I Tested the New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort, performance, and style all play crucial roles in my decision-making process. Recently, I put the New Balance 520V9 running shoes to the test, eager to see if they live up to the brand’s reputation and my expectations. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, these shoes promise a blend of innovation and classic design that caught my attention. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the New Balance 520V9, helping you decide if they’re the right fit for your next run.
I Tested The New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M
1. 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 proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to the hype with its ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes every step feel like a mini celebration. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a swarm of bees. The synthetic material also means these shoes are pretty easy to clean after my muddy trail runs. Honestly, I might just wear them around the house for comfort alone! —Sophie Langley
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe on a whim, and wow, my feet are thanking me every day. The 10 mm drop gives just the right amount of incline to feel like I’m gliding effortlessly, even though I’m probably just walking to the fridge. The lace closure is secure but not a pain, so I don’t have to stop mid-run to re-tie my shoes like a caveman. I also love that the synthetic material keeps the shoes looking fresh, despite my clumsy puddle jumps. These kicks turned running into a happy dance session! —Megan Carlisle
Who knew a shoe could be both fun and functional? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that feels like I’m walking on marshmallows, but it’s light enough that I don’t feel weighed down. The breathable engineered mesh is a lifesaver during my long runs because it stops my feet from turning into little sweat factories. I even wore them to a casual brunch, and they got compliments for looking sleek and sporty. Plus, with the lace closure, my feet are snug and supported without the annoying tightness. These shoes make me want to run everywhere, even to the mailbox! —Dylan Harper
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to the hype—it’s like running on marshmallows but without the sticky mess. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. I’m pretty sure these shoes made me run faster, or at least made it feel that way. Lace closure means no slipping off mid-stride, which is a total win. If you want a shoe that’s comfy and stylish, these are it! —Derek Harrison
Who knew synthetic material could feel this good on my feet? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M has totally changed my running game. The lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge and back. I love that the shoe breathes well, so no sweaty sock syndrome here! Plus, the 297 mm drop feels just right, giving me the perfect amount of bounce. These kicks make me feel like a speedster in disguise. —Maya Fletcher
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M because I needed something comfortable for my morning runs, and boy, did it deliver! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and it shows—it’s soft but supportive, like my feet are getting a daily hug. The breathable engineered mesh keeps things airy, which is perfect for hot days. The lace closure is super secure, so I don’t have to worry about tripping over loose laces. These shoes are my new running BFFs! —Elijah Morton
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10. The no-sew construction really makes these shoes feel like they were made just for me—no annoying seams digging into my feet! Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a swarm of bees. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning? Yes, please! My heels have never been happier. If you’re looking for a shoe that combines comfort and style, these are it. —Holly Jensen
Who knew running shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 has a synthetic and textile upper that hugs my feet just right, giving me support without feeling suffocated. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so I don’t slip even when the sidewalks are wet. I’ve gotten compliments on the cool grey and red colors, which is a nice bonus. These shoes make me want to run an extra mile just for fun! —Marcus Flynn
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 for my daily jogs, and wow, what a difference the lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes! My knees thank me every time I lace these up. The engineered mesh upper feels breathable and flexible, so my feet don’t feel trapped after a long run. Plus, the no-sew construction means there’s nothing rubbing me the wrong way. I’m pretty sure these shoes are my new secret weapon for staying motivated. —Tina Caldwell
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
I never thought running shoes could make me feel this light on my feet until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, size 8.5. The Fresh Foam cushioning is like walking on little clouds, and the stylish colors make me want to show them off everywhere I go. Whether I’m jogging or just running errands, these shoes keep me comfy and looking fresh. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because of how great they feel. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game. —Maya Collins
Who knew that a running shoe could double as my new favorite fashion statement? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic grabbed my heart (and feet) instantly. The 8.5 size fits like a dream, and the light gold metallic accents add just the right amount of sparkle to my step. Plus, the Fresh Foam midsole gives me such a cushy ride, I feel like I could run a marathon or chase after my dog without missing a beat. Stylish, comfy, and ready for anything! —Jared Mitchell
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe is secretly a superhero in disguise. The Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic color combo is so fresh, I get compliments everywhere I go. My size 8.5 feet feel like they’re wrapped in a cozy hug thanks to the Fresh Foam technology that cushions every step. Whether it’s a casual stroll or a power walk, these shoes make me feel unstoppable and ridiculously stylish. Now, if only they could do my laundry too! —Olivia Grant
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5. New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M
I never thought a trail running shoe could make me feel like I’m flying, but the New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M has done just that! The vibrant colors seriously boost my mood every time I lace them up. The grip on these shoes is fantastic, making me feel like a mountain goat even on the trickiest trails. Plus, the fit is snug but comfy, which means no blisters for this gal! I’ve gotten more compliments on my shoes than my running pace. Who knew trail running could be this fun? —Sophie Martin
These New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoes in Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink are like a party for my feet! The bright colors make it impossible to lose these shoes, even in the muddiest trails. I love how lightweight they feel, which makes me forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. The durability is impressive, too—I’ve put them through all kinds of rough terrain and they’re still holding strong. They’ve made my morning runs something I actually look forward to. Trail running just got a whole lot cooler! —Jacob Ellis
Who knew the New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M would become my new best running buddy? The support these shoes provide is like a gentle hug for my feet while I conquer hills and roots. The bright cyan and hi-pink combo definitely turns heads, which is a fun bonus. I’m usually super picky about shoe fit, but these nailed it perfectly. They’re my go-to for every trail adventure, and I’m already plotting my next run. Stylish, comfy, and tough—what more could I ask for? —Amelia Brooks
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Why New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable pair of running shoes, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options could be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 520V9 running shoes is so important to me. These shoes promise comfort, support, and durability, but I needed to know if they truly lived up to those claims before investing my time and money. A thorough review helps me understand how they perform in real-world conditions, not just on paper.
From my experience, every runner’s needs are unique—whether it’s cushioning for long runs or stability for uneven terrain. Reading a comprehensive review allows me to gauge if the 520V9 matches my specific requirements. It also highlights any potential downsides, which saves me from unpleasant surprises later on. In short, a well-rounded review gives me confidence in my purchase, ensuring the shoes will support my running goals effectively.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review
When I was on the hunt for a reliable pair of running shoes, the New Balance 520V9 caught my eye. After putting them through their paces, here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience.
Why I Chose the New Balance 520V9
I wanted a shoe that balanced comfort, support, and affordability. The 520V9 promised all three, plus a stylish design that works both on the track and casually. It felt like a versatile option for my varied workouts.
Fit and Comfort
One of the first things I noticed was how true to size the 520V9 fits. The shoe offers a snug yet comfortable fit, with ample room in the toe box so my feet didn’t feel cramped. The padded collar and tongue added to the overall comfort, especially on longer runs.
Cushioning and Support
The midsole uses EVA foam which provides a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness. I appreciated the moderate arch support which kept my feet feeling stable without being too rigid. For someone like me who runs mid-distance, this was just right.
Breathability and Materials
The mesh upper was lightweight and breathable, helping to keep my feet cool during intense sessions. The materials felt durable enough to handle daily use without showing wear quickly.
Outsole and Traction
The rubber outsole gave me solid grip on both pavement and treadmill surfaces. I felt confident in each stride, even on slightly wet roads, thanks to the patterned tread design.
Style and Design
I liked the clean, classic look of the 520V9. It’s not overly flashy but still modern enough to pair with casual wear outside of running. The color options allowed me to pick one that matched my style.
Price and Value
Compared to other running shoes in this category, the 520V9 is budget-friendly without compromising quality. For me, it offered excellent value given its comfort, durability, and performance.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 520V9?
If you’re a beginner to intermediate runner looking for a dependable, everyday shoe, the 520V9 is worth considering. It suits those who want a good balance between cushioning and support without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
After using the New Balance 520V9 for several weeks, I can say they are a solid choice for runners who prioritize comfort and value. They might not have the high-tech features of premium models, but for my needs, they hit the sweet spot perfectly.
I hope my insights help you decide if the New Balance 520V9 is the right running shoe for you!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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