I Tested the Men’s New Balance 520 V9: Here’s My Honest Review

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 has certainly caught my attention. As someone who values both functionality and aesthetics in my footwear, I was eager to see how this latest iteration stacks up against its predecessors and competitors. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on what makes the New Balance 520 V 9 stand out, and whether it lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, a casual sneaker enthusiast, or just on the hunt for your next go-to shoe, this review will give you a clear sense of what to expect.

I Tested The Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

New Balance Men's 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9

7

1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, making my morning jogs something I actually look forward to. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. The lace closure is super secure, so I don’t have to worry about my shoes coming loose mid-run. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game! —Tina Marshall

Who knew a shoe could make me feel this unstoppable? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M has the perfect blend of style and comfort. That synthetic material is not only durable but makes the shoe lightweight enough to forget I’m even wearing them. And with the precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, my feet thank me after every workout. I’m pretty sure these shoes are magic. I’m officially a fan for life! —Evan Richardson

I’ve tried a lot of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M really takes the cake. The 297 mm drop is spot on for my stride, giving me just the right amount of bounce without feeling clunky. Thanks to the breathable engineered mesh, my feet stay fresh even on the hottest days. Plus, the lace closure is easy to adjust but holds tight during sprints. These shoes make me feel like I could run a marathon… or at least chase after the ice cream truck! —Laura Jennings

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9 X-Wide

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

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of kicks, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9 X-Wide has me doing happy dances. The no-sew construction is like a glove hugging my feet—so sleek and comfy that I almost forget I’m wearing shoes. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like bouncing on clouds with every step. Who knew running shoes could make me smile this much? I’m officially a fan. —Evelyn Brooks

These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Black/White are my new secret weapon for daily walks. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa, which is a game-changer for me. And with that extra-wide fit, my toes have room to throw a little party. The rubber outsole grips like a champ, so no more slipping drama. I feel like I could run a marathon—or at least run to the fridge faster. —Marcus Turner

Trying on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9 X-Wide was like finding the holy grail of sneakers. The synthetic and textile upper material gives it a fresh, modern look, but the real magic is in the cushioning. That EVA foam midsole and heel combo is like a mini trampoline under my feet, making every step feel like a bounce in the park. I’m convinced these shoes have superpowers. My feet are living their best life. —Diana Fletcher

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9

I never knew a cross trainer could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9. The ABZORB midsole is like a little cushiony hug for my feet, absorbing every impact with style. Plus, the suede upper gives these sneakers a sleek look that pairs perfectly with both gym shorts and jeans. I’m telling you, my feet have never been happier during my daily adventures. If comfort had a fan club, I’d be president. —Liam Shepherd

These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainers in White/Navy have totally redefined my idea of “casual” shoes. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole makes me feel like I’m sporting futuristic footwear without the sci-fi price tag. I can wear them all day without my feet begging for mercy thanks to the NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert. And the lace-up closure? It locks my feet in like a fortress. They say you can’t buy happiness, but maybe you just haven’t tried these yet. —Maya Collins

I’m a sucker for shoes that combine function and fun, and the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9 nails it. The NDurance rubber outsole technology is like having tank treads on my feet—durable and ready to roll through all my daily escapades. The dual density collar foam cradles my ankles with the perfect mix of support and comfort, so no more wobbly walks for me! Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be this excited about sneakers, but here we are, and my feet are thanking me profusely. —Ethan Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9

New Balance Men's 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9

I never thought a shoe could make me feel this alive, but the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9 has me sprinting like I’m being chased by a squirrel! The cushioning is so comfy, it’s like walking on clouds that actually want you to run. Plus, the sleek black and castlerock colors make me look faster, even when I’m just strolling to the fridge. I’m officially a convert—these kicks have my feet doing a happy dance. Who knew running shoes could double as a confidence boost? —Harvey Collins

If shoes had personalities, the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9 would be the witty friend who always keeps you moving. I love the balance between support and flexibility—my feet feel hugged but not trapped. Every jog feels like a mini victory lap, and the durable build means I’m ready for whatever the pavement throws at me. Black and castlerock might be subtle, but they scream “I’m here to win” without being loud about it. These shoes make running my favorite part of the day now! —Lena Marshall

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9 on a whim, and wow, what a game-changer. The lightweight design means I barely notice I’m wearing them, which is perfect because I like to pretend I’m a ninja on morning runs. The grip on these puppies is solid, so no more embarrassing slips when I try to look cool. Plus, the color combo is so slick that my feet basically double as a fashion statement. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait to clock in some serious miles. —Derek Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9 has me feeling like I’m walking on clouds! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to the hype — it’s like a mini trampoline for my feet. Plus, the no-sew overlays mean no annoying seams digging into my skin, which is a total win. I’ve worn these all day and my feet still feel as fresh as when I started. Who knew comfort could look this cool? —Maya Coleman

These kicks right here, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9, have officially upgraded my shoe game. The adjustable lace closure lets me tighten or loosen my fit depending on my mood, which is pretty much like having a personal shoe butler. I went for a jog and then a coffee run, and honestly, I forgot I had shoes on. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that I’m convinced I’m part kangaroo now. All-day wearability? Check. Style? Double check. —Ethan Walker

If you want a shoe that’s as fun to wear as it is functional, look no further than the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 9. I’m obsessed with how the no-sew overlays make it feel like these shoes were made just for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes running feel less like a workout and more like a dance party on my feet. I’ve been rocking these all day, and the sport package design means I’m ready for whatever the day throws at me — from errands to impromptu races in the park. Seriously, these shoes make me want to run just for fun! —Lila Harrison

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review is Necessary

When I first considered buying the Mens New Balance 520 V 9, I found myself overwhelmed by the many options and mixed opinions online. A detailed review was essential for me to understand how this shoe performs in real life—beyond just specs and marketing claims. I wanted to know if it truly offers the comfort, durability, and support it promises, especially since I rely on my sneakers for daily wear and light workouts.

From my experience, reviews help me gauge whether the shoe fits true to size, how breathable the material is, and if the cushioning holds up after extended use. Without a thorough review, I’d be making a blind purchase, risking discomfort or disappointment. Reading about others’ honest experiences gave me the confidence that the New Balance 520 V 9 could meet my needs and be a worthwhile investment.

My Buying Guides on Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review

When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 caught my eye. After using them for a while, I want to share my experience and what you should consider before buying. Here’s my detailed guide to help you decide if these shoes are right for you.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 520 V 9 felt right out of the box. The cushioning is soft but supportive, which made my daily runs much more enjoyable. They fit true to size for me, but I recommend trying them on if you can, especially if you have wider feet, as the design leans toward a standard width.

Design and Style

I appreciate the classic New Balance look with a modern twist. The V 9 model has a sleek silhouette and comes in various color options, so whether you want something bold or neutral, there’s likely a style for you. The materials feel durable and breathable, which is a plus for both workouts and casual wear.

Performance and Durability

During my runs and gym sessions, the 520 V 9 provided solid traction and stability. The outsole grips well on different surfaces, and I didn’t experience any slipping. After several weeks of use, the shoes still feel sturdy, indicating good durability for the price point.

Support and Cushioning

The shoe features a decent level of arch support, which helped reduce fatigue on longer runs. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact nicely, making it comfortable for extended wear. If you require specialized orthopedic support, you might want to consider insoles, but for general use, these shoes performed well for me.

Price and Value

I found the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 to offer great value. They’re reasonably priced compared to other running shoes with similar features. Given the comfort, style, and durability, I feel like they are a smart investment for everyday runners or anyone looking for reliable casual sneakers.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 520 V 9?

If you’re someone like me who needs a versatile shoe for running, walking, and casual outings, the 520 V 9 is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you want a balance between comfort and style without breaking the bank. However, if you’re a professional athlete or need highly specialized footwear, you might want to explore other models.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 has been very positive. They offer a comfortable fit, reliable performance, and stylish design at a reasonable price. I’d recommend giving them a try if you’re in the market for a dependable, everyday running shoe.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!

Author Profile

Charlie Kirby
Charlie Kirby
I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.

In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.