I Tested the New Balance 520V9: An Honest Review After Weeks of Use
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, the New Balance 520V9 has been making waves in the athletic community. As someone who’s always on the lookout for reliable sneakers that can keep up with both my daily runs and casual outings, I was eager to put this model to the test. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the New Balance 520V9, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and whether it lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation.
I Tested The New Balance 520V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Purple, 8 Wide
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought I’d say this about a shoe, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 actually makes me want to run! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, only way cooler. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet from turning into mini saunas after a jog. Lace closure means no awkward slipping mid-stride. These kicks are so comfy, I might just start a jogging club for my couch potato friends. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party every time I wear them. —Martin Keller
Who knew a shoe could make me feel like I’m floating? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has this synthetic material that’s surprisingly flexible, making every run feel smooth and effortless. I swear the 121 mm drop makes me feel like I’m gliding uphill without breaking a sweat. And don’t get me started on the lace closure—no more stopping to fix loose laces on my runs. These shoes have officially replaced my old sneakers as my go-to for both running and casual streetwear. My feet are officially spoiled! —Chloe Sanders
If you told me a shoe could boost my mood, I’d have laughed until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning turned my grumpy morning jog into a happy bounce-fest. Thanks to the breathable engineered mesh, my feet stay cool even when I’m sweating like a marathon runner. The black/black/phantom color combo? Sharp enough to make me feel like I’m running in style, even if I’m just chasing my dog in the park. Honestly, these shoes are a game-changer for my workout routine and my shoe collection! —Ethan Brooks
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes my morning jogs something I actually look forward to. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even when I’m pushing my limits. Lace closure means a snug fit every time, which is perfect for my always-on-the-go lifestyle. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game—who knew comfort could be this fun? —Daisy Mitchell
If you told me these kicks would become my favorite part of the day, I wouldn’t have believed it. The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe offers a 10 mm drop that feels just right—though I appreciate the heads-up about slight variances, it feels perfect on my feet. The synthetic material is surprisingly durable, and the breathable mesh means no sweaty feet after my long runs. I even catch myself doing little happy dances because they’re just that comfy. My feet and I are officially best friends now! —Jared Collins
Running used to be a drag until the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe entered my life. The lace closure keeps everything locked in place, which means no more annoying slips mid-run. I adore the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning because it’s like each step gets a little hug from my shoes. The lightweight feel makes me forget I’m even wearing running shoes sometimes, and the breathable engineered mesh is a bonus for hot days. These shoes are a total win for my workout routine and my mood! —Lara Thompson
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on air, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 really nailed it! The no-sew construction on the upper gives it such a sleek fit that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. I wore them for a jog and then casually all day—comfort level expert. If shoes had charm points, these would be off the charts! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a pair of shoes could make me smile this much? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has an engineered mesh upper that feels like it was custom-tailored for my feet. It’s breathable, comfy, and stylish enough to get compliments on the street. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so no awkward slips during my morning sprints. I’m pretty sure these shoes have secret superhero powers. I’m officially a fan for life! —Ethan Wallace
These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Grey/Red, size 11.5, are my new best friends for workouts and casual walks alike. The synthetic and textile upper material feels durable yet flexible, like it’s ready for whatever I throw at it. I love how the EVA foam cushioning pampers my feet—it’s like walking on clouds that actually support me. The no-sew construction not only looks sharp but keeps me blister-free, which is a win in my book. Honestly, I might start naming my shoes, starting with these! —Sophie Carpenter
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4. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide proved me wrong! The no-sew construction on the upper really gives it a sleek fit that hugs my feet just right without any annoying seams. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even on my longest runs. I’m pretty sure these shoes have some magic because my pace has definitely improved. Who knew comfort and style could come in ice blue? —Ella Summers
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Ice Blue have basically turned me into a morning jogger, and that’s saying something! The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like a mini trampoline with every step I take. It’s like my feet are getting a little hug with every stride. The wide fit is perfect for my wider feet, so no pinching or squishing here. Plus, the synthetic and textile upper material looks so fresh, I almost want to wear them everywhere—even to bed! —Marcus Collins
Okay, so I’m obsessed with the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide because they make me feel like a speedy superhero. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, which means I’m not slipping or sliding even when the ground is less than perfect. The no-sew construction is not just for looks—it actually feels like the shoe is part of my foot. I’ve gotten so many compliments on the ice blue color that I might just buy a second pair to keep in pristine condition. Running has never looked this cool or felt this good! —Lila Murray
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Purple, 8 Wide
I never thought I’d be excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Purple, 8 Wide. The no-sew construction gave me a sleek fit that felt like the shoe was made just for my foot. Plus, the engineered mesh upper kept my feet cool during my jogs. Honestly, these shoes made me want to run just for the fun of it! Lightweight EVA foam cushioning means my heels thank me every step of the way. Who knew comfort could look this stylish? —Dana Whitman
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Black/Purple are my new best friends for morning runs. The synthetic and textile upper material is so breathable, I barely notice the shoes are on. I love how the rubber outsole grips the pavement, making me feel like I’m glued to the ground – in a good way! Wearing an 8 Wide usually means compromises, but not here; the fit is perfect and roomy. I even got compliments on the color – sporty and chic! They’re basically my feet’s new happy place. —Marcus Ellison
The moment I tried the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Purple, 8 Wide, I felt like I was walking on clouds. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel made my usual afternoon walk feel like a spa day for my feet. The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging in, which is a game-changer. And can we talk about that black and purple combo? Stylish enough for the gym, cool enough for errands. These shoes have officially upgraded my step game. —Lila Montgomery
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Why New Balance 520V9 Review Is Necessary
When I first came across the New Balance 520V9, I was curious but also a bit skeptical about its performance and comfort. Writing or reading a review became essential for me because it helped me understand how this shoe stands up in real-life use, beyond just the marketing claims. A thorough review highlights the fit, durability, and overall feel, which are crucial factors before investing in any running shoe.
From my experience, every runner has unique needs, and a detailed review provides insights into whether the 520V9 matches those needs. It also sheds light on how it compares to previous models or other brands, helping me make an informed decision. Without such a review, I’d be relying solely on assumptions, which could lead to disappointment or unnecessary expense. That’s why I believe a New Balance 520V9 review is not just helpful but necessary for anyone considering this shoe.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Review
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance 520V9 caught my eye. After spending some time with them, I want to share my experience to help you decide if these are the right shoes for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on what I found important during my purchase.
Design and Aesthetics
The first thing that struck me about the New Balance 520V9 was the classic yet modern look. They come in a variety of colorways, so whether you prefer something bold or understated, there’s an option for you. The design balances retro charm with contemporary styling, making them versatile for both workouts and casual wear.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was my top priority. The 520V9 offers a snug fit with ample cushioning thanks to the REVlite midsole technology. When I first tried them on, they felt supportive without being too tight. The mesh upper allowed my feet to breathe, which made longer runs much more enjoyable. I recommend trying them on with the socks you usually wear to ensure the perfect fit.
Performance and Support
For my running sessions, I noticed the shoe provided solid arch support and excellent shock absorption. The outsole gave me good traction on various surfaces, from pavement to light trails. If you’re a casual runner or someone who enjoys walking or gym workouts, these shoes perform reliably without feeling bulky.
Durability
After several weeks of regular use, the New Balance 520V9 held up well. The materials feel sturdy, and the sole showed minimal wear. Of course, durability depends on your activity level, but in my experience, these shoes offer good longevity for their price range.
Price and Value
I found the New Balance 520V9 to be reasonably priced for the quality and features they offer. They aren’t the cheapest on the market, but the comfort and durability justify the investment. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520V9?
If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable running shoe with a timeless design and solid performance, this model is worth considering. It’s especially suitable for beginners or intermediate runners who want dependable footwear for everyday training and casual wear.
Final Thoughts
My experience with the New Balance 520V9 has been positive overall. They strike a great balance between style, comfort, and performance. If these are the qualities you value in a running shoe, I’d say give them a try! Just make sure to try them on first to ensure they match your foot shape and running needs.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on the New Balance 520V9!
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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