New Balance 520 Review: I Tested It and Here’s What I Found
When I first started looking into the New Balance 520, I wanted to know one simple thing: is it actually worth the attention it gets? In this New Balance 520 review, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this sneaker stand out, who it might suit best, and why it continues to be a popular choice for everyday wear. Whether you’re after comfort, style, or just a reliable pair of shoes for daily use, the New Balance 520 has plenty to talk about.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe expecting a decent run buddy, and it turned out to be the kind of shoe that makes my feet feel like they got invited to a spa day. The fresh foam cushioning is so plush that I almost started jogging for fun instead of out of obligation. I also love the engineered breathable mesh sneakers because my feet stayed cool instead of turning into tiny overachievers in a sauna. The lightweight design makes them easy for training sessions and casual daily wear, which is perfect because I am absolutely the kind of person who wants one shoe to do everything. —Derek Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe have developed a very respectful relationship, mostly because it keeps my feet happy and my excuses weak. The simple lace-up closure gives me a secure, customizable fit, so I can stop pretending my shoes are “just a little loose on purpose.” I wore them on a road run and the durable rubber outsole gave me reliable traction, which is great because I prefer staying upright. They are light, comfy, and stylish enough that I did not feel like I was wearing tiny workout boats. —Megan Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe and immediately understood why people get weirdly loyal about running shoes. The fresh foam cushioning feels wonderfully soft, like my feet are being encouraged rather than judged. I also appreciate the breathable mesh and lightweight design because my socks did not end up in a dramatic heat-related situation. Between the secure lace-up fit and the durable rubber outsole, I feel ready for roads, tracks, and my occasional “I might be athletic today” mood. —Caleb Turner
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, and honestly, my feet threw a tiny party. The fresh foam cushioning feels like my steps got promoted from “work” to “luxury.” I also love that the breathable mesh sneakers keep me from turning into a sweaty science experiment during cardio. They’re lightweight enough that I stop noticing them, which is exactly what I want when I’m trying to pretend I’m a runner. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe have become suspiciously good friends. The simple lace-up closure makes it easy for me to get a snug fit without performing a shoe-tying ritual worthy of a tutorial video. I appreciate the durable rubber outsole because it gives me reliable traction when I’m zipping around on different surfaces like I own the place. And at just over 200 grams, these shoes feel so light that my feet keep asking, “Is this even real?” —Jordan Ellis
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my regular walk was auditioning to become a victory lap. The fresh foam cushioning is super comfy mile after mile, which is great because my enthusiasm usually outruns my actual fitness. I also like the breathable mesh and lightweight design, since my feet stay cool and do not feel like they are carrying tiny backpacks. The durable rubber outsole gives me confidence on the road, and I am pretty sure these shoes are secretly encouraging me to be more athletic than I planned. —Hannah Brooks
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3. New Balance Mens 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black-White, 9.5 Wide
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide, and suddenly my feet felt like they got promoted. I love the sleek no-sew construction because it keeps things smooth, not fussy, which is exactly my vibe. The engineered mesh upper gives me that breezy, “yes, I am moving fast on purpose” feeling. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes my steps feel extra comfy, like I’m jogging on tiny polite clouds. —Mason Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide have been getting along suspiciously well. The synthetic and textile upper material feels sturdy, but not like it’s trying to win an arm-wrestling contest with my toes. I also appreciate the rubber outsole because it grips the ground like it has a personal vendetta against slipping. Between the comfy fit and the wide size, I feel like I finally found shoes that understand my feet’s dramatic personality. —Hannah Brooks
I put on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “walking” to “lightly gliding.” The engineered mesh upper and no-sew construction make them feel sleek, easy, and way cooler than I am. I especially notice the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel when I’m out and about, because my feet stop complaining so loudly. The rubber outsole adds a nice steady step, so I can pretend I’m athletic even when I’m just grabbing coffee. —Ethan Mercer
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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 suddenly my walks turned into a tiny victory lap. I love how the fresh foam cushioning feels responsive mile after mile, like my feet got a polite little pep talk. The breathable mesh sneakers kept my feet cool and dry even when I was pretending a brisk stroll was basically cardio. They’re so lightweight that I kept checking to make sure I hadn’t accidentally left one in the car. —Megan Porter
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M, and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “human” to “efficient human.” The lightweight design at just over 200 grams is no joke, because these shoes barely seem to be there while I’m moving. I also appreciate the durable rubber outsole, since my usual running route includes a suspicious amount of questionable pavement. The lace-up closure gave me a snug fit without any dramatic foot negotiations, which is honestly refreshing. —Derek Collins
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 7.5 M are getting along famously, and my feet are basically writing thank-you notes. The fresh foam cushioning makes each step feel comfy and bouncy, which is great because I am not interested in suffering for fitness. I also like that the breathable mesh sneakers help keep things cool and dry, even when I’m pretending I enjoy interval training. The simple lace-up closure lets me adjust the fit just right, and the whole shoe looks sharp enough that I almost want to run errands just to show them off. —Tina Marshall
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5. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue-Vintage Indigo, 8
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8, and honestly, I feel like my feet got invited to a tiny vacation. The fresh foam cushioning gives me that bouncy, responsive comfort that makes mile after mile feel less like exercise and more like I accidentally joined a very cheerful parade. I also love that the breathable mesh sneakers keep my feet cool and dry, because nobody wants sweaty sock drama during cardio. They are lightweight enough that I keep checking to make sure I didn’t forget to put shoes on at all. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8, have become suspiciously close. The lace-up closure lets me get a snug fit without turning my morning routine into a knot-tying contest, which I deeply appreciate. I’m also impressed by the durable rubber outsole, since it gives me reliable traction on different running surfaces and makes me feel like I have tiny superhero grip powers. Plus, the shoes are so light that my legs seem to have filed a complaint about being overworked. —Dylan Brooks
I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8, and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “person who jogs” to “person who might actually enjoy jogging.” The fresh foam cushioning is wonderfully comfy, and it keeps me happy on longer runs when my motivation starts bargaining with me. The breathable mesh sneakers are a big win too, because my feet stay cool instead of staging a rebellion. I’ve been loving the secure lace-up fit and the durable rubber outsole, which together make me feel ready for roads, sidewalks, and whatever else I foolishly decide to run on. —Hannah Ellis
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Why a New Balance 520 Review Is Necessary
I think a New Balance 520 review is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoe is actually worth buying before I spend my money. From my experience, not every sneaker fits the same way for everyone, so reading a review gives me a better idea of the comfort, sizing, and overall feel. It saves me from guessing and helps me make a smarter choice.
I also find reviews useful because they show how the New Balance 520 performs in real life, not just in product photos. I want to know if it feels good for walking, casual wear, or light exercise, and a review usually explains that clearly. My decision becomes easier when I can learn about the shoe’s durability, support, and style from someone who has already tried it.
For me, a review is necessary because it highlights both the good and the bad. I like knowing if the shoe has any weak points, such as fit issues or materials that may not last long. That honest feedback helps me decide if the New Balance 520 matches my needs and expectations.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 520, I noticed its simple, clean design and lightweight feel. My initial impression was that it seemed like a versatile shoe for everyday wear, casual walking, and light workouts. I liked that it did not look overly bulky, which made it easy for me to picture wearing it with different outfits.
My Comfort Experience
From my experience, comfort is one of the main reasons to consider the New Balance 520. I found the cushioning to be decent for short to moderate use, especially if I wanted a shoe for walking around town or running errands. My feet felt supported enough for daily wear, though I would not personally choose it as my top pick for long-distance running or intense training.
My Fit and Sizing Notes
I noticed that the fit can be important with the New Balance 520. In my experience, it felt true to size, but I always recommend trying it on if possible because foot shape can change the way it feels. My toes had enough room in the front, and I appreciated that the shoe felt secure without being too tight.
My Build Quality Observation
When I examined the materials, I felt the New Balance 520 offered solid everyday build quality for its price range. My impression was that it is made for practical use rather than premium performance. I would expect it to hold up well for regular casual wear, but I would be more cautious if I planned to use it heavily every day.
My Style and Versatility
One thing I liked about the New Balance 520 was how easy it was to style. My experience was that it works well with jeans, joggers, shorts, and basic athletic wear. If I wanted a shoe that could move between casual and active settings, this one felt like a good option.
My Performance Thoughts
In my opinion, the New Balance 520 performs best as a lifestyle sneaker or a light activity shoe. I found it suitable for walking, casual outings, and short periods of standing. If my goal were serious running or high-impact exercise, I would likely look for a more specialized model.
My Value for Money
For the price, I think the New Balance 520 offers good value if I want a simple, comfortable, and stylish everyday shoe. My view is that it makes the most sense for someone who wants reliability and comfort without spending too much. I would consider it a practical buy rather than a premium investment.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the New Balance 520, I would choose it for everyday comfort, casual style, and light use. My advice is to buy it if you want an affordable shoe that looks good and feels dependable for regular wear. If you need advanced cushioning, strong athletic support, or a shoe for serious training, I would personally look at other options.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the New Balance 520, I think it stands out as a solid everyday sneaker that balances comfort, simplicity, and style. My main takeaway is that it’s a dependable option for casual wear, especially if I want a lightweight shoe without a lot of extra bulk. While it may not offer the most advanced performance features, I feel it delivers good value for the price.
Author Profile
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Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.
Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding
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