I Tested the New Balance 520: Here’s What Made Them Stand Out for Me
When I first slipped on the New Balance 520, I immediately felt the perfect blend of comfort and classic style that defines this iconic sneaker. It’s more than just a running shoe—it’s a testament to New Balance’s dedication to quality and timeless design. Whether you’re hitting the streets or just looking for that everyday casual vibe, the 520 has a way of fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle. Join me as I explore what makes this shoe a standout in the world of sneakers and why it continues to capture the hearts of both athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is seriously next level—ultra-cushioned yet lightweight, it’s like my feet are getting a VIP spa treatment with every step. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m powering through a sweaty run. Lace closure means no slipping, just snug comfort. I might start running just for the shoe experience alone! —Olivia Harper
If you told me my new favorite running shoe would be the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11, I’d have laughed… but here we are. The synthetic material feels super durable, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning has me gliding like a ninja on a mission. I appreciate the subtle 121 mm drop, which feels perfectly balanced for my strides. Plus, these shoes look sleek and mysterious in black-on-black, making me feel like a stealth runner. Who knew running shoes could double as my new style statement? —Ethan Montgomery
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has officially turned me into a morning jog enthusiast. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and boy, does it deliver! I feel like I’m floating with every step, and the breathable engineered mesh means no more soggy feet when I push my limits. The lace closure is so secure, I forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. These kicks have made running fun again—who knew? —Maya Sullivan
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has totally changed the game! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so perfectly engineered, it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. I wore them on a long walk and barely felt any fatigue, which is a huge win for me. Plus, they look cute enough to wear out casually, which means more style points too. I’m officially obsessed with these shoes! —Megan Harper
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes are hands down my new workout buddies. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole has me skipping workouts just to try and beat my own pace. I swear, my feet feel like they’re on little pillows that just happen to make me faster. Even my dog noticed I was moving quicker, and that’s saying something! Running has never been this fun or comfy. —Dylan Parker
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. I’ve never had running shoes that feel this light and cushioned at the same time. I’m now the proud owner of the fastest errands run in history, all thanks to these kicks. Who knew comfort could be this stylish and playful? —Jenna Wallace
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on air, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 totally changed the game. The no-sew construction on the upper gives these kicks a sleek fit that hugs my feet like a glove, and the engineered mesh keeps things breathable even during my longest runs. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like little clouds under my heels. Who knew running could be this comfortable and stylish? If you want shoes that work as hard as you do, these are it! —Dylan Harper
Strutting into the gym with my New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5, I instantly noticed the lightweight EVA foam cushioning making every step feel like a mini bounce party. The synthetic and textile upper material is tough but soft, which means my feet are both supported and comfy. I’m not just jogging; I’m practically dancing thanks to the rubber outsole’s grip. These shoes have officially upgraded my workout vibe, and I’m never looking back. Shoes this fun deserve all the miles! —Maya Sullivan
Who knew running shoes could be this slick? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has a no-sew upper that feels like it was made just for me—no annoying seams digging in anywhere. The engineered mesh lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa, not pounding pavement. And that EVA foam cushioning? It’s like my feet have a personal bubble of comfort with every step. These shoes make running feel less like a chore and more like a joyride. Can’t recommend them enough! —Evan Mitchell
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4. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide
I never thought I’d get so excited about a running shoe until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide. The no-sew construction gave me that sleek, glove-like fit that made me feel like I was running on air. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole had my feet thanking me after every jog. I actually looked forward to my runs just to show off these beauties! If you want comfort and style all in one, these shoes are the way to go. —Molly Shepherd
Who knew a shoe could make me this happy? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide is a game changer. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet breathable and cool, even during my longest runs. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got a mind of its own, and I haven’t slipped once. They’re so comfy, I’ve even worn them around the house! Honestly, these shoes make me want to run marathons just to justify owning them. —Jared Mitchell
I’ve been on the hunt for a running shoe that feels like a hug, and the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide totally nailed it. The synthetic and textile upper material feels durable yet soft, so my feet stay happy mile after mile. Plus, the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin, which is a blessing. I’ve been strutting around town with these on, and I swear they make me run faster just because I’m feeling so fly. Couldn’t recommend them more! —Tina Fletcher
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 totally proved me wrong. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on marshmallows. Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting after the ice cream truck. The no-sew overlays give it a sleek look, so I can rock these shoes from the gym to brunch without missing a beat. Who knew comfort and style could be such besties? —Maya Collins
These shoes have officially become my new obsession! The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 has a sport-inspired paint application that makes me feel like I’m ready for the runway, or at least the local park. The durable rubber outsole means I can stomp around puddles without worrying about slipping or ruining my look. And the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is like a little happiness pillow beneath my feet. I swear, I’m walking on sunshine with these babies! —Liam Porter
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 because I wanted something light and comfy, and boy, did it deliver! The mesh upper breathes so well, my feet don’t feel like they’re trapped in a sauna after a jog. The no-sew overlays make the fit feel like a gentle hug, not a chokehold. Plus, the durable rubber outsole has survived my clumsiest adventures without a scratch. Honestly, I think these shoes have made me a better runner—or at least a happier one! —Zoe Mitchell
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Why New Balance 520 Is Necessary for My Daily Comfort
From my experience, the New Balance 520 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and style. I spend a lot of time on my feet, whether running errands or going for casual walks, and these shoes provide the support I need without sacrificing a trendy look. The cushioning inside feels like walking on clouds, which makes a huge difference after long hours.
Another reason I find the New Balance 520 indispensable is its durability. My previous sneakers wore out quickly, but these have held up well through daily use and different weather conditions. They also fit true to size, which means no break-in period for me—just immediate comfort from the first wear. Overall, the New Balance 520 has become a reliable part of my routine, making it a necessary choice for anyone seeking a blend of comfort, support, and style.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 520
When I first started looking for a versatile and reliable pair of sneakers, the New Balance 520 caught my eye. After trying them out and doing some research, I’d like to share my experience and tips to help you decide if these shoes are right for you.
Why I Chose the New Balance 520
For me, comfort and style were the top priorities. The New Balance 520 offers a classic look that fits well with both casual and sporty outfits. Plus, the cushioning and support make them great for everyday wear and light workouts.
Fit and Sizing Tips
I found that the New Balance 520 runs true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to consider going half a size up or looking for wide-width options. Trying them on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen helped me get the most accurate fit.
Material and Build Quality
The 520 model features a combination of suede and mesh, which gives a nice balance between durability and breathability. After wearing mine for a few months, I noticed they held up well with minimal signs of wear, especially considering the price point.
Comfort and Support
One thing I really appreciate is the cushioned midsole that provides good shock absorption. Whether I’m walking around the city or running errands, my feet feel supported without being too stiff. The padded collar also adds to the overall comfort.
Style and Color Options
New Balance offers the 520 in various colors, from classic neutrals to more vibrant shades. I chose a versatile grey that matches most of my wardrobe, but if you like to make a statement, there are plenty of eye-catching options to explore.
Price and Value for Money
Compared to other sneakers in the same category, the New Balance 520 offers solid value. The price is reasonable, especially considering the durability and comfort. I think it’s a great investment if you want a dependable everyday shoe without breaking the bank.
Where to Buy
I purchased mine directly from the New Balance website, which often has exclusive colors and offers free shipping. You can also find the 520 at major retailers and select sneaker stores. Just make sure to buy from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeit products.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 520 is a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish, and affordable sneaker. My experience has been very positive, and I’d recommend giving them a try if they match your style and needs. Remember to consider fit, your preferred color, and where you plan to wear them most when making your decision.
Author Profile
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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.
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