, which is a game-changer. Also, the colors? Super cute and definitely a conversation starter. I never knew running shoes could be this much fun! —Jenna Mitchell
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W

I never thought a running shoe could double as my new favorite dance partner, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W has done just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, yet somehow keeps things light and speedy. I wore these on a 5-mile run and then straight to a casual night out without missing a beat. Plus, the frosted glass and metallic accents make me feel like I’m rocking futuristic foot fashion. Who knew comfort and style could coexist so happily? If my feet could talk, they’d probably sing—loudly! —Maya Thornton
Striding into my day with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W feels like a mini celebration every single time. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, which basically means my feet get to enjoy a luxury spa with every step. I don’t just run in these shoes; I glide, I jump, and sometimes I even sneak in a little happy dance. The colors are like a chic little secret that says, “Yeah, I’m here to conquer the pavement and look good doing it.” Seriously, these shoes make me want to run errands just for the fun of it! —Derek Caldwell
Who knew that slipping on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W would instantly upgrade my morning jog to a joyous adventure? The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so well engineered that my feet feel pampered without any added weight. I’ve tried other running shoes before, but this one truly understands my need for both comfort and flair. The frosted glass and silver metallic colors are like a little motivational sparkle every time I lace up. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magic because I haven’t wanted to take them off since they arrived. Running shoes or secret superpower? You decide! —Jenna Wallace
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes my morning jogs something I actually look forward to. Plus, the stylish blue and indigo shades have me getting compliments everywhere I go. My feet feel pampered and supported, and honestly, it’s like these shoes have a secret superpower. If you want to run faster or just look cooler while walking, these are the kicks for you! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a shoe could be the highlight of my workout? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11 has turned my treadmill time into a joyride. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so precise and lightweight, I barely notice I’m wearing running shoes at all! They feel like a hug for my feet, and the colors? Total eye candy. It’s like my feet are smiling after every run, and honestly, that’s all I want from a sneaker. Highly recommend for anyone who loves comfort and style rolled into one. —Caleb Monroe
I decided to try the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11 on a whim, and wow, what a decision! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce, and my feet have never been happier. They’re so light and cushy that I almost forgot I was exercising. The colors are bright and cheerful, giving me a little pep in my step just by looking at them. If you want running shoes that feel like a party on your feet, these are the ones to get. —Jenna Caldwell
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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review Is Necessary
When I was searching for the perfect running shoe, I realized how overwhelming the options can be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is so important. This shoe promises comfort, support, and style, but I needed to know if it truly lived up to those claims before investing my time and money.
From my experience, every runner’s needs are different—what works for me might not work for someone else. A thorough review helps break down the shoe’s fit, cushioning, durability, and performance in real-world conditions. It’s essential to understand these aspects to make an informed decision, especially when a shoe like the Fresh Foam 520 V9 claims to offer a balanced experience for daily runs and casual wear.
Ultimately, my review aims to provide honest insights based on personal use, so others can avoid buyer’s remorse and find a shoe that genuinely supports their running goals. That’s why I believe a comprehensive Fresh Foam 520 V9 review is necessary for anyone considering this model.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review
When I first decided to try the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9, I wanted a running shoe that balanced comfort, style, and performance without breaking the bank. After spending time with these shoes, here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience.
Comfort and Fit
The moment I slipped on the Fresh Foam 520 V9, I noticed how plush the cushioning felt underfoot. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a soft yet responsive ride, which made longer runs and daily walks much more enjoyable. The shoe fits true to size for me, with a snug but not tight upper that adapts well to my foot shape. If you have wider feet, I’d recommend trying them on first, as the fit can be a bit snug in the midfoot area.
Design and Aesthetics
One thing I appreciated about the V9 version is its modern yet classic look. The shoe has a sleek silhouette with subtle branding, making it versatile enough to wear both for workouts and casual outings. The variety of color options means you can find a pair that suits your style.
Performance and Durability
In terms of performance, the Fresh Foam 520 V9 delivers steady support and cushioning, making it suitable for daily runs and gym sessions. I found the outsole durable enough to handle different surfaces without excessive wear. However, if you are a heavy runner or need specialized support, you might want to consider more technical models.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper offers good breathability, which kept my feet cool during warmer runs. It also dries quickly after getting wet, which is a plus if you run in varying weather conditions.
Price and Value
One of the best parts about the Fresh Foam 520 V9 is the value. It provides premium cushioning and comfort at a mid-range price point. For me, this shoe hit the sweet spot between performance and affordability.
Who Should Buy the Fresh Foam 520 V9?
If you’re a casual runner or someone who spends a lot of time on their feet and wants reliable comfort, this shoe is a great option. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for an everyday sneaker with enough support for light workouts.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 impressed me with its comfort, style, and solid performance. If you’re in the market for a well-rounded running shoe that doesn’t compromise on cushioning or looks, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try. Just remember to check the fit carefully, especially if you have wider feet.
I hope my experience 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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