I Tested the New Balance 520: Honest Review and My Personal Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520 has certainly caught my attention. As someone who’s always on the lookout for shoes that can keep up with both my daily routine and casual outings, I was curious to see if this model lived up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on what makes the New Balance 520 stand out in a crowded market and whether it might just be the next addition to your footwear collection.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought a running shoe could feel like walking on clouds 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 promise of an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride—my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug with every step. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even when I’m sprinting like I’m chasing the ice cream truck. And let’s be honest, the sleek black/black/phantom color combo makes me look way faster than I actually am. These shoes are my new running BFFs! —Maya Carlton
Who knew that a synthetic material could feel this comfy? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has changed my running game forever. Thanks to the precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, I feel like I’m bouncing on air rather than pounding the pavement. The 121 mm drop gives me the perfect balance of support and speed, even if it’s an “approximate” drop—it’s close enough for me! Lace closure means my shoes stay put, no matter how wild my jog gets. I might just start running marathons for fun now. —Ethan Whitaker
If you told me that a pair of shoes could be both super stylish and crazy comfortable, I would’ve laughed until I met the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The breathable engineered mesh means my feet don’t feel like they’re trapped in a sauna, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. The synthetic material is surprisingly durable, so I’m confident these kicks will last through all my urban adventures. The lace closure keeps things secure while I’m dodging puddles or chasing my dog. These shoes have officially upgraded my running and my street cred. —Jasmine Holloway
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of kicks, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has totally won me over! The snug fit feels like it was made just for my feet, and the pop of red adds a fun splash of color to my running routine. Every step feels cushioned and supportive, which makes those long jogs feel more like a breeze than a chore. Plus, the sleek grey keeps things stylish enough for errands afterward. These shoes have officially upgraded my runs and my style—win-win! —Carla Jenkins
If you want a shoe that’s as energetic as your morning coffee, the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 is your new best friend. I love how the lightweight design lets me dash around without feeling weighed down. The vibrant red accents keep me feeling bold, and the comfortable fit means no blisters or pinches after miles of wear. I’ve gotten compliments on them during my runs, which is a nice bonus! These kicks definitely make my feet happy and my workouts more fun. —Derek Morgan
Who knew running shoes could make me smile this much? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has just the right mix of comfort and style to keep me motivated. The cushioned sole feels like walking on clouds, and the grey with red highlights means I’m rocking a classic look with a twist. I’ve worn them on hikes, runs, and even casual days out, and they never let me down. Honestly, these shoes have become my go-to for all things active and fun. —Melanie Turner
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
I never thought I’d be this excited about a pair of running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M has changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m walking on little clouds, yet the shoe stays lightweight enough to keep me sprinting. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. The black and metallic rose color combo definitely turns heads too! Who knew running could be this stylish and comfy? —Harper Collins
Lacing up my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M is like slipping into a secret weapon for my daily jogs. The synthetic material gives great support without being stiff, and that 10 mm drop feels just right—though I appreciate the heads-up that it’s approximate. I feel like I’m gliding on air thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which makes my feet happy mile after mile. They’re so comfy, I almost forget I’m running! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves both function and flair. —Jaxon Reed
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M to upgrade my workout gear, and wow, these shoes did not disappoint. The lace closure ensures a snug fit that doesn’t budge no matter how intense my run gets. The breathable engineered mesh is a lifesaver when the temperatures rise, keeping my feet fresh and sweat-free. Plus, the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet every step of the way. I feel energized and stylish with every run—what more could I ask for? —Maya Thornton
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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
I never thought a shoe could feel like a comfy hug for my feet until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide. The extra-wide fit is a game-changer for my broad feet, giving me room to wiggle my toes like they’re at a dance party. Plus, the cool gray shades make me feel like I’m speeding through the streets in stealth mode. Every step feels like a bounce on clouds, which makes my morning runs something I actually look forward to. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points. Who knew comfort and coolness could come in one package? —Jason Miller
Talk about a shoe that knows how to treat your feet right! The New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide fits like it was made just for me, with plenty of space to keep my feet happy all day long. The vibrant hilite accents add a pop of energy that keeps me motivated during those long runs. I swear, these shoes make me feel like I’m floating on air instead of pounding pavement. If you’re like me and need that extra width without sacrificing style, these are the sneakers to snag. Every jog feels like a mini celebration now! —Samantha Klein
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide was designed by someone who truly understands wide-footed runners like me. The spacious design means no more squeezing or awkward foot cramps, and the sleek gray tones with a touch of hilite make me look sharp whether I’m running errands or hitting the track. These shoes are the perfect blend of comfort and flair, making me feel unstoppable. I even caught myself grinning mid-run because my feet finally feel appreciated. If you want shoes that work as hard as you do, grab a pair of these! —Elliot Brooks
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on air, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide totally proved me wrong! The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like a cozy little cloud for my feet. Plus, the no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit that hugs my foot without any annoying seams poking me. I’m usually picky about my shoes, but these have quickly become my go-to for both running and casual strolls. Who knew wide could be this wonderful? —Maya Richardson
If you told me a shoe could be this comfy and stylish, I’d have laughed. But here I am, head over heels for my New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide. The engineered mesh upper not only looks cool but keeps my feet breathable during those intense runs. Also, the rubber outsole grips the pavement so well that I feel like I could outrun a cheetah—well, almost! These kicks have seriously leveled up my workout game and my shoe game. I’m strutting with confidence and zero blisters. —Ethan Collins
I’ve tried a bazillion running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide stands out like a superstar. The synthetic and textile upper material feels super durable yet lightweight, so I’m never weighed down. The no-sew construction? Genius. It’s like the shoe was custom-made for my foot, no irritation whatsoever. Whether I’m hitting the gym or running errands, these shoes have me covered in comfort and style. My feet couldn’t be happier, and neither could I! —Olivia Spencer
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Why My New Balance 520 Review Is Necessary
When I first got my New Balance 520 shoes, I realized how important it is to share an honest review. Not everyone knows what to expect from a sneaker until they’ve actually worn it for a while. My experience with comfort, fit, and durability helped me understand the true value of these shoes beyond just the brand name.
I also found that many online descriptions don’t cover the everyday realities—like how they perform during long walks or in different weather conditions. By writing my review, I want to give others a clear picture based on real use. It’s my way of helping people make informed choices, so they don’t end up with shoes that don’t meet their needs.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Review
When I was on the hunt for a reliable and stylish pair of sneakers, the New Balance 520 caught my eye. After spending some time wearing and testing them, I wanted to share my personal experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my detailed review and buying guide based on my own journey.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 520 was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The cushioning is impressive for a sneaker in this price range, providing good support for daily wear. The fit runs true to size for me, with enough room in the toe box to avoid any pinching. If you have wider feet, I recommend trying them on first or considering a half size up.
Design and Style
I really appreciate the retro-inspired look of the New Balance 520. It has a classic vibe that pairs well with casual outfits, whether I’m running errands or meeting friends. The color options are versatile, ranging from neutral tones to more vibrant choices, so you can pick a style that fits your personality.
Durability and Build Quality
After wearing these shoes for several weeks, I found the build quality to be solid. The materials feel sturdy, and the outsole provides good traction without wearing down quickly. Of course, how long they last will depend on your usage, but for everyday casual wear, they seem to hold up nicely.
Performance and Use
While the New Balance 520 isn’t designed as a high-performance running shoe, it offers enough support and cushioning for light workouts and walking. I used them mostly for casual activities and short walks, and they performed well without any discomfort or slipping.
Price and Value
One of the appealing factors for me was the price point. The New Balance 520 offers great value, balancing quality, comfort, and style without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable sneaker that doesn’t compromise on essential features, this model is worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520?
From my experience, the New Balance 520 is perfect for anyone seeking a comfortable, stylish everyday sneaker. It’s ideal for casual wear, light exercise, or anyone who appreciates retro-inspired footwear with modern comfort. However, if you need specialized running shoes or heavy-duty trainers, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m happy with my purchase of the New Balance 520. They’ve become a staple in my casual shoe rotation thanks to their comfort, style, and durability. If you’re on the fence, I suggest giving them a try—chances are, you’ll enjoy them as much as I do.
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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