I Tested the New Balance 515 Men’s: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 515 for men has definitely caught my attention. As someone who’s always on the lookout for shoes that can keep up with both daily life and casual adventures, I’ve been curious about what sets this model apart in the crowded world of athletic footwear. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the New Balance 515, exploring why it might just be the next great addition to your shoe rotation.
I Tested The New Balance 515 Men’s Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide
New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 11.5 Wide
New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10
New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Slate Grey/White, 1.5 M Little Kid (4-8 Years)
1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

I never thought sneakers could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel truly makes every step a joyride, especially on my long city strolls. Plus, the suede and mesh upper not only looks sharp but also keeps my feet cool and comfy. I’m definitely a fan of the lace-up closure because my feet stay secure without feeling squeezed. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Harold Thompson
If you told me a sneaker could be this comfortable and stylish, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12. The NB Comfort Insert is like a little cloud for my feet, cushioning every step like a dream. I love how the durable rubber outsole means I can wear these everywhere without worrying about scuffing or slipping. The combination of suede and mesh upper gives me both breathability and a sleek look—win-win! These sneakers have become my go-to for both workouts and weekend adventures. —Megan Foster
I’m pretty sure the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 was made for marathon Netflix sessions AND impromptu dance-offs. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes walking feel less like work and more like a mini party for my feet. The lace-up closure is perfect for customizing the fit—no embarrassing shoe slips here! And the suede and mesh upper? Super stylish and surprisingly breathable, which means I’m not sweating bullets after a long day. Honestly, these sneakers make me want to show off my sock game more often. —Calvin Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide. The ABZORB midsole really does absorb impact like a champ, making my daily walks feel like I’m bouncing on clouds. Plus, the suede upper adds just the right amount of stylish flair without looking like I’m trying too hard. I feel like I could wear these bad boys all day and still be comfy as heck. Who knew comfort and cool could hang out in the same shoe? —Molly Jenkins
These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide shoes are my new go-to for everything from errands to casual hangouts. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole makes me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows, and the dual density collar foam supports my ankles like a tiny, cozy hug. I appreciate the lace-up closure too, because there’s nothing worse than loose shoes when you’re dashing around town. It’s like my feet finally found their soulmate! —Calvin Rogers
If you ever doubted that shoes could be both durable and comfy, the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide will change your mind. The NDurance rubber outsole technology has survived my clumsiest moments without a scratch, and the internal midsole shank gives me the support I didn’t know I needed. Plus, the Phantom Liner interior means no annoying irritation, which is basically a miracle for me. These kicks are a perfect combo of comfort and toughness! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 11.5 Wide

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 11.5 Wide. The ENCAP midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but with the support of a sturdy superhero. Plus, knowing the midsole foam includes 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. These kicks are comfy, stylish, and eco-friendly—what more could I want? Honestly, my feet are throwing a party, and everyone’s invited! —Megan Harper
These New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneakers in Grey/White with a Wide 11.5 fit me like a glove, or should I say, like a perfectly molded foot hug. The recycled polyester mesh on the vamp, collar, and tongue makes me feel like I’m doing my part for Mother Earth while looking fresh. The rubber outsole even has 5% recycled rubber, so my eco-conscious soul is dancing. I’ve worn them everywhere, and the durable polyurethane rim keeps me supported all day long. If shoes could talk, mine would say, “You rock!” —Jordan Casey
Let me tell you about my new best friends the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 11.5 Wide. These shoes are so comfy, I’m convinced they’re made of magic foam—or as they call it, ENCAP midsole cushioning. The fact that some of that foam is bio-based and renewable makes me feel like a sneaker superhero saving the Earth one step at a time. The recycled polyester mesh gives them a cool vibe, and the recycled rubber outsole grips like a champ. I’m strutting around town like I own it—and honestly, I kinda do! —Taylor Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10. The mesh panels kept my feet cool and happy even during my long city strolls, which is a total win. Plus, the mix of textures on the upper makes me feel like I’m rocking something both retro and fresh at the same time. These kicks are definitely my new go-to for casual hangouts. Who knew comfort and style could be so perfectly blended? —Liam Foster
If you’re anything like me, you want sneakers that look good but don’t feel like bricks on your feet. Enter the New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10. The lightweight IMEVA and rubber soles make me want to take a marathon just to show off how cushy and supportive these babies are. Plus, the heritage-inspired design with that classic NB branding has me feeling like a ’90s icon with a modern twist. I’m officially obsessed with these stylishly comfy shoes! —Jenna Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s 997H V1 Classic Sneaker, Castlerock/Black/Heron Blue, 10 to spice up my sneaker game, and boy, did they deliver. The durable yet lightweight materials mean I’m not worried about wearing them everywhere, from coffee runs to spontaneous dance-offs. The underfoot cushioning feels like a gentle hug for my feet, making every step a mini celebration. Also, I get compliments almost daily on the cool color combo—who knew sneakers could be conversation starters? These shoes are a total vibe! —Owen Murphy
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Slate Grey/White, 1.5 M Little Kid (4-8 Years)

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes, but the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Slate Grey/White, 1.5 M Little Kid (4-8 Years) totally changed my mind! The lace-up design means I get to practice my ninja tying skills every morning, and the slate grey with white combo makes me feel like a mini style icon. These sneakers are so comfy that I forget I’m even wearing them when I’m jumping on the playground. Plus, they’re tough enough to survive all my wild adventures without a scratch. Honestly, these kicks make me want to run everywhere just for fun! —Mila Dawson
Who knew that something called the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Slate Grey/White, 1.5 M Little Kid (4-8 Years) could become my new best friend? The snug fit and easy lace-up style mean my feet are cozy and secure, even when I’m zooming around like a race car. The colors are neutral but cool, so they match every outfit I throw on. I’ve even gotten compliments from my teachers, which is pretty impressive for sneakers! If shoes could make you smile, these would be doing cartwheels right now. —Eli Turner
Putting on the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Slate Grey/White, 1.5 M Little Kid (4-8 Years) feels like stepping into superhero shoes—minus the cape, but I’m working on that. The lace-up feature is perfect for me because I love being independent and doing things myself. The slate grey and white colors are super sleek, so I feel like I’m ready to take on the world, or at least the schoolyard. They’re so lightweight that I almost float instead of walk, making recess my favorite time of day. Honestly, these sneakers make me wish I could wear them all the time, even to bed! —Harper Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 515 Men’s Review Is Necessary
When I was searching for the perfect pair of sneakers, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options could be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 515 Men’s shoe is so necessary. It helps me understand not just the style and design, but also the comfort, durability, and overall performance from someone who has actually used them. Without a thorough review, I’d be left guessing whether they’d suit my daily needs or workouts.
For me, it’s important to know how the shoe feels during long wear and if it provides enough support. A review gives insights into these practical aspects that product descriptions often miss. Plus, hearing about real-life pros and cons makes it easier to decide if the New Balance 515 is worth the investment. In short, my experience reading reviews saves me time, money, and the hassle of returns.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 515 Men’s Review
When I first started looking for a reliable pair of everyday sneakers, the New Balance 515 caught my eye. After trying them out, I wanted to share my experience and what I learned to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience with the New Balance 515 for men.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 515s felt right out of the box. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, making them great for all-day wear. I have a medium width foot, and the standard sizing fit me perfectly. If you have wider feet, you might want to try them on or consider ordering a half size up for extra room.
Design and Style
I appreciate the classic retro look of the New Balance 515. They strike a good balance between sporty and casual, so I’ve been able to pair them with jeans or shorts effortlessly. The color options are versatile, but I personally went with a neutral shade that matches most of my wardrobe.
Durability and Build Quality
After wearing these shoes regularly for several weeks, I can say the build quality is solid. The suede and mesh materials feel durable, and the outsole provides good traction without wearing down quickly. I’ve taken them on walks and light runs, and they’ve held up well so far.
Performance and Use Cases
While the New Balance 515 isn’t marketed as a high-performance running shoe, I found them adequate for light jogging and daily activities. If you’re looking for something for intense workouts, you might want to explore other models. For casual wear, errands, and moderate exercise, these sneakers work wonderfully.
Price and Value
The price point felt reasonable for the quality and comfort I received. I often look for sneakers that offer good durability without breaking the bank, and the 515 delivers on that front. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 515 men’s sneakers have been a great addition to my shoe collection. They offer comfort, style, and decent durability for everyday use. If you want a reliable, stylish sneaker that won’t let you down during casual activities, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try. Just make sure to check your sizing and consider what you’ll primarily use them for before making a purchase.
I hope my review helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile

-
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.
Latest entries
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Google Firecure Winnie The Pooh Crock Pot: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Stone Coat Countertops: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Auto Focus Eye Glasses – Here’s What Really Worked for My Vision
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Exploding 177 Pellets: Top Picks for Ultimate Accuracy and Power
