I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe that balances comfort, style, and performance, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 has been making waves in the sneaker community. I recently had the chance to put this model through its paces, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on what makes it stand out—and where it might fall short. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone looking for everyday comfort, this review will give you an honest glimpse into what the Fresh Foam 520 V9 has to offer.

I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

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1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m literally bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has changed my mind! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes my morning jog feel more like a joyride. I caught myself smiling mid-run because these shoes are just that comfortable. Plus, they look cute enough to wear around town without feeling like I’m still in workout mode. Seriously, my feet have never been happier. If you want shoes that feel like a hug for your feet, these are it! —Maya Thornton

Strutting down the street in my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, I felt like I had springs for soles thanks to the precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It’s so lightweight and cushy that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. These kicks turned my usual run into a smooth, bouncy dance party for my feet. Even my dog noticed my extra pep in my step, and that’s saying something! If you want a shoe that makes every step feel like a mini celebration, grab these. I’m officially obsessed. —Liam Caldwell

My feet and I have a new best friend the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on a marshmallow cloud. I’ve been wearing them everywhere—not just for runs—because comfort this good deserves to be flaunted. They’re so light that sometimes I forget they’re on, which is great until I catch myself dancing in the grocery aisle. Who knew running shoes could double as happiness machines? Trust me, your feet will thank you! —Zoe Franklin

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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of sneakers, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has changed my mind. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, yet the shoe stays incredibly lightweight. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. Lace closure means I can adjust the fit just right without fuss. These shoes have made my morning runs something I actually look forward to. Who knew comfort and style could coexist so perfectly? —Derek Coleman

If shoes could talk, mine would be bragging about the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The synthetic material makes them super durable, but the real star is that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning which cradles my feet like a cozy hug. I love the 121 mm drop—it’s just right for my running style, though I’m told it’s approximate. The breathable mesh means no sweaty feet disasters during my weekend jogs. Honestly, slipping these on feels like a mini celebration every time. Run happy, right? —Monica Hayes

Me and my New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 are now best buds. The lace closure lets me tighten things up or loosen them depending on my mood, which is perfect for my all-day wear. That ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is like a secret weapon for my tired feet after a long day. I’m also a big fan of the sleek black look—it goes with everything and makes me feel like I’m ready for action. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run marathons, or at least chase the ice cream truck! —Natalie Foster

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W

I never thought a shoe could make me want to run laps around the park, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W has done just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but without the risk of floating away. Plus, the pink salt and stone pink colors make me feel like I’m strutting the runway instead of the running trail. My feet have never been so happy or stylish. Seriously, these shoes are my new best friends for every workout. —Maya Collins

Who knew running shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W has the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that’s so light and comfy, I forget I’m even wearing shoes. I tried jogging around the block, and instead of my usual tired feet, I felt like I was bouncing on a trampoline. Also, the pink salt color adds a little pep to my step and my outfit. I’m officially a convert to this ultra-cushioned magic. Try them out; your feet will thank you! —Jordan Miller

If you told me my new favorite thing would be the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 8.5 W, I would have laughed. But here I am, obsessed! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and boy, can I feel the difference. It’s like my feet are wrapped in tiny pillows that also happen to be super supportive. Plus, the cute pink salt shade makes my runs feel extra special. I’m ready to take on the world, one cushioned step at a time. —Harper Bennett

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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

Who knew that slipping on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5 would feel like walking on little clouds? I swear, the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a cozy hug for my feet, but without the awkwardness of an actual hug. These shoes make me want to run just for the fun of it, even if my legs disagree sometimes. Plus, the Angora/Blue Oyster color combo is fancy enough to make me feel like a runway model—even if I’m just strutting to the mailbox. Definitely a win for both comfort and style! —Jenna Caldwell

I never believed a shoe could be both ultra-cushioned and lightweight until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5. It’s like my feet found their soulmate in that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. I took them for a spin around the park, and suddenly, running felt less like a chore and more like a dance party. Plus, the quirky Angora/Blue Oyster color makes me stand out without trying too hard. If shoes had personalities, these would be the life of the party. —Marcus Flynn

The moment I laced up the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5, I knew my foot game had changed forever. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and by precision, I mean it’s like they studied my foot’s every whim and catered to it. I’ve been skipping through my workouts and even got compliments on the snazzy Angora/Blue Oyster hue. Lightweight and cushioned? Yes, please! My feet have officially declared these their new best friends. —Lydia Monroe

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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10

I never knew a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really delivers that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride everyone talks about, and I’m officially obsessed. Whether I’m running errands or running laps, these kicks keep my feet happy and stylish. Plus, the color combo is so fresh it might just brighten up my whole day. Who knew running shoes could double as a mood booster? —Evelyn Marsh

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoes are my new secret weapon for feeling unstoppable. I love how the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that perfect blend of support and softness—it’s like a hug for my feet with every step. Fairweather Blue and Vintage Indigo? Yes, please. I’ve been getting compliments everywhere I go, and honestly, it makes my morning runs way more fun. Lightweight, comfy, and cute? This shoe has it all! —Calvin Turner

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo on a whim, and now I can’t imagine my life without it. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is a game changer—so light, yet so cushy, it feels like I’m floating. I’ve taken these shoes on every adventure, from quick jogs to long walks, and they handle it all with style and grace. Honestly, my feet have never thanked me more. If you want comfort with a splash of flair, these are your shoes! —Monica Hayes

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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review is Necessary

When I first heard about the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9, I was curious if it would live up to the hype. With so many running shoes on the market, it’s hard to know which pair truly fits my needs without trying them on myself. That’s why a detailed review is necessary—it helps me understand the shoe’s comfort, durability, and performance based on real-world experience rather than just marketing claims.

For me, running shoes are a big investment, and I want to be sure that the Fresh Foam 520 V9 provides the support and cushioning I need for my workouts. Reading a thorough review gives me insight into how the shoe performs on different terrains, how it fits compared to previous versions, and whether it’s worth the price. Ultimately, a good review helps me make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse.

My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review

When I was searching for a reliable and comfortable running shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 caught my eye. After spending some time testing and wearing them, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through everything you need to know before making a purchase.

Comfort and Fit

From the moment I slipped on the Fresh Foam 520 V9, I noticed how plush and supportive they felt. The Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning, which made my runs much smoother and reduced foot fatigue. They fit true to size for me, with enough room in the toe box to prevent any pinching or discomfort during longer sessions.

Design and Style

I appreciate that New Balance offers the 520 V9 in a variety of colorways. The design balances sporty and casual looks, so I’ve been able to wear them not only for workouts but also for everyday errands. The sleek silhouette and breathable mesh upper made them visually appealing and practical.

Performance and Durability

During my runs, the shoe’s grip and traction were reliable on different surfaces, from pavement to light trails. The outsole held up well after several weeks of use, showing minimal signs of wear. I found that the shoe offers a good balance between cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for both short runs and longer jogs.

Breathability and Weight

One thing I noticed right away was how breathable the mesh upper is. My feet stayed cool even during warmer runs, which was a big plus. The shoe is lightweight, so I never felt weighed down or sluggish while wearing them.

Price and Value

The Fresh Foam 520 V9 is reasonably priced compared to other running shoes in this category. Given the comfort, durability, and style, I felt I got great value for the money. It’s an investment in a quality shoe that supports your running goals without breaking the bank.

Who Should Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9?

If you’re a beginner or intermediate runner looking for a comfortable, versatile shoe that can handle daily training and casual wear, this model is worth considering. It’s also great if you prioritize cushioning and a snug fit without sacrificing style.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 has been very positive. They blend comfort, performance, and aesthetics in a way that suits my running needs perfectly. If you’re on the fence, I recommend giving them a try—you might just find your next favorite pair of running shoes.

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
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.