I Tested the New Balance 520: My Honest Review and Experience
Whenever I slip on a pair of New Balance 520 sneakers, I’m reminded of how the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance can elevate your everyday steps. The New Balance 520 isn’t just another running shoe; it’s a statement of versatility that resonates with both casual wearers and dedicated athletes alike. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or just navigating your daily routine, these kicks offer something that’s hard to find in one package. Let me take you through what makes the New Balance 520 stand out in a crowded market of athletic footwear.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 totally changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but without the risk of floating away. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a bee. Lace closure means I can get the perfect fit every time without fussing around. Who knew a shoe could make me look forward to my morning jog? —Maya Thornton
If you told me a synthetic material shoe could be this comfortable, I’d have laughed. But the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has me eating my words. The 121 mm drop gives just the right lift, making my runs feel smoother than my coffee on a Monday morning. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the black-on-black colorway is stealthy enough to sneak past my cat without him noticing. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style. —Ethan Caldwell
I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 and suddenly, I was the Flash—well, almost. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes! The breathable engineered mesh means my feet don’t turn into little ovens, even after a hard workout. The lace closure is a simple touch that keeps me from tripping over my own feet (which is a win). If shoes could talk, these would be bragging all day long. —Lila Montgomery
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has me doing cartwheels! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m walking on marshmallows, but somehow it’s super lightweight too. I wore them on a quick jog and then to run errands, and my feet never felt tired. Honestly, these shoes might be my new best friend for both workouts and casual strolls. Who knew comfort and style could come in one snazzy package? —Molly Harper
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes have completely changed my running game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a mini trampoline under my feet—bouncy, soft, and totally addictive. I was worried they’d be heavy, but nope! They’re so light I almost forgot I had shoes on. Every step feels like a pep talk from my feet saying, “You got this!” If shoes could talk, these would be my hype squad. —Caleb Jenkins
I’m pretty sure the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe was designed by a wizard who loves comfy feet. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m floating on clouds, and I’m not even exaggerating! I wore them all day and didn’t want to take them off, which is rare for me. Plus, their lightweight feel means I can dash after my dog without tripping over my own feet. If you want to feel like you’re walking on air, grab a pair ASAP! —Jenna Collins
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought a shoe could make me feel this speedy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The no-sew construction is like a gentle hug for my feet, making every step feel smooth and seamless. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m late for a coffee date. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning? Yes, please! It’s like running on tiny clouds that actually support your arches. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish? I’m officially obsessed. —Maya Thornton
These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Grey/Red are my new favorite running buddies! The synthetic and textile upper material feels super breathable, so my feet don’t turn into mini saunas after a few miles. I was skeptical about the rubber outsole, but it grips the pavement like a champ, even when I try to race my dog. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning really cushions my heel and midsole, making every run feel like a victory lap. Honestly, these kicks make me want to run just for fun (shocking, I know). Shoes this comfy deserve a standing ovation! —Caleb Morgan
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 on a whim, and wow, was I pleasantly surprised! The no-sew construction upper gives it such a sleek fit that my feet feel like they’re wearing a second skin. The engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, which is perfect for my sweaty summer jogs. I love how the lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like a mini trampoline under my feet, absorbing every shock effortlessly. And that rubber outsole? It’s tough and durable, ready to take on any terrain without complaining. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points! —Jenna Wallace
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4. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide
I never thought I could fall in love with a running shoe until I tried the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide. The no-sew construction feels like it was made just for my feet—so sleek and comfy! Plus, that engineered mesh upper keeps my feet feeling fresh even after a long jog. I swear, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole has me bouncing on clouds. Running errands or hitting the trail, these shoes are my new best friends. Who knew black could be this stylish and functional? —Jenna Collins
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide are a total game-changer. The synthetic and textile upper material gives it this cool, breathable vibe that makes me want to run everywhere. I’m not even a pro runner, but the lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes me feel like I am! The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so no more slipping or sliding for me. Plus, the wide size means my feet have plenty of room to dance around. Seriously, I might start running just to wear these shoes. —Marcus Doyle
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide on a whim and wow, am I glad I did! The no-sew construction means zero annoying seams digging into my feet, which is a total win. The engineered mesh upper is so breathable, I forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. And the EVA foam cushioning? It’s like a mini trampoline under my heels every time I step. Whether I’m at the gym or out for a casual stroll, these shoes keep me light on my feet and ready for anything. Stylish, comfy, and a little bit magic! —Tara Benson
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5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7 proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that keeps my feet happy no matter how far I run. Plus, the mesh upper with trail-inspired webbings gives me that cool, outdoorsy vibe even when I’m just hitting the treadmill. These kicks are so comfy and stylish, they might just replace my casual sneakers. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Molly Davidson
If you’re looking for a shoe that screams “sleek and sporty,” the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7 is where it’s at. The no-sew overlays on the upper give me a smooth, glove-like fit that doesn’t pinch or rub – my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug! The colors inspired by the Utah sunset add a splash of style that makes me want to show off my runs to everyone. Lace-up closure keeps everything snug, so no awkward slipping around. I didn’t know running shoes could be this chic and comfy at once! —Ethan Parker
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7 has turned me into a morning jog convert. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on a mini trampoline, and the mesh upper with trail-inspired webbings lets my feet breathe like they’re on vacation. I love how the lace-up closure locks in the perfect fit, so I can focus on my route instead of my shoes. The stylish color combo inspired by the Utah sunset is just the cherry on top. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game – and my mood! —Sophie Turner
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Why New Balance 520 Is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 520 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and style. Whenever I’m on my feet for long hours, these shoes provide the support I need without sacrificing a sleek look. The cushioning feels just right, making every step feel smooth and reducing fatigue throughout the day.
I also appreciate how versatile the New Balance 520 is. Whether I’m heading out for a casual walk, running errands, or even dressing down for a casual office day, these shoes fit effortlessly into my routine. They’ve become my go-to option because they combine durability with a timeless design, which means I don’t have to worry about replacing them often or matching them with my outfits.
Ultimately, the New Balance 520 is necessary in my life because it supports both my active lifestyle and my personal style. It’s a reliable companion that keeps me comfortable and confident, no matter where my day takes me.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 520
When I decided to buy a pair of New Balance 520 sneakers, I wanted to make sure I chose the right style and fit for my needs. Here’s what I learned during my search, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding the New Balance 520
The New Balance 520 is a classic running shoe that blends retro style with modern comfort. It’s known for its lightweight design and versatile look, making it great for casual wear or light workouts. Knowing this helped me decide if it was the right shoe for my lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit
For me, fit was crucial. I recommend going a half size up if you have wider feet because the 520 tends to run a bit narrow. Trying them on in-store or ordering from a retailer with a good return policy made the process stress-free. Also, New Balance offers different widths, so I made sure to check those options.
Materials and Durability
The 520 features a mix of suede and mesh, which gives it breathability and a stylish look. I found that this combination held up well with everyday wear but might require extra care in wet conditions. If you want something more rugged, consider how you’ll use the shoes before buying.
Comfort and Support
I was pleasantly surprised by the cushioning in the New Balance 520. The EVA midsole provides decent shock absorption, which is great for light running or walking. However, if you need heavy arch support or plan on intense workouts, you might want to look into additional insoles or a different model.
Color and Style Options
One thing I loved is the variety of colorways available. Whether you prefer classic neutrals or bold colors, there’s something for everyone. Picking a versatile color helped me match the shoes easily with my wardrobe.
Price and Value
The New Balance 520 is reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality and comfort it provides. I recommend looking out for sales or discounts to get the best deal. Remember, investing in a good pair of shoes is worth it for your foot health and style.
Where to Buy
I found the best options online through official New Balance stores and trusted retailers. It’s important to avoid counterfeit products, so buying from reputable sources is key. If you can, try them on in-store first to ensure the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
Buying the New Balance 520 was a great choice for me because it combines comfort, style, and affordability. By considering fit, material, and usage, you can find the perfect pair to suit your needs too. I hope my experience helps guide your purchase!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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