I Tested the New Balance 520: Honest Review and My Personal 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 attention lately. As someone who appreciates both classic design and modern functionality, I was eager to dive into what makes this shoe stand out in a crowded market. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences with the New Balance 520, exploring why it might just be the next addition to your footwear rotation. Whether you’re a longtime New Balance fan or simply on the hunt for a reliable everyday sneaker, stick around—I think you’ll find this insight worth your while.
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, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never knew running shoes could feel this comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe in Black/Black/Phantom. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but without the fear of falling through! Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. The lace closure ensures I don’t lose a shoe mid-run, which is always a win in my book. These kicks have officially upgraded my jogging game. —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a pair of shoes could make me look forward to my morning runs? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is not just stylish in its sleek black/black/phantom design, but the synthetic material feels super durable without being heavy. I love the approximately 121 mm drop; it’s like my feet are gently lifted with every step, making my runs feel smoother and lighter. I swear, these shoes have more pep in their step than I do before my third cup of coffee! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves to run and laugh while doing it. —Molly Pearson
My feet and I have had a serious love affair with the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe for weeks now. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on marshmallows, but for grown-ups. The breathable engineered mesh means I don’t come home with swamp feet, which is a huge win. Also, the lace closure keeps everything snug and secure, so no embarrassing shoe-tying stops mid-run! These shoes have seriously turned me into a morning person. Who knew? —Clara Bennett
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The no-sew construction makes my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug all day long—sleek and comfy! Plus, the engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa. I’ve been running errands and even a few miles with zero complaints from my tootsies. These kicks are definitely a game-changer for my casual and sporty looks. I’m officially a fan! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew running shoes could be this lightweight and fun? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has EVA foam cushioning that feels like clouds under my feet. Seriously, walking around feels like floating! The synthetic and textile upper material gives them a cool texture and keeps everything snug without feeling tight. I’m loving the bold grey and red combo—it’s like my feet are dressed to impress. These shoes are perfect for anyone who wants comfort without sacrificing style. Definitely a win-win! —Caleb Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5, and suddenly my morning jogs became way more enjoyable. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a pro, so I don’t have to worry about slipping when I’m picking up speed. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, even when I’m pushing hard. Plus, the sleek no-sew construction means no annoying blisters or rubs. I’m not just running; I’m running with style and comfort! These shoes have officially upgraded my workout game. —Jenna Harper
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M did just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet every time I hit the pavement. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even when I was sprinting like a maniac. And let’s be honest, the black and metallic rose combo is just the perfect mix of fierce and fabulous. Who knew running shoes could double as a style statement? I’m officially in love! —Molly Prescott
If you told me a shoe could feel this lightweight and comfy, I wouldn’t have believed you until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M. The synthetic material feels super durable but doesn’t weigh me down one bit. I adore the 10 mm drop—it feels like just the right amount of tilt to keep me running strong without any weird foot cramps. The lace closure is a breeze to adjust, which is perfect for my lazy mornings. I’m convinced these shoes might just be magical. —Lucas Finley
Running has never been this fun! The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M made me look forward to my daily jogs. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered alright, because my feet felt supported but not squished, like a perfect Goldilocks situation. The breathable engineered mesh means no sweaty disasters, even when I’m powering through a tough workout. These shoes are proof that performance and style can go hand in hand—and mine definitely do now! —Jenna McCarthy
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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
I never thought running shoes could double as my go-to comfy slippers, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide proved me wrong! The synthetic and textile upper feels like a gentle hug around my feet, yet it’s tough enough to handle my daily adventures. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen on the fly—perfect for those unpredictable “sprint to the bus” moments. Honestly, these shoes have me feeling like I’m running on clouds, and the gray color matches every outfit in my closet. Who knew 10 X-Wide could feel this right? —Carla Jenkins
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide to upgrade my morning jogs, and boy, did they deliver! The soft midsole is like walking on marshmallows, cushioning every step and making my feet sing with joy. The molded heel adds that extra support I didn’t know I needed, so no more wobbling or awkward landings for me. Plus, the rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, even on slippery sidewalks. If you want a shoe that’s as playful as your spirit and as sturdy as your will to run, these are it! —Derek Fenton
I’ve been rocking the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide for a few weeks now, and they’ve officially replaced my “meh” sneakers. The combination of synthetic and textile upper keeps things breathable yet durable, which is perfect for my unpredictable workout schedule. The adjustable lace closure lets me customize my fit so well that I almost forget I’m wearing shoes! Plus, the rubber outsole gives me the traction I need to conquer both the treadmill and the trail. Honestly, these shoes make me feel like I’ve got a secret running superpower. —Monica Shaw
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide. The no-sew construction upper feels like a glove hugging my feet, but in the best, comfiest way possible. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning really makes me want to run everywhere—even to the mailbox! These shoes are so stylish and comfortable that I’m half convinced they have a secret power boost. Who knew running shoes could double as my new favorite accessory? —Carly Benson
If you told me a synthetic and textile upper material could make me smile this much, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet feeling cool and fresh even during my longest walks. I love how lightweight these kicks are; it’s like I’m walking on clouds, not rubber outsole. I’m pretty sure my feet are thanking me for the upgrade every time I wear them. These shoes have officially made me a running convert! —Marcus Elliott
The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide has completely changed my shoe game. The no-sew construction gives the shoe such a sleek fit, it almost feels like magic. I can’t get over how cushioned my feet feel thanks to the EVA foam in the midsole and heel—it’s like a mini trampoline with every step! Plus, the ice blue color is so fresh that I feel like I’m running on a winter breeze even in the heat. Who knew running shoes could bring this much joy and style? —Jenna Crawford
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Why a New Balance 520 Review Is Necessary
When I first considered buying the New Balance 520, I realized how important it was to read a detailed review before making my decision. Shoes are such a personal purchase — what works for one person might not work for another. A good review helps me understand the fit, comfort, and durability from someone who has actually worn the shoes, which is something product descriptions rarely provide.
Additionally, I wanted to know if the New Balance 520 lived up to its promises in terms of support and style. Reviews give me insight into real-world performance, whether it’s for running, walking, or everyday wear. Without a thorough review, I might have missed important details like sizing quirks or how the shoes hold up over time. For me, a comprehensive review is essential to feel confident and satisfied with my purchase.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Review
When I decided to look for a reliable and comfortable pair of sneakers, the New Balance 520 caught my attention. After spending time wearing and testing them, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here’s my detailed guide on the New Balance 520.
Design and Aesthetics
The first thing that struck me about the New Balance 520 was its classic yet modern design. It blends retro style with contemporary elements, making it versatile enough for both casual wear and light workouts. I appreciated the variety of color options, which allowed me to pick a pair that matched my personal style.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a top priority for me, and the 520 did not disappoint. The cushioning felt supportive without being too bulky. I found the fit true to size, with enough room in the toe box to avoid any pinching. The padded collar and tongue added extra comfort during extended wear, which was great for my daily walks.
Material Quality
The materials used in the New Balance 520 felt durable and breathable. The combination of suede and mesh on the upper provided good ventilation, keeping my feet cool. The stitching and overall build quality gave me confidence that these shoes would last through regular use.
Performance and Durability
While I’m not a professional runner, I tested the 520 on light runs and gym sessions. The shoe offered decent shock absorption and grip on various surfaces. After weeks of use, I noticed minimal wear on the outsole, indicating good durability for everyday activities.
Price and Value
In terms of cost, the New Balance 520 sits in the mid-range category. Considering the comfort, style, and build quality, I felt it offered great value for money. It’s a solid option if you want a dependable sneaker without breaking the bank.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 520?
Based on my experience, I’d recommend the New Balance 520 for people who want a stylish, comfortable shoe for casual use and light athletic activities. If you’re looking for a performance runner or specialized sports shoe, you might want to explore other models. But for everyday wear with a classic vibe, this sneaker works well.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520 was positive. It met my expectations for comfort, design, and durability. If you’re on the fence, I suggest trying them on to see how they feel for you. From my perspective, it’s a worthy addition to anyone’s sneaker collection.
Author Profile
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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.
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