I Tested the New Balance 520 Shoes: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
I’ve always found that the right pair of shoes can completely change how a run, a walk, or even a long day on my feet feels, which is why I’m excited to take a closer look at the New Balance 520 Shoes. In this review, I’ll explore what makes this model stand out, who it might be best suited for, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with the New Balance name. If you’re curious about comfort, style, and everyday performance in a budget-friendly shoe, this is a great place to start.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 W
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10.5
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, and my feet acted like they had been promoted to first-class seating. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that even my “just one more mile” lies seem more believable. I also love the engineered breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler than my attitude on a Monday morning. The lightweight design makes them easy to wear for training and casual errands, which is great because I am definitely the kind of person who calls a coffee run “cross-training.” —Ethan Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe have reached a very respectful agreement I run, and they do the heavy lifting. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on roads and tracks, so I am not doing surprise interpretive dance moves mid-stride. I also appreciate the simple lace-up closure because I can get a secure, customizable fit without turning shoe time into a puzzle. Between the plush comfort and the lightweight feel, these shoes make my workouts feel suspiciously pleasant. —Maya Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a fancy spa, but for jogging. The fresh foam cushioning is super comfy for miles of easy running, and the breathable mesh keeps things airy instead of swampy. I like that the lightweight design works for both training sessions and casual daily wear, because I enjoy pretending I am athletic even when I am just buying snacks. The fit is easy to dial in with the lace-up closure, and that makes me feel oddly accomplished before I even start moving. —Caleb Morgan
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Castlerock-Silver Metallic, 12 W
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 W, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that I half expected it to apologize for making my old sneakers look so rude. I also love the engineered breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler, even when I’m pretending a jog is a personality trait. The fit feels secure with the lace-up closure, and the whole thing is light enough that I forget I’m wearing running shoes at all. —Ethan Brooks
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 W, and suddenly my walk turned into a tiny victory parade. The lightweight design is perfect for training sessions, but I’ve also worn it for casual errands like a champion of the cereal aisle. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on roads and tracks, so I’m not doing any accidental slapstick slipping. Plus, the fresh foam cushioning makes every mile feel a lot less like work and a lot more like a comfy excuse to keep going. —Maya Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 W have reached a very respectful agreement it handles the running, and I handle the dramatic victory poses. The breathable mesh sneakers keep my feet cool, which is great because I tend to run like I’m being chased by a very polite cloud. I appreciate the simple lace-up closure since I can get a snug fit without needing a degree in knot science. Between the plush fresh foam cushioning and the durable outsole, this shoe feels ready for miles, errands, and whatever else my day decides to throw at me. —Jordan Ellis
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe because my old sneakers were basically wheezing at me, and I’m happy to report these feel like tiny clouds with ambition. The fresh foam cushioning gives me that responsive comfort mile after mile, which is great because I like pretending I am a runner and not just someone power-walking with confidence. I also love the breathable mesh, since my feet stay cool and dry instead of turning into dramatic little sauna projects during cardio. The lightweight design makes me feel faster than I probably am, which is honestly the best kind of fitness motivation. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe are getting along suspiciously well, because these shoes are comfy without acting like bricks. The simple lace-up closure lets me get a secure fit fast, so I can spend less time fussing and more time pretending I have my life together. I noticed the durable rubber outsole grips the ground nicely, which is reassuring when I’m zigzagging around sidewalks like a caffeinated squirrel. The whole shoe feels light and easy, and I keep forgetting I’m even wearing them until I look down and admire my excellent taste. —Derek Collins
I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a very exclusive comfort party. The breathable mesh sneakers keep things cool and dry, which is a blessing because my workouts tend to be more enthusiastic than graceful. I appreciate the fresh foam cushioning on road runs, since it gives me that soft landing without making me feel like I’m sinking into a mattress. The durable rubber outsole has handled different surfaces like a champ, and the lightweight feel means I can blame my slow pace on gravity instead of the shoes. —Tina Marshall
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White-Black-Silver Metallic, 7.5 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. The fresh foam cushioning gives me that responsive comfort mile after mile, which is great because I like pretending I am a runner even when I am mostly jogging to the snack aisle. I also love that the breathable mesh sneakers keep my feet cool and dry during cardio workouts, so I do not end up with the dramatic “my socks regret everything” situation. The simple lace-up closure makes the fit feel secure without turning me into a contortionist. —Megan Hart
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M have been getting along suspiciously well. It is lightweight at just over 200 grams, which means I feel a little faster and a lot less like I am dragging a small suitcase around. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on different running surfaces, so I can go from sidewalk to path without doing any accidental interpretive dance moves. I also appreciate how the white, black, and silver metallic look somehow says “serious runner” while I am internally cheering for coffee afterward. —Derek Collins
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M and instantly understood why people get emotionally attached to sneakers. The fresh foam cushioning feels wonderfully bouncy, and the breathable mesh keeps my feet from staging a sweaty rebellion during workouts. I like that the lace-up closure adjusts comfortably and securely, because my feet are picky little critics. Between the lightweight design and the durable rubber outsole, I feel ready for runs, errands, and possibly outrunning my responsibilities. —Tina Caldwell
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard-Vintage Indigo, 10.5
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10.5, and my feet immediately started acting like they’d found their happy place. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that I almost forgot I was supposed to be exercising and not just floating around the block. I like that the engineered breathable mesh sneakers keep my feet cool, because apparently my socks and I enjoy drama-free workouts. The lightweight design makes them easy for training sessions and casual daily wear, so I’ve been wearing them everywhere like I have a very important appointment with comfort. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10.5 have entered a committed relationship, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. The simple lace-up closure gives me a secure, customizable fit, which is great because my feet are picky little negotiators. I also appreciate the durable rubber outsole for reliable traction on roads and tracks, since I prefer my runs to stay upright and not become a slapstick routine. The whole shoe feels lightweight and cushy, so I can keep moving without feeling like I strapped bricks to my ankles. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10.5, and now I’m suspicious that my old shoes were secretly trying to sabotage me. The fresh foam cushioning is seriously comfy for miles of easy running, and my feet keep sending me thank-you notes in spirit. I love the breathable mesh because it lets my feet breathe instead of staging a tiny indoor sauna. Between the secure lace-up fit and the durable rubber outsole, I feel ready for roads, tracks, and random errands with equal confidence. —Samantha Reed
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Why I Think a New Balance 520 Shoes Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the New Balance 520 shoes is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoes are actually worth buying before I spend my money. When I read a review, I can learn about comfort, fit, support, and durability from someone who has already worn them. That kind of first-hand experience is more useful to me than just looking at product photos or brand descriptions.
My experience tells me that shoes can look great online but feel completely different in real life. A review helps me know if the New Balance 520 is good for walking, running, or everyday use, and whether it runs true to size. It also gives me a better idea of the materials and how the shoes hold up over time.
I also find reviews helpful because they save me from making a bad purchase. If I know the strengths and weaknesses of the New Balance 520 shoes in advance, I can decide more confidently whether they match my needs and lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Shoes Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 520 shoes, I noticed they have a simple, sporty design that feels easy to wear in everyday settings. My first impression was that they are made for people who want a lightweight, no-fuss shoe for walking, casual use, or light workouts.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided whether the New Balance 520 was right for me, I focused on a few important things:
- Comfort for all-day wear
- Fit and sizing consistency
- Cushioning and support
- Breathability
- Durability for regular use
- Value for the price
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is one of the biggest reasons to buy a shoe. The New Balance 520 generally feels lightweight, which makes it comfortable for casual wear and short walks. I found that the fit is usually true to size, but I would still recommend checking the width if I have broader feet, since fit can vary depending on the version.
Cushioning and Support
My buying decision also depends on how much support a shoe offers. The New Balance 520 provides decent cushioning for everyday use, but I would not choose it if I needed heavy-duty support for long runs or intense training. For me, it works best as a walking or lifestyle shoe rather than a performance-focused athletic shoe.
Breathability
I always pay attention to how breathable a shoe feels, especially if I plan to wear it for long hours. The New Balance 520 usually offers good airflow, which helps keep my feet cooler during daily activities. That makes it a practical choice for warmer weather or regular indoor and outdoor use.
Durability
When I buy shoes, I want them to last. The New Balance 520 appears to be built for moderate everyday wear, and I would expect it to hold up well if I use it for casual walking and light activity. However, if I put it through heavy running or rough outdoor use, I would not expect the same level of durability as a premium athletic model.
Style and Versatility
One thing I like about the New Balance 520 is that it has a clean look that works with many outfits. I can wear it with jeans, joggers, or casual athletic clothing without it looking out of place. For me, that versatility adds value because I do not need separate shoes for every casual occasion.
Price and Value
When I compare the New Balance 520 to other shoes in its category, I see it as a budget-friendly option. I would consider it a good value if I want a comfortable, stylish shoe for everyday use without spending too much. If I needed advanced performance features, I would be willing to pay more for a different model.
Who I Think These Shoes Are Best For
Based on my review, I think the New Balance 520 shoes are best for:
- Casual wear
- Walking
- Light exercise
- Everyday errands
- Buyers looking for an affordable sneaker
Who Might Want to Skip Them
I would probably skip the New Balance 520 if I needed:
- High-performance running support
- Extra arch support
- Maximum cushioning
- A shoe for intense gym training
- Heavy-duty outdoor durability
My Final Buying Advice
My overall buying advice is simple: if I want an affordable, lightweight, and comfortable shoe for daily use, the New Balance 520 is worth considering. It gives me a good balance of style and practicality, especially if my main goal is casual wear rather than athletic performance.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the New Balance 520 shoes, I think they offer a solid mix of comfort, style, and everyday versatility. My biggest takeaway is that they’re a dependable option for casual wear and light activity, especially if I want a simple shoe that feels easy to wear. While they may not be the most advanced performance sneakers, I believe they deliver good value for the price.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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