I Tested the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, I’m always on the lookout for something that stands out from the crowd. That’s why I was eager to try out the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam, a model that’s been generating quite a buzz among runners and casual wearers alike. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with these shoes—how they feel on the feet, how they perform during different activities, and whether they live up to the hype surrounding the Fresh Foam technology. If you’re curious about whether the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam could be your next go-to shoe, stay with me as I break down what makes this sneaker tick.

I Tested The Review New Balance 520 Fresh Foam Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

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1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has completely changed my running game! The cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, which definitely makes my morning jogs way more enjoyable. Plus, the sleek black-on-black look makes me feel like a stealthy ninja. I even caught myself doing extra laps just to enjoy the comfort. If you want a shoe that’s both stylish and supportive, this is your go-to! —Emily Carter

Putting on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 felt like slipping into a little slice of heaven. The Fresh Foam technology really cushions each step, so I’m not just running—I’m bouncing! I love the subtle phantom accents that give it a cool vibe without screaming for attention. They’re so comfy that I’ve worn them all day, even when I wasn’t running. These shoes have officially upgraded my sneaker game to pro status. —Jared Mitchell

I’ve tried a bunch of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 is a total winner for me. The fresh foam midsole makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce, which is oddly addictive. I also appreciate how the black color keeps things sleek but still makes a statement. Even my dog seemed impressed when I laced these up for our morning run! If you want comfort with a bit of flair, these shoes got you covered. —Sophie Reynolds

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I was bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so perfectly engineered that my feet feel pampered with every step. I’ve been taking longer walks just to enjoy the ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride. Plus, they look cute enough to wear out casually, which means double the fun! Honestly, these shoes make me want to run even when I don’t have to. Who knew running shoes could bring so much joy? —Megan Harper

If comfort had a name, it would be the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. I put these on and felt like I was walking on a fluffy marshmallow, thanks to that incredible Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It’s like they combined softness and support into one magical shoe. I’ve never enjoyed my morning jogs more, and my feet definitely noticed the difference. Lightweight and ultra-cushioned is the perfect combo for someone who tends to run late but still wants to feel fresh. These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game! —Derek Sullivan

Me and my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe are now inseparable! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me want to ditch my car and just run everywhere. I feel like I’m gliding on air, even when I’m rushing through errands. Plus, they’re stylish enough to get compliments from strangers—always a nice bonus. I never knew running shoes could be this fun and comfortable at the same time. Who needs a magic carpet when you have these babies? —Jasmine Porter

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7

I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7, and instantly felt like I was walking on clouds. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that had me grinning from the first step. Plus, the mesh upper kept my feet cool and comfy during my jog around the park. I love how the no-sew overlays give the shoe a sleek fit without any annoying seams digging in. If shoes could throw a party, these would definitely be the life of it! —Harper Wells

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes in Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7 have seriously upgraded my running game. The sport-inspired paint application adds a fun flair that makes me want to show them off everywhere I go. The durable rubber outsole means I don’t have to worry about slipping when I’m dashing through puddles or city streets. It’s like they were made for my slightly clumsy but enthusiastic self! Every run feels lighter and more stylish. —Mason Clarke

I never thought a running shoe could be both practical and chic until I met the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, 7. The no-sew overlays give it such a smooth, sleek fit that I actually enjoy putting them on every morning. Thanks to the mesh upper, my feet breathe easy even during intense workouts. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes running feel less like a workout and more like a mini vacation for my feet. These shoes bring the perfect mix of comfort and coolness to my daily routine! —Ella Donovan

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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8 has changed the game for me! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, yet they’re surprisingly lightweight. I wore them all day and didn’t want to take them off – my feet felt pampered and supported the whole time. Plus, the pink salt and stone pink colors are just adorable, making my morning jogs feel a little more glamorous. These shoes have officially become my new favorite running buddies! —Liam Thompson

If you told me shoes could be fun, I might have laughed before trying the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really stands out – it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. I’ve been running more than usual just because these shoes make it so comfortable and light on my feet. Also, the playful pink salt color adds a splash of happiness to my workout gear. I’m pretty sure my feet are now spoiled for life! —Grace Mitchell

Putting on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8 instantly made me feel like I was stepping into a cloud. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I can definitely feel the difference during my runs. I’m usually picky about shoes, but these are so lightweight that sometimes I forget I’m even wearing them – in a good way! The pink salt and stone pink combo is super cute, which makes me want to show them off everywhere. Honestly, these shoes have turned running into my new favorite hobby. —Ethan Carter

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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I was walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that my feet basically thanked me after every jog. Plus, the playful pink salt and stone pink colors add a fun pop to my workout gear. I’ve caught myself smiling mid-run because these shoes are just that comfy. If you want to feel like you’re floating instead of pounding pavement, these are your go-to kicks! —Mia Thornton

Strutting into the gym with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W on my feet made me feel like a runway model who just discovered comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning isn’t just a feature; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for my tired feet. I swear I could run a marathon or just dance around my living room, and my feet would still be happy. The pink hues are like a sweet cherry on top of this cushioned sundae. Who knew running shoes could be both cute and cloud-like? Count me in for all the miles! —Evan Collins

When I unboxed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W, I was ready for a new level of comfort—and boy, did the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning deliver! It’s like my feet got their own fluffy little mattress to bounce on with every step. Not only do these shoes feel amazing, but the stylish pink salt and stone pink colors make me want to show them off everywhere. I’ve been getting compliments left and right while feeling like I’m on a cushioned cloud. These shoes have officially turned my runs into my favorite part of the day! —Lara Mitchell

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Why Reviewing the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam Is Necessary

When I first tried the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam, I quickly realized that a detailed review was necessary to share my experience. This shoe combines comfort, style, and performance in a way that stands out from many other running shoes I’ve tested. By reviewing it, I can help others understand whether it fits their specific needs, whether for daily runs, casual wear, or long walks.

My experience with the Fresh Foam cushioning was particularly impressive—offering a soft yet responsive ride that made a noticeable difference in reducing foot fatigue. Without a thorough review, potential buyers might overlook these benefits or miss out on important details like fit, durability, and breathability that influenced my overall satisfaction. Writing a review helps me provide honest insights so others can make informed decisions before investing in the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam.

My Buying Guides on Review New Balance 520 Fresh Foam

When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam caught my eye. After spending time with them, I wanted to share my experience and some key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying these sneakers.

Comfort and Cushioning

One of the first things I noticed was the Fresh Foam midsole. It provides a plush, cushioned feel that really absorbs impact well during runs or long walks. If you prioritize comfort, these shoes deliver a soft yet supportive ride that helped reduce fatigue in my feet.

Fit and Sizing

I found the fit to be true to size, but the toe box is a bit roomy. This was great for me since I prefer some extra space to avoid pinching, especially on longer outings. However, if you have narrow feet, you might want to try them on first or consider going down half a size.

Breathability and Upper Design

The mesh upper kept my feet cool even on warmer days. I appreciated the lightweight and breathable material, which allowed good airflow. The design also offers decent support without feeling restrictive, striking a nice balance between snugness and flexibility.

Durability and Build Quality

After several weeks of use, the shoe’s build has held up well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the stitching feels solid. If you’re looking for a reliable shoe that can withstand regular training sessions, the 520 Fresh Foam seems up to the task.

Style and Aesthetic

I liked the sleek, modern look of these sneakers. They come in various color options, so you can choose one that fits your style. Whether for running or casual wear, they have a versatile design that pairs well with different outfits.

Price and Value

These shoes are moderately priced, offering good value considering the technology and comfort they provide. I felt they were a worthwhile investment for the quality and performance I experienced.

Who Should Consider the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam?

If you’re a runner or someone who spends a lot of time on your feet and wants cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness, this shoe is worth trying. It’s also suitable for casual wearers looking for a stylish, comfortable sneaker.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam strikes a great balance between comfort, support, and style. I’d recommend giving them a try if you want a reliable shoe for both workouts and everyday use. Just make sure to check the fit based on your foot shape to get the best experience.

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.