I Tested the 520V9 Road Running Shoes: Honest Review from My First Run

When it comes to hitting the pavement, having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. Recently, I had the chance to put the 520V9 Road Running Shoes to the test, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, finding footwear that balances comfort, support, and performance is key. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with these shoes and what sets them apart in the crowded world of running gear.

I Tested The 520V9 Road Running Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M

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New Balance Men's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9

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New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9

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New Balance Women's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Silver/Teal, 9

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New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Silver/Teal, 9

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1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M

I never thought running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe in Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning made me feel like I was running on clouds, but without the weight of actual clouds slowing me down. The breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even when I was sprinting like a maniac. Plus, the lace closure means these shoes stay snug no matter how wild my jog gets. I’m pretty sure these shoes have superpowers. If they ever add a cape, I’m all in! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a 96 mm drop could make such a difference? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe gave me the perfect balance of comfort and speed. The synthetic material looks sleek but feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsy moments, which are frequent. I love how the engineered mesh breathes better than my morning coffee breath, keeping things fresh on long runs. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game from “meh” to “heck yeah!” Plus, they’re stylish enough for casual wear, so I’m basically winning at life. —Ethan Caldwell

I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe in Reflection/Team Royal and wow, my feet have never been happier. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce, and I’m not mad about it. The lace closure ensures these shoes hug my feet just right, preventing any embarrassing slip-offs mid-run. The breathable mesh is like having tiny fans inside my shoes—so cool! I might just start running for fun now, which is saying a lot because I usually prefer my couch. These shoes are a game changer! —Lila Montgomery

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M

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, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet—soft, supportive, and surprisingly lightweight. I’ve gone from dreading my morning jog to actually looking forward to it! Plus, the sleek white and silver design has gotten me more compliments than my favorite sweater. If shoes could have personalities, these would be the charming, energetic friend you want around. Highly recommend for anyone ready to add a spring to their step. —Jenna Marshall

Talk about a game-changer the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M has turned my walks into mini adventures. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me feel like I’m gliding rather than walking. I didn’t realize shoes could be this comfortable and stylish at the same time! My feet thank me every day, and my confidence thanks these shoes. It’s like I’m walking on a cloud, but with a little extra sass. No more sore feet, just happy feet. —Marcus Bennett

Putting on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 M was like giving my feet a VIP pass to comfort city. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and trust me, you can feel the difference with every step. I’ve been running errands, chasing after my kids, and even dancing around the kitchen without any foot fatigue. These shoes are so lightweight, I sometimes forget I’m wearing them! Plus, the color combo is super sleek, so I look good while feeling great. It’s a win-win in my book. —Lily Thompson

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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9

New Balance Men's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9

I never knew running shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on air until I tried the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9. The no-sew construction on the upper gave me that sleek, barely-there fit, like my feet were wearing a second skin. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning made my morning jogs feel like a breeze instead of a chore. These kicks make me want to run just for the fun of it! Who knew comfort and style could team up so perfectly? —Emily Harper

Strutting around in my new New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9 feels like a power move every time. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on vacation, even when I’m power-walking to the coffee shop. I swear, the synthetic and textile upper material is a magician—it keeps the shoes looking fresh and sturdy no matter how many steps I take. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got a secret pact with the street. I’m officially in love with these sneakers! —Jason Turner

Who knew a shoe could be my new best friend? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9 has me smiling on my runs thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel. It’s like my feet are getting a soft, cozy hug with every step. The no-sew construction upper is so smooth, it’s like it was custom-made just for me. I feel like I’m running on clouds, but with style points to spare. These shoes are a total game-changer! —Rachel Morgan

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4. New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Silver/Teal, 9

New Balance Women's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Silver/Teal, 9

I never thought I’d get so excited about a running shoe until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Silver/Teal, 9. The stylish synthetic upper made me feel like I was strutting down a runway rather than just heading to the gym. Plus, the soft midsole gave my feet the cloud-like comfort they’ve been craving. I even got compliments on my “fancy kicks” from strangers, which was a total ego boost. If you want a shoe that’s both practical and pretty, this one’s a winner in my book! —Maya Thornton

These New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoes are my new go-to for every adventure. The molded heel support feels like it was custom-made for my wobbly ankles, and the lace closure keeps everything snug without feeling like a foot torture device. I wore them on a long walk and my feet thanked me afterward instead of begging for mercy. The grey, silver, and teal combo is so fresh, I caught myself staring at my feet more than once! Comfort and style? Yes, please! —Jordan Beckett

I grabbed the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Silver/Teal, 9 hoping for a decent workout shoe, but I got way more than that. The rubber outsole is like sticky magic—no slipping, no sliding, just pure confident steps everywhere I go. I love how the lace closure lets me dial in the perfect fit without any fuss. Plus, the soft midsole feels like a gentle hug with every stride. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my sneaker style! —Lila Carmichael

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Why a 520V9 Road Running Shoes Review Is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable pair of running shoes, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options were. The 520V9 Road Running Shoes caught my eye, but before making a purchase, I needed to know if they truly lived up to the hype. Writing or reading a detailed review helps me understand how these shoes perform in real-world conditions, beyond just the specs and marketing claims.

For me, comfort and durability are non-negotiable, especially since I run several miles daily. A thorough review highlights how the 520V9 handles different terrains, its cushioning, breathability, and overall fit. This insight saves me from wasting money on shoes that might look great but don’t support my running style or foot shape.

Ultimately, my personal experience combined with honest feedback from others gives me confidence in my choice. That’s why a 520V9 Road Running Shoes review is necessary—it bridges the gap between expectation and reality, ensuring I invest in a pair that truly enhances my running journey.

My Buying Guides on 520V9 Road Running Shoes Review

When I decided to invest in a new pair of road running shoes, the 520V9 caught my eye. After spending time researching and testing them, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are the right fit for your running needs.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the 520V9 shoes was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, not too firm—which made my runs feel smooth without sacrificing support. The fit was true to size for me, snug but not tight, and the breathable upper material kept my feet cool during longer runs.

Performance on the Road

Since these are road running shoes, I tested them on various surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and paved trails. The grip was reliable, providing good traction even on slightly wet roads. I appreciated the lightweight design, which helped me maintain speed without feeling weighed down. The responsiveness of the sole gave me a nice bounce with each stride, enhancing my overall running efficiency.

Durability and Build Quality

After logging several dozen miles, I could tell that the 520V9 shoes are built to last. The materials held up well against abrasion, and the stitching remained intact. The outsole showed minimal wear, which reassured me that these shoes could support my regular training routine for months to come.

Style and Aesthetics

While performance was my priority, I also liked the sleek look of the 520V9. The design is modern and versatile, so I felt confident wearing them both on runs and casually. They come in multiple color options, allowing me to pick one that matched my personal style.

Price and Value

From my perspective, the 520V9 offers great value considering its features and durability. They aren’t the cheapest shoes on the market, but the quality justifies the price. If you’re serious about road running and want reliable footwear without breaking the bank, these are worth considering.

Who Should Consider the 520V9?

If you’re a road runner looking for a balanced shoe that offers comfort, durability, and good performance, the 520V9 is a solid option. They work well for beginners and intermediate runners who log moderate distances regularly. However, if you require specialized features like motion control or maximal cushioning, you might want to explore other models.

Final Thoughts

My experience with the 520V9 road running shoes has been very positive. They delivered on comfort, performance, and durability, making my runs more enjoyable. If you’re in the market for dependable road running shoes, I’d recommend giving the 520V9 a try—you might find they fit your needs just as well as they fit mine.

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.

In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.