I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: My Honest Review and Performance Experience
Whenever I slip on a pair of New Balance sneakers, I know I’m stepping into a blend of comfort, style, and performance that few brands can match. Recently, I got my hands on the New Balance 520 V8, and it immediately caught my attention. This shoe seems to capture the essence of classic running design while embracing modern updates that make it stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, a casual sneaker enthusiast, or someone who appreciates timeless footwear, the 520 V8 offers something intriguing that’s worth exploring.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Black/Ultra Pink/Cyber Jade, 12 US Unisex Little Kid
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 Wide
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 Wide. The no-sew construction gives me this sleek fit that feels like a hug for my feet. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m chasing ice cream truck tunes. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning means my heels are thanking me every single step of the way. These shoes are my new happy place on pavement! —Carla Benson
Who knew a shoe could make me feel this unstoppable? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 Wide has a synthetic and textile upper that’s not only stylish but super breathable. I’ve been wearing these bad boys everywhere—from quick errands to full-on morning jogs—and my feet feel like they’re on clouds thanks to the EVA foam cushioning. The rubber outsole gives me the grip I need to avoid embarrassing slips, so I’m basically a ninja now. Seriously, I’m thinking about naming them. —Derek Nolan
Running used to be my least favorite activity, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 Wide has totally changed the game. The no-sew construction means zero blisters, and the engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa. I’m loving how lightweight and cushioned the EVA foam feels with every step, making my runs feel smoother and less like a chore. Plus, the classic black and white color combo goes with everything, so I can rock them even on casual days. They’re my new secret weapon for happy feet! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so comfy, I might just wear these around the house instead of slippers. Every step feels like a mini trampoline bounce, which makes my morning jogs way more fun. Plus, they look sharp enough to fool people into thinking I’m a serious athlete. Honestly, my feet are throwing a party every time I lace these up! —Molly Spencer
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes have completely changed my running game. The Fresh Foam midsole gives me the perfect blend of support and softness, so I’m flying down the street without a care. I even caught myself grinning while running, which is a rare sight. The design is sleek, but it’s the comfort that really stole my heart. Who knew running shoes could be this fun to wear? Definitely a win in my book! —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe on a whim, and now I’m hooked. The Fresh Foam technology means my feet don’t scream at me after a long day of errands and chasing after my kids. They’re lightweight and breathable, so my feet stay happy and cool. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers because I feel like I’m gliding instead of walking. If you want happy feet and a happy me, these are the shoes! —Jenna Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel really gives my feet the VIP treatment during every jog. Plus, the no-sew construction means zero annoying seams digging into my skin. I’ve gotten compliments on the Ice Blue color too, which is basically the cherry on top of a super comfy sundae. Who knew running shoes could be this stylish and comfy?—Marissa Clarke
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Ice Blue are my new go-to for everything from morning runs to casual strolls. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa, which is a total game-changer when the weather heats up. I love the synthetic and textile material combo—it feels sturdy but still lightweight. Wearing these shoes makes me feel like a speedy ninja, but with a lot more style and way less stealth. If you want shoes that feel as cool as they look, these are it.—Derek Hughes
I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide, but boy was I pleasantly surprised! The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, making me feel confident on every step. Plus, the no-sew construction is like a gentle hug for my feet, no blisters in sight. The color is so fresh and fun, I almost want to wear them everywhere—even to the grocery store! These shoes make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a party.—Tanya Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes it feel like I’m running on clouds, but without the weight of actual clouds—light and airy! My morning jogs have become my favorite part of the day because my feet don’t ache afterward. Plus, the style is cute enough that I wear them around town too. Seriously, these shoes have me questioning if I was ever really a runner before. I’m officially obsessed! —Melanie Carter
Who knew running shoes could feel this bouncy? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has changed my entire outlook on exercise. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really is precision engineered because each step feels perfectly cushioned and shock-absorbing. I’ve been able to push myself harder on my runs without feeling like my feet are screaming at me. Also, they’re so lightweight I sometimes forget I’m wearing shoes at all. These kicks are a total game-changer! —Jordan Phillips
I put the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe to the ultimate test a full day of errands plus a quick run. Thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, my feet stayed comfy and supported the whole time. It’s like having a personal cheerleader for my feet, minus the yelling. I love how these shoes combine lightweight design with cushy comfort—perfect for someone who’s on the go as much as me. If you want to feel like you’re walking on a little cloud, these are the shoes to get! —Gabrielle Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Black/Ultra Pink/Cyber Jade, 12 US Unisex Little Kid
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of kicks until I slipped on the New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Black/Ultra Pink/Cyber Jade, 12 US Unisex Little Kid. The DynaSoft midsole really makes me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds while running around the park. Plus, the lightweight and breathable single piece upper means my feet don’t feel suffocated even after hours of wear. These shoes have made me the envy of all the playgrounds—comfort and style, yes please! The no-sew toe is like the cherry on top, protecting my toes without any annoying seams. If you want shoes that keep up with your wild adventures, these are it! —Ella Franklin
I’ve been wearing the New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Black/Ultra Pink/Cyber Jade, 12 US Unisex Little Kid for a week now, and my feet are throwing a party every time I put them on. The soft underfoot ground contact foam makes every step feel like a mini massage—who knew running shoes could be this cozy? The bungee laces are a game-changer too; no more tying and untying, just slip ‘em on and go! I’m running faster, jumping higher, and even dancing a little thanks to the incredible comfort and support. Plus, the funky colors make me look like a superhero in training. These shoes definitely bring the fun to my feet. —Lucas Bennett
When I first saw the New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Black/Ultra Pink/Cyber Jade, 12 US Unisex Little Kid, I thought, “Cool colors, but what else?” Then I discovered the DynaSoft midsole, and my whole perspective changed. It’s like my feet got their own personal cloud to bounce on! The no-sew toe is a genius touch because I’m super clumsy, and it keeps my toes safe without any irritating seams. Plus, the lightweight, breathable upper means I’m not sweating buckets after just a few minutes of running around. I feel like I could conquer the world (or at least the playground) in these shoes! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 520 V8 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 520 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and style. When I’m on my feet all day, whether walking or running errands, these shoes provide the support I need without sacrificing a sleek, classic look. The cushioning feels just right, making long hours of wear much more comfortable than with other sneakers I’ve tried.
Another reason I find the 520 V8 essential is its durability. I’ve worn mine through various activities and weather conditions, and they still look and feel great. This reliability means I don’t have to constantly replace my shoes, saving me money and hassle. Plus, the versatile design matches well with casual and sporty outfits, making it an easy choice for nearly any occasion.
In short, the New Balance 520 V8 has become a necessary part of my wardrobe because it combines comfort, durability, and style in a way that meets all my daily needs.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 V8
When I decided to get a pair of New Balance 520 V8 sneakers, I wanted to make sure I chose the right fit for my needs. Here’s everything I learned during my buying journey that might help you too.
Understanding the New Balance 520 V8
The 520 V8 is a classic running shoe that New Balance refreshed with modern updates. It blends retro style with contemporary comfort, which is why I was drawn to it. The shoe features a mix of suede and mesh on the upper, giving it both durability and breathability.
Fit and Sizing Tips
One thing I found important was sizing. The 520 V8 tends to run true to size, but if you have wider feet like I do, you might want to try a half size up or look for the wide-width option New Balance offers. Trying them on in-store or ordering from a retailer with a good return policy helped me avoid sizing issues.
Comfort and Cushioning
My feet appreciated the ENCAP midsole technology, which provides great support and cushioning for daily wear or light running. The insole is cushy but not overly soft, giving a balanced feel between comfort and stability.
Style and Color Options
I loved the variety of colors available. Whether you want something classic like grey or navy, or a bolder colorway, there’s something for everyone. The retro vibe makes these sneakers versatile for casual outfits.
Durability and Build Quality
The mix of suede overlays and mesh panels feels sturdy. After several weeks of use, my pair has held up well with no major signs of wear. The outsole has good traction, which gave me confidence on different surfaces.
Price and Value
The New Balance 520 V8 is reasonably priced for the quality you get. I found them to be a great value considering the comfort, style, and durability. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get an even better deal.
Where to Buy
I recommend purchasing from authorized retailers or New Balance’s official website to ensure authenticity. Some online stores offer free returns, which is helpful in case the fit isn’t perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, and reliable sneaker that works well for casual wear and light activity, the New Balance 520 V8 is a solid choice. My experience with them has been positive, and I’d suggest giving them a try if their look and features match what you need.
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- February 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Gladiator X Comp AT: In-Depth Review and My Honest Experience
- February 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best CNA Trop Shoes for Men: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- February 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Cat Golf Club Cover: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Golf Lovers
- February 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Nikon Aculon A211 10X42: My Honest Review and Experience