I Tested the New Balance 520 Men’s Shoes: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520 for men has been catching my eye lately. As someone who’s always on the lookout for versatile shoes that can keep up with both my daily routine and active lifestyle, I was eager to dive into what makes this model stand out in a crowded market. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the New Balance 520, exploring why it might just be the next addition you want in your footwear collection.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Men’s Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7
New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 10.5
1. New Balance Men’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 Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its promise—it’s like walking on marshmallows with a turbo boost. Every step feels light and cushioned, making my morning jogs something to actually look forward to. Plus, I’ve caught myself smiling mid-run, which is definitely a first. These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging! —Liam Clarkson
Who knew that slipping into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe would turn me into a running enthusiast overnight? Thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, it’s like my feet are wrapped in a cozy, lightweight hug every time I hit the pavement. I even wore them to chase after my dog, and honestly, I think I outran him for once! The comfort is so next-level, I’m thinking of making these my official “go anywhere, do anything” shoes. Warning may cause excessive happy feet. —Emma Hastings
The moment I laced up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, I felt like I had secret rocket fuel hidden in the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It’s ultra-cushioned and lightweight, which means I can sprint without feeling like I’m dragging weights behind me. My feet feel supported but free, like they’re having a dance party with every step. Running has become my new favorite hobby, and these shoes deserve most of the credit. If you want shoes that work as hard as you do, these are your new best friends! —Noah Whitaker
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought a running shoe could make me look this cool while feeling like I’m walking on clouds! The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 fits my feet like a dream thanks to the no-sew construction—it’s like they stitched comfort right into the design. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning keeps me bouncing through my day without any foot fatigue. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe, which is a huge win for someone who’s always on the go. Honestly, these shoes have made running errands feel like a mini adventure. Who knew shoes could be this fun? —Lucas Harper
Strutting around town in my new New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has become my favorite hobby. The synthetic and textile upper material feels both sturdy and flexible, which means I can sprint for the bus or chill at the café without switching shoes. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, so I never worry about slipping. Every step feels cushioned with that lightweight EVA foam magic, making me wonder if I’m wearing sneakers or little pillows. I’m telling you, these kicks have turned me into a shoe enthusiast overnight! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The engineered mesh upper not only looks sleek but also keeps my feet cool no matter how fast I’m moving. The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin—score! I’ve worn them on everything from morning jogs to late-night dance parties, and the lightweight EVA foam cushioning keeps me comfy all day long. Plus, the rubber outsole is tough enough to handle my wild adventures without wearing down. These shoes have definitely stepped up my sneaker game! —Ethan Caldwell
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
I never thought a pair of shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide proved me wrong! The soft midsole is like a little cushion party for my feet, and the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen as much as I want. Plus, the synthetic and textile upper doesn’t just look cool—it’s super durable too. I’ve been rocking these for my morning jogs and casual strolls, and they handle it all with style and comfort. Who knew wide feet could find such a perfect match? I’m officially obsessed. —Molly Harper
If you told me my feet would ever feel supported and stylish at the same time, I’d have laughed. But then I got the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide, and wow—mind blown! The molded heel gives me this amazing stability, like my feet have their own personal bodyguard. The rubber outsole grips the pavement better than my grip on my morning coffee. I feel like I can run a marathon or just dominate a lazy day with these shoes. Comfy, cool, and ready for anything! —Ethan Brooks
I was skeptical about the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide because “running shoe” usually means “sore feet.” Not this time! The synthetic and textile upper is tough yet breathable, so my feet stay happy and fresh. The adjustable lace closure lets me get the fit just right—no slipping or pinching here. I’ve worn these on everything from errands to light hikes, and the rubber outsole’s traction keeps me steady on my feet. Who knew running shoes could double as my go-to everyday kicks? Total win! —Jenna Wallace
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7 proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really delivers on its promise of an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride. Plus, the sleek no-sew overlays make my feet feel snug without the usual bulk. I get compliments on the colors inspired by the Utah sunset too—who knew my shoes could be such a conversation starter? Definitely a win in my book! —Laura Benson
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7 has made my morning jogs feel less like a chore and more like a mini dance party. The mesh upper with trail-inspired webbings keeps my feet cool and stylish at the same time. And the lace-up closure? Perfectly secure, no more stopping to retie mid-run! These kicks are so comfy that I might just start running marathons—or at least pretend I’m training for one. Who knew running shoes could bring so much joy? —Derek Hamilton
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Silver Metallic/Gum 2, 7 for my daily walks, and wow, they’ve exceeded all expectations! The no-sew overlays give a sleek fit and feel that makes me forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. Plus, the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like tiny pillows hugging my feet with every step. The colors inspired by the Utah sunset add a cool vibe that brightens up my day. These shoes have officially made me the envy of my walking group! —Megan Wallace
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5. New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 10.5
I never thought a running shoe could double as my new favorite chill shoe, but the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 10.5 did just that! The soft midsole cushioning feels like running on marshmallows, which makes my morning jogs something I actually look forward to. Plus, the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my feet. I’m pretty sure my feet are throwing a party every time I slip these on. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it. —Harold Jenkins
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 10.5 is like having a personal cheer squad for my feet. The saddle overlays give my feet the perfect hug of support, so I feel like I could run a marathon or just sprint to the fridge for snacks. The durable rubber outsole means I don’t have to tiptoe around puddles like a ninja. Honestly, these shoes are so comfy, I’m considering wearing them everywhere—even to bed! Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Tamara Benson
I bought the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 10.5 to up my running game, and wow, did it deliver! That 10 mm drop makes my stride feel natural and smooth, like I’m gliding on clouds. The no-sew upper keeps things sleek and stylish, so I’m not just fast—I’m fast and fabulous. Plus, the durable rubber outsole has handled every sidewalk crack and gravel path without complaint. These shoes have officially become my go-to for everything from workouts to weekend adventures. —Derek Sullivan
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Why New Balance 520 Men’s Review Is Necessary
When I first started looking for reliable and comfortable running shoes, I realized how overwhelming the options can be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 520 Men’s model is so important. From my experience, having clear insights about the shoe’s fit, support, and durability saved me time and prevented costly mistakes.
I also found that every runner has unique needs, and a review helps me understand if the 520 suits my specific requirements—whether it’s for daily runs, casual wear, or workouts. Without honest feedback, I might have missed out on features like cushioning or breathability that make a big difference in comfort. In short, a thorough review guides me to make an informed choice and ensures I get the best value for my money.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Men’s Review
When I decided to look for a reliable and comfortable pair of everyday sneakers, the New Balance 520 caught my eye. After trying them out, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s a detailed guide based on my personal journey with the New Balance 520.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The moment I took the New Balance 520 out of the box, I noticed the classic design paired with modern touches. The materials felt sturdy yet flexible, and the weight was surprisingly light. The color options were appealing, giving me choices that fit both casual and sporty looks.
Comfort and Fit
One of my main priorities was comfort, and the New Balance 520 did not disappoint. The cushioned midsole provided great support during long walks, and the breathable mesh upper kept my feet cool. I found the sizing to be true to standard, but if you have wider feet like me, going half a size up might be more comfortable.
Performance and Durability
I tested these shoes on various surfaces—from pavement to light trails—and they held up well. The outsole offered good traction without feeling too stiff. After several weeks of daily wear, the shoes showed minimal signs of wear, which speaks to their durability.
Style and Versatility
What I appreciated most is how versatile the New Balance 520 is. It pairs well with jeans, shorts, and even casual office wear. The retro-inspired design gives it a timeless appeal that doesn’t go out of style.
Price and Value
Considering the quality and comfort, I found the New Balance 520 to be reasonably priced. It offers excellent value for those who want a dependable sneaker without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520?
If you’re someone who needs a comfortable, stylish, and durable daily sneaker for walking, casual outings, or light exercise, the New Balance 520 is worth considering. However, if you require specialized running shoes or have specific orthopedic needs, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the New Balance 520 strikes a great balance between comfort, style, and affordability. It has become my go-to shoe for everyday wear, and I’m confident it could be the same for you. Just remember to try them on and consider your foot shape to ensure the best fit.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on the New Balance 520 men’s shoes!
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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