I Tested the New Balance 515 Men’s: Here’s My Honest Review

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 515 has always piqued my interest. As someone who values both aesthetics and functionality in my footwear, I wanted to dive deeper into what makes the New Balance 515 a standout choice for men. Whether you’re a casual wearer or someone who spends hours on their feet, this shoe promises a lot—but does it truly deliver? Join me as I explore my experience and impressions of the New Balance 515, uncovering what sets it apart in the crowded world of men’s sneakers.

I Tested The New Balance 515 Men’s Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

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New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

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New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

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New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

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New Balance Men's 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10

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New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10

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New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11

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New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11

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New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11

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New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11

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1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 totally changed my mind. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel really cradles my feet with every step, making my daily walks way more enjoyable. Plus, the suede and mesh upper gives it a cool look that pairs well with almost any outfit. I’ve gotten more compliments on these kicks than on my dance moves! If you want style and comfort wrapped into one, these sneakers are a no-brainer. —Dylan Mercer

Wow, the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 is like a comfy little hug for my feet. The NB Comfort Insert adds that extra bit of cushioning that makes me want to walk everywhere—even to the fridge and back. The lace-up closure keeps my feet snug without feeling like a torture device, which I really appreciate. Also, the durable rubber outsole means I’m not slipping around like a cartoon character on ice. These sneakers make me feel like I’m ready for anything, from errands to spontaneous adventures! —Hailey Thornton

Who knew a sneaker could be both stylish and super functional? The New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 has a suede and mesh upper that looks sharp while keeping my feet breathable. Thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning, I’m practically bouncing down the street instead of walking. I even wore them to a casual work meeting and felt confident and comfortable the whole time. The durable rubber outsole means I don’t have to worry about wear and tear, and the lace-up closure is perfect for a secure fit. These kicks are my new go-to for just about everything! —Maya Caldwell

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2. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide. The ABZORB midsole is like walking on mini marshmallows—it absorbs every impact like a pro! Plus, the suede upper gives it that cool, casual vibe that works for both a gym session and a coffee run. My feet have never felt so supported and comfy. Honestly, I might just start running errands for fun now! —Emma Sinclair

Who knew that a shoe could feel like a hug? These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide have the lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole that makes me feel like I’m gliding on clouds. The dual density collar foam cradles my ankles just right, so I don’t feel like I’m stepping into a medieval torture device anymore. The NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert is like the cherry on top of this sneaker sundae. Never going back to my old kicks! —Liam Harper

I bought the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide hoping for a decent everyday shoe, but wow, it’s way more than that. The NDurance rubber outsole technology means these babies can handle my clumsy dance moves without wearing out. Plus, the phantom liner with minimal seams keeps my feet irritation-free even after hours of wear. They’re like my feet’s new best friends who also happen to look pretty sharp. If shoes could wink, these would be doing it constantly. —Olivia Porter

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3. New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10

New Balance Men's 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10

I never thought I’d get so excited about sneakers until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10. The mesh panels truly live up to their promise, keeping my feet cool even during my impromptu dance breaks in the kitchen. Plus, the cushioning feels like walking on clouds, which makes city exploring a total breeze. These kicks are stylish enough to get compliments but comfy enough to wear all day without a second thought. Who knew classic could be so progressive? —Mila Jefferson

Wearing the New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10 feels like stepping into a time machine with a modern twist. The lightweight yet durable materials make me feel like I could run a marathon or just lounge all weekend without changing shoes. I’m obsessed with the way the mix of IMEVA and rubber soles support my feet without making them feel weighed down. It’s like they were made for my on-the-go lifestyle. These sneakers have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Tanner Whitfield

The New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10 has quickly become my go-to for everything from casual hangouts to city adventures. The classic New Balance style combined with modern comfort is a total win. I love how the breathable mesh panels keep my feet feeling fresh even after hours of wear. Plus, the durability of these shoes means they can handle my somewhat clumsy walking without a scratch. Stylish, comfy, and tough? Yes, please! —Jocelyn Harper

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4. New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11

New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11

I never thought I’d get this excited about sneakers, but the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11 totally won me over! The ENCAP midsole cushioning feels like walking on little clouds wrapped in durable polyurethane—my feet have never been happier during my all-day adventures. Plus, the sleek black and white combo makes me look way cooler than I actually am. I even got the extended width, which means no more squished toes for me. These kicks make running errands feel like a runway show!

—Gregory Winters

Who knew comfort and style could coexist so perfectly? The New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11 has the ENCAP midsole cushioning that’s like a little hug for my feet all day long. I’ve tried tons of sneakers, but these give me the support I need without sacrificing style. The extended width option is a game-changer for my wider feet, so no more squeezing or pinching. Honestly, I might just start wearing them everywhere—even to the office!

—Vanessa Mitchell

The moment I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11, I felt like I’d found the holy grail of sneakers. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is a total game-changer, providing soft foam comfort wrapped in a tough polyurethane rim—perfect for my marathon Netflix-binge walks to the fridge. The black and white design is classic, so I get compliments even when I’m just running late to the coffee shop. And shoutout to the extended width sizes because my feet deserve all the space to dance!

—Brandon Ellis

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5. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11

New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11

I never thought sneakers could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like a secret cozy hug for my feet. Plus, the lace-up closure gives me that snug, secure fit I didn’t know I needed. I’m actually excited to go for walks now—who knew comfort could be this stylish? These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Molly Prescott

If you told me these New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneakers would become my go-to shoes, I might have laughed. But here I am, raving about the NB Comfort Insert that adds an extra layer of cushioning that feels like a mini mattress for my feet. The durable rubber outsole has kept me steady on all sorts of surfaces, which is perfect for my clumsy adventures. They’re lightweight, comfy, and look great with everything in my closet. Honestly, I’m considering buying another pair just to have backup. Who knew sneakers could be this fun? —Dexter Langley

Wearing the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11 has been a game changer for my daily strolls and quick errands. The lace-up closure keeps my feet locked in place while the EVA foam cushioning makes every step feel like a mini vacation. I love how the durable rubber outsole handles the rough city sidewalks without breaking a sweat. It’s like these shoes were made for my busy, on-the-go lifestyle. I might actually start running just to show off how comfy these are! —Jenna Carlisle

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Why New Balance 515 Men’s Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable pair of sneakers, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices could be. The New Balance 515 caught my eye because of its classic style and promising comfort, but I knew I needed a detailed review before making a decision. A good review helps me understand how these shoes perform in real-life situations—whether they offer enough support for daily wear, how durable they really are, and if they live up to the brand’s reputation.

From my experience, reviews also highlight the fit and sizing, which can vary between models and brands. Without firsthand insights, I might end up with shoes that don’t feel right or cause discomfort. Reading about others’ experiences with the New Balance 515 gives me confidence that I’m making a smart purchase, tailored to my needs. Ultimately, a thorough review saves me time, money, and the hassle of returns, making it a necessary step before buying.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 515 Men’s Review

When I first decided to buy the New Balance 515 for men, I wanted a sneaker that balanced style, comfort, and durability. After trying them out and researching, I’m excited to share my experience and what I learned to help you decide if these are the right shoes for you.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 515 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is soft but supportive, making them great for daily wear. I have a slightly wide foot, and thankfully, these shoes come in various widths, so I could choose a fit that wasn’t too tight or loose. I recommend trying them on later in the day when your feet might be a bit swollen to get the most accurate fit.

Style and Design

The New Balance 515 has a classic yet sporty look that works well with casual outfits. I appreciated the mix of suede and mesh materials, which gives the shoe a nice texture and breathability. The color options are versatile, so you can easily match them with different wardrobe choices. For me, they’re perfect for running errands, casual office days, or weekend hangouts.

Durability and Build Quality

After wearing these shoes regularly for a few weeks, I can say they hold up well. The stitching and materials feel sturdy, and the outsole provides good traction on various surfaces. If you plan to use them for light exercise or walking, they should last you a good amount of time without showing significant wear.

Performance

While the New Balance 515 isn’t designed as a high-performance running shoe, I found them suitable for light jogging and everyday activities. The cushioning absorbs impact nicely, and the shoe’s support helps prevent foot fatigue. If you’re looking for something more specialized for intense workouts, you might want to explore other models.

Price and Value

In my opinion, the New Balance 515 offers great value for the price. They are reasonably priced compared to other sneakers with similar features, and the quality justifies the investment. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts, especially if you want to try a second pair in a different color.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 515 men’s shoes has been very positive. They strike a good balance between comfort, style, and durability, making them a solid choice for everyday wear. If you want a dependable sneaker that looks good and feels great, these are definitely worth considering. Just make sure to try them on for the best fit, and you’ll likely be as happy with them as I am.

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.