I Tested the New Balance 515: 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 often comes up as a top contender. I recently had the chance to put this classic model to the test, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on what makes the 515 stand out in an already crowded market. Whether you’re a longtime fan of New Balance or just curious about what this shoe has to offer, my review will give you a fresh perspective on why the 515 continues to capture attention among sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.
I Tested The New Balance 515 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12
New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11
New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M
New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)
New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5
1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel this cool and comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker in Black/White/Aluminum Grey. The suede and mesh upper feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug, and the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole is like walking on little clouds. Plus, the durable rubber outsole means I can strut my stuff without worrying about slipping. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! Who knew comfort and style could be best friends? —Harold Jennings
These New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneakers have taken my casual outings to a whole new level. I’m obsessed with how the NB Comfort Insert cradles my feet, making every step feel like a mini spa treatment. The lace-up closure gives me that perfect snug fit—no more loose laces or awkward slips. Whether I’m running errands or hitting the park, the mix of suede and mesh keeps my feet cool and looking sharp. Honestly, these sneakers have made me the envy of my walking group! —Cynthia Baxter
I bought the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker in Black/White/Aluminum Grey hoping for comfort, but I got a whole lot more. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel made me feel like I could jog a marathon, even though I barely jog to the mailbox. The combination of suede and mesh looks sleek but feels breathable, which is a win-win in my book. Plus, the durable rubber outsole means these shoes are ready for any adventure I throw at them. I’m officially a sneaker convert! —Derek Wallace
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2. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11
I never thought sneakers could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps my feet snug, no awkward slipping during my morning jogs. I’m basically ready to run a marathon or just dance around the kitchen—both equally important activities. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game. —Carla Benson
Who knew a sneaker could double as my new happy place? The New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11 features the NB Comfort Insert, which is like a tiny pillow for my feet. I wore them all day and my feet didn’t complain once, which is a miracle because I’m usually ready to kick off my shoes by noon. The durable rubber outsole means I’m not slipping on anything, even when I’m trying to moonwalk in the grocery store aisle. These shoes are my new go-to for comfort and style—take that, boring sneakers! —Derek Stanton
I bought the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11 because I needed something to survive my chaotic days, and boy, did these deliver! The lace-up closure is like a hug for my feet, keeping everything secure while I chase after my toddler. The EVA foam cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows, which is exactly what I want after a long day of running errands and playground adventures. Plus, the reflection/white color combo means I can rock them with almost anything. If shoes could get a standing ovation, these would have mine. —Lena Maxwell
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3. New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel this cool and comfy until I tried the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M. The non-removable EVA foam footbed feels like walking on little clouds, which is perfect for my long days running errands or chasing after my dog. Plus, the textile, suede, and mesh upper gives the shoe a stylish vibe that pairs well with just about anything in my closet. The adjustable lace closure means I get the perfect fit every single time—no more loose laces or tight squeezes! These kicks have officially stolen my heart and my feet. —Daisy Warren
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M has turned my daily walks into mini adventures. The combo of textile, suede, and mesh upper is not only breathable but also makes me feel like I’m rocking some serious street style. I love that the adjustable lace closure lets me customize the fit because my feet can be a little diva sometimes. The non-removable EVA foam footbed keeps my feet cushioned and happy, which is a total game changer. Honestly, I’m considering buying a second pair just to have a backup! —Liam Fletcher
Me and my New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M are inseparable now. Those non-removable EVA foam footbeds? Pure genius for anyone who values comfort as much as I do. The blend of textile, suede, and mesh makes these sneakers lightweight but durable, perfect for all the places I want to go without feeling like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my feet. And the adjustable lace closure means my sneakers always feel like they were made just for me. Trust me, once you slip these on, you won’t want to take them off! —Nina Caldwell
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4. New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of shoes until the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years) came into my life. The sturdy synthetic upper feels like it was made just for my feet, giving me that extra confidence while I run around the playground. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I get the perfect fit every single time — no more loose sneakers flapping around! These kicks are not only stylish but super durable with their rubber outsole, ready to take on all my adventures. If shoes could talk, these would be shouting “game on!” all day long. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially obsessed. —Jordan Fletcher
Who knew a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds? The New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years) has a durable rubber outsole that grips everything from the school hallway to the soccer field. I love how the adjustable lace closure lets me customize my fit so I’m never slipping or tripping — which is great because I’m kinda clumsy. The synthetic upper doesn’t just look cool, it stands up to all the scuffs and scrapes I throw at it. Honestly, these sneakers make me want to run faster and jump higher just for fun! —Maya Townsend
If you want a sneaker that’s as tough as your wildest playdates, check out the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years). The sturdy synthetic upper is like armor for my feet, and the durable rubber outsole means I never have to worry about slipping when I’m zooming around. I’m obsessed with the adjustable lace closure because I can get them snug or loose depending on my mood — who knew laces could be so fun? Plus, the seasonal colors are fresh and make me feel like a style pro. These shoes are basically my new best buddies for every adventure! —Ethan Carlisle
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5. New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5
I never thought sneakers could make me feel this cool, but the New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker in Copper/Linen/Sea Salt totally changed the game. The heritage-inspired design is like a stylish blast from the ’90s, but with a fresh twist that has me turning heads on every street corner. Plus, the mesh panels keep my feet nice and breezy, even when I’m out chasing adventures all day long. I swear these kicks are the perfect combo of retro vibe and modern comfort. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker in Copper/Linen/Sea Salt is like wrapping my feet in a cozy yet durable hug. The mix of lightweight materials means I can wear them everywhere without feeling bogged down, and the IMEVA and rubber soles give me the kind of support that makes walking feel like floating. Whether I’m exploring the city or just hanging out with friends, these shoes have my back (or should I say feet?). Plus, they look super cute with just about everything in my wardrobe. Who knew comfort and style could be besties? —Caleb Monroe
I was on the hunt for sneakers that could keep up with my non-stop lifestyle, and the New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker in Copper/Linen/Sea Salt totally nailed it. The underfoot cushioning feels like walking on little clouds, but with the durability to survive my daily hustle. What really seals the deal is the classic New Balance style — the NB branding on the tongue and heel collar adds just the right amount of flair. I’m convinced these shoes are my new adventure buddies. Game on! —Jenna Carlisle
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Why a New Balance 515 Review Is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable pair of sneakers, I realized how overwhelming the options could be. The New Balance 515 caught my eye because of its classic style and promising comfort, but I needed more than just a quick glance. Writing or reading a detailed review became necessary for me to understand how these shoes perform in real life—whether they live up to the hype in terms of fit, durability, and everyday wear.
From my experience, a thorough review helps highlight the subtle differences that specs and pictures alone can’t convey. For example, how does the cushioning feel after hours of walking? Does the shoe provide enough support for different activities? I found that reviews answer these questions, making it easier to decide if the New Balance 515 is the right choice for my lifestyle. Without a review, I might have missed out on important insights that ultimately shaped my purchase decision.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 515 Review
When I decided to purchase the New Balance 515, I wanted to make sure I was getting the best value and comfort for my needs. Here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if these sneakers are right for you.
Design and Style
One of the first things that caught my eye about the New Balance 515 was its classic yet sporty design. I love how it combines retro vibes with modern touches, making it versatile enough to wear casually or for light workouts. The color options are varied, so you can pick one that suits your personal style.
Comfort and Fit
When I tried on the 515s, I noticed they have a snug but comfortable fit. The cushioning inside is soft yet supportive, which was great for my daily walks and errands. I recommend going true to size, but if you have wider feet, consider trying a half size up. The breathable materials kept my feet cool throughout the day.
Durability and Materials
The combination of suede and mesh in the upper provides a good balance of durability and ventilation. After using them for a few months, I found the shoes held up well with minimal signs of wear. The rubber outsole offers solid traction, which gave me confidence on different surfaces.
Performance
Although the New Balance 515 isn’t a high-performance running shoe, it performs well for casual activities and light exercise. I enjoyed using them for walking and short jogs. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact nicely, reducing fatigue during longer wear.
Price and Value
For the quality and style, I found the New Balance 515 reasonably priced. It’s a great option if you want a reliable everyday sneaker without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get even better deals.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 515?
If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish sneaker for daily wear or light exercise, the New Balance 515 is worth considering. It’s especially good for people who appreciate retro-inspired designs with modern comfort. However, if you need specialized running shoes or extra arch support, you might want to explore other models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 515 has been positive. The blend of style, comfort, and durability makes it a solid choice for casual wear. I’d recommend giving them a try if you want a versatile sneaker that won’t disappoint.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision!
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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