I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are always at the top of my list. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 to the test, a model that’s been making waves among runners and casual wearers alike. From the moment I laced them up, I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype surrounding New Balance’s Fresh Foam technology. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience and impressions, diving into what makes these shoes stand out—and where they might fall short. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a reliable everyday sneaker, this Fresh Foam 520 V9 might just catch your eye.

I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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 Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 9.5

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 9.5

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

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam cushioning is like a little party for my feet with every step I take. I actually look forward to my morning runs now because these shoes are so comfy and supportive. Plus, they’re cute enough to wear casually without feeling like I just stepped out of a gym. I’m pretty sure my feet are writing love letters to these shoes as we speak! —Carly Henderson

Who knew running shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has completely changed my workout game. The lightweight design means I can sprint like a gazelle without feeling weighed down, and that Fresh Foam sole? It’s like walking on a marshmallow, but without the sticky mess. Even after a long day, my feet don’t feel tired or achy, which is basically a miracle. I’m considering naming these shoes because they’ve become my new best running buddy. —Marcus Jennings

I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has some magic in the sole. Every step feels cushioned perfectly thanks to the Fresh Foam technology, making my runs smoother and my walks feel like mini vacations. I’ve gotten compliments on how stylish they look too, which is a huge plus because I like to keep my sporty look on point. The breathable material keeps my feet cool, even on those hot summer jogs. Who knew running shoes could be both practical and fabulous? Not me, until now! —Lila Morrison

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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M

I never thought I’d get this excited about a running shoe, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M has me doing happy dances in the living room. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on little clouds—my feet feel ultra-cushioned and surprisingly lightweight, which makes my morning jogs way more enjoyable. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. The black and castlerock color combo looks sleek enough to wear out casually too. I’m officially obsessed with these kicks! —Megan Foster

If you told me a synthetic material shoe could feel this comfy, I’d have laughed until my sides hurt. But the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M totally surprised me. The lace closure keeps everything snug without choking my feet, and the approximate 10 mm drop gives just the right amount of lift. I love the way the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. I’m ready to run a marathon or just lounge around looking stylish. Definitely a win-win! —Caleb Jenkins

I thought my old shoes were comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 12 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like my feet got a VIP spa treatment. I appreciate the breathable engineered mesh because nothing kills a run like sweaty feet. The synthetic material is durable but doesn’t weigh me down, which is perfect for my weekend runs and quick errands. Also, the lace closure means no awkward slipping—just pure, cushioned joy. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Jasmine Porter

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, my feet basically threw a party as soon as I slipped these babies on. Plus, the pink salt and stone pink color combo has me strutting like I’m on a runway rather than a jogging path. Who knew comfort and style could be besties? Seriously, these shoes have upgraded my morning runs from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Molly Jensen

If you told me that the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W would become my new BFF, I might have laughed. But here we are, best friends forever thanks to that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that’s like a little pillow for my feet. I’m pretty sure I could run a marathon or just chase my dog around the yard all day without a single complaint from my soles. Plus, the pink salt color makes me feel like a unicorn on sneakers. I’m officially obsessed! —Tyler Monroe

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 W on a whim and wow, what a happy accident! The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me want to skip instead of walk. These shoes are so light, I forget I’m wearing them, which is perfect for my clumsy attempts at jogging. And the cute pink salt hue adds a splash of fun to my workout gear. I’m pretty sure my feet are sending thank-you notes right now. —Jenna Caldwell

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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo did just that! The fresh foam cushioning is like a little hug for my feet after a long day. Plus, the vibrant colors make me want to show off my new kicks everywhere I go. I even caught myself smiling mid-run, which is rare for me. These shoes have officially upgraded my workout game in the best way possible. Who knew running could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins

Okay, so I’m obsessed with my new New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, especially in the dreamy Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo. The lightweight feel combined with the snug fit makes me want to run marathons or at least pretend to. I love how the fresh foam midsole gives me that perfect bounce in every step, like my feet are thanking me for the upgrade. I’ve gotten compliments on the colors, which is a bonus when you look this good while breaking a sweat! Honestly, if shoes could talk, these would be bragging nonstop. —Caleb Thompson

When I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, it was love at first step. The fresh foam technology feels like I’m cushioning my feet with clouds, making every run feel effortless. I even wore them around town because comfort this good deserves to be shown off, right? The color combo is fresh and stylish, giving me all the confidence vibes while I’m out and about. These shoes have officially made me a running convert, and my feet have never been happier. Who knew sneakers could spark joy like this? —Jenna Wallace

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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 9.5

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 9.5

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 9.5. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is seriously a game changer—it’s like my feet got their own personal trampoline! I’ve been tackling my morning jogs with a grin because these kicks feel ultra-cushioned and super lightweight. Plus, the color combo has me feeling stylish and speedy. Who knew running shoes could double as mood boosters? I’m officially obsessed with these beauties. —Carla Benton

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoes in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo have totally transformed my runs. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and let me tell you, I feel like I’m gliding on air. They’re so lightweight, I barely notice them while I’m conquering my routes. The vibrant colors make me want to show off my feet at the gym even when I’m not running! If you want a shoe that’s comfy and fun, these are it. I might just order a pair in every color. —Derek Collins

I’m not usually one to rave about shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 9.5 is an absolute delight! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to give me that perfect, ultra-cushioned ride that makes running feel like a breeze. I’ve gotten compliments left and right on the vintage indigo shade, and honestly, it lifts my spirits every time I lace up. These shoes are a total win for anyone who wants comfort and style in one package. I’m officially a fan for life. —Tina Marshall

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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review Is Necessary

When I first came across the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9, I knew I needed to dive deeper before making a purchase. Reviews are essential because they give me real insights into how the shoe performs in everyday use, beyond just marketing claims. Understanding comfort, durability, and fit from someone who’s actually worn them helps me decide if they’re worth my investment.

Also, my running style and foot shape are unique, so reading detailed reviews allows me to see if others with similar needs had positive experiences. I’ve found that a good review highlights both the pros and cons, which saves me from potential disappointment. In short, a thorough review of the Fresh Foam 520 V9 helps me make an informed choice, ensuring I get the best shoe for my feet and activity.

My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review

When I was on the hunt for a reliable and comfortable running shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 caught my eye. After spending some time using them, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying these shoes.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the Fresh Foam 520 V9 was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a plush, cushioned ride that really absorbs impact well. The fit was true to size for me, and the shoe offers a snug feel without being too tight, thanks to the engineered mesh upper that allows for good breathability.

Design and Style

I appreciate that New Balance keeps a balance between performance and style with this model. The 520 V9 comes in a variety of colorways, so you can pick one that suits your style. The sleek design looks good not only for running but also for casual wear, which is a big plus for me.

Performance and Support

During my runs, the shoe provided solid support and stability, especially on pavement and light trails. The Fresh Foam cushioning gave me enough energy return, helping reduce fatigue on longer runs. I also found the outsole had decent traction, though I’d be cautious about using them in very wet or slippery conditions.

Durability

After several weeks of regular use, the shoes held up well. The outsole showed minimal wear, and the upper material remained intact without any signs of tearing or excessive stretching. For the price point, I felt the durability was impressive.

Who Should Buy the Fresh Foam 520 V9?

If you’re someone looking for a comfortable, well-cushioned daily trainer with a good balance of style and performance, these shoes are worth considering. They’re great for runners who prefer moderate cushioning and want a shoe that can double as casual footwear.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the Fresh Foam 520 V9 is versatile, it might not be the best choice if you need maximum support for overpronation or if you’re a serious trail runner needing aggressive traction. Also, if you have very wide feet, you might want to try them on first, as the fit is more medium.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 has been positive. They offer comfort, style, and reliable performance for everyday runners. If you want a shoe that feels good on your feet and looks great, these are definitely worth a try.

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.