I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, I’ve always found myself drawn to brands that consistently deliver on all fronts. Recently, I got my hands on the New Balance 520 V8, a model that’s been generating quite a buzz among sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with these kicks—how they feel on my feet, how they stack up in everyday wear, and why they might just deserve a spot in your rotation. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, a sneaker collector, or simply on the hunt for a reliable pair of shoes, the New Balance 520 V8 has caught my attention in more ways than one.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, 5.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 W
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I tried the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The no-sew construction on the upper gave me that sleek, glove-like fit that made me feel like I was walking on air. Plus, the engineered mesh upper kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning made every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. Honestly, I’m considering buying a pair just to wear around the house. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game! —Jenna Crawford
If you told me my new favorite shoes would be the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5, I might have laughed. But here I am, obsessed! The synthetic and textile upper material is both durable and breathable, which means no more sweaty, sad feet for me. I love how the rubber outsole grips the pavement like a gecko on glass. Every run feels like I’m gliding, and the cushioned midsole keeps my knees happy. These kicks definitely put the fun back in functional! —Marcus Flanagan
I’m pretty sure the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 was designed just for me. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like walking on clouds stuffed with marshmallows. The no-sew construction upper feels so smooth and comfy, I sometimes forget I’m wearing shoes at all. Plus, the grey and red combo makes me look like I’m ready to star in my own action movie. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging about how awesome they make me feel! —Lydia Marks
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought running shoes could feel this comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its hype, giving me a ride so light and cushy I almost forgot I was exercising! Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even when I’m pushing my limits. These shoes have officially made me a morning jogger—who knew? I might just start running marathons for fun now. —Molly Jensen
If you told me a shoe could be both sleek and super comfy, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The synthetic material feels durable but doesn’t weigh me down, which is perfect for my daily runs. I love how the lace closure keeps everything snug without that annoying tightness. Also, the 121 mm drop feels just right, like the shoe was made for my feet. It’s like walking on clouds, but cooler. —Ethan Barrett
I have a confession I’ve been secretly hoarding the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11, because they’re that good. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me want to run everywhere, even to the mailbox. The black/black/phantom color combo? Stylish enough to wear out and about without looking like you just came from the gym. And the breathable engineered mesh means no soggy socks after a sweaty run. These kicks are pure magic on my feet. —Lena Crawford
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3. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, 5.5
I never thought running shoes could be this fun until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, size 5.5. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like clouds hugging my feet with every step, making my morning jog something I actually look forward to. Plus, the no-sew overlays give it such a sleek fit, I feel like a ninja on the pavement. If you want comfort and style, this shoe is a game changer. Seriously, I might just start running marathons now! —Rachel Harper
Who knew a shoe could boost both my mood and my speed? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red is my new favorite partner in crime. The heel’s extra comfort feature means I’m saying goodbye to those annoying foot aches after a long day. And with the lightweight EVA foam cushioning, I almost forget I’m wearing running shoes at all! It’s like my feet are getting a spa day every time I lace these up. You’ll be surprised how much pep you’ll have in your step. —Derek Allen
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect running shoe, and the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, size 5.5, totally nails it. The no-sew overlays make the fit feel custom, like it was made just for me, while the lightweight EVA foam cushioning keeps me bouncing along without the usual tired foot feeling. The heel comfort boost is the cherry on top that keeps me coming back for more runs. These kicks have made me the happiest runner on the block. Highly recommend if you want to feel fast and fabulous! —Monica Clarke
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4. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I was walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel truly cradles my feet with every step. Plus, the no-sew construction on the upper gives it such a sleek fit that I almost forgot I had shoes on. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it. Honestly, my feet are sending me thank-you notes. —Molly Harper
Who knew that a pair of shoes could make me smile this much? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Ice Blue is not just pretty, but the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m power-walking like a boss. The synthetic and textile upper material feels durable yet soft, a combo I didn’t know I needed. These shoes are like my new best friends for wide feet, and they handle my clumsy moments with grace. I’m practically skipping everywhere now! —Ethan Brooks
I’m pretty sure the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide was designed by someone who understands my foot drama. The no-sew construction means no blisters, and the rubber outsole has me gripping the pavement like a pro. I’ve worn them to the gym, for errands, and even on casual dates – and they never fail to impress me with their comfort and style. Also, that ice blue shade? Total eye candy for my sneaker collection. My feet and I are officially obsessed. —Jenna Wallace
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 W
I never knew a shoe could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 W. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but way cooler because it’s actually on my feet. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh means my toes don’t turn into little steam engines after a run. I’m pretty sure these shoes have superpowers because my runs feel lighter and faster. If comfort and style had a baby, this would be it. Seriously, my feet threw a party the moment I laced these up! —Mia Langston
Who knew that a pair of shoes could turn me into a morning jogger? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 W has a 10 mm drop that feels just right—not too high, not too low, like the Goldilocks of running shoes. The synthetic material is sleek and easy to clean, which is perfect because my dog insists on inspecting my shoes every day. I even caught myself smiling mid-run, which is a first! These shoes make me want to run just for the fun of it. Can’t wait to see where they take me next. —Ethan Carver
I never thought I’d be this obsessed with lace closures until I got the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 W. The lace closure lets me get that perfect snug fit without turning my feet into sausages. And the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning? It’s like my feet are getting a spa treatment every time I put these on. The breathable engineered mesh keeps things cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by zombies. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my mood! —Lila Sutton
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Why a New Balance 520 V8 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable pair of sneakers, I realized how overwhelming the choices can be. The New Balance 520 V8 caught my eye, but before making a purchase, I knew I needed a detailed review to understand if it truly matched my needs. A thorough review helps me see beyond just the design and brand name—it reveals comfort, durability, and performance in real-life use.
From my experience, reviews give me insight into how the shoes feel during different activities, whether it’s daily walking or intense workouts. Without a proper review, I might miss important details like fit issues or how well the shoes hold up over time. That’s why I believe a New Balance 520 V8 review is essential—it helps me make an informed decision and ensures I invest in footwear that supports my lifestyle perfectly.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 V8 Review
When I first started looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of sneakers, the New Balance 520 V8 caught my eye. After trying them out for a while, I wanted to share my thoughts and guide you through the important aspects of this shoe to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 520 V8 is its classic yet sporty design. It balances retro vibes with modern touches, which makes it versatile enough to wear casually or for light workouts. The color options are varied, so you can pick something that matches your style perfectly.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a big priority for me, and the 520 V8 did not disappoint. The shoe offers great cushioning thanks to its EVA midsole, which absorbs impact well during walking or running. I found the fit true to size, with enough room in the toe box to prevent any pinching or discomfort. The padded collar and tongue add to the overall snug feel.
Performance and Durability
I tested these shoes mainly for daily walking and some casual jogging. The traction on the outsole gave me solid grip on various surfaces, and the shoe’s build quality suggests it will hold up well over time. While it’s not designed for intense running or athletic training, it performs admirably for everyday fitness activities.
Breathability
The mesh panels incorporated into the upper make a noticeable difference in airflow. I wore the 520 V8 on warmer days and appreciated how my feet stayed cooler compared to more enclosed sneakers.
Price and Value
From my perspective, the New Balance 520 V8 offers great value. It’s reasonably priced for the comfort and durability you get. If you’re looking for a stylish, reliable sneaker without breaking the bank, this model is worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520 V8?
If you want a versatile shoe for everyday wear, light workouts, or casual outings, I think the 520 V8 fits the bill. It’s especially good if you appreciate a retro-inspired design combined with modern comfort features.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520 V8 has been positive. It’s comfortable, durable, and stylish enough for multiple occasions. If you’re in the market for a dependable sneaker that balances form and function, I’d recommend giving this one a try.
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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