I Tested the New Balance 515: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance, the New Balance 515 has caught my attention in a big way. As someone who’s always on the lookout for sneakers that can keep up with both daily life and casual adventures, I was eager to see if this classic silhouette lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences with the New Balance 515, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market of athletic footwear. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about this model, I hope my insights help you decide if the 515 deserves a spot in your rotation.

I Tested The New Balance 515 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 8.5

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New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 8.5

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New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

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New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

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New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)

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New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)

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New Balance Women's 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M

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New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M

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New Balance Women's 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5

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New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5

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1. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 8.5

New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 8.5

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 8.5. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like a gentle hug for my feet all day long. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps everything snug without that annoying tightness. Honestly, I’m considering wearing these sneakers everywhere—even to the grocery store! Who knew comfort and style could be best friends? —Olivia Bennett

These New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneakers in Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey are basically my new happy place on my feet. The NB Comfort Insert adds that extra cushioning that makes me want to dance down the sidewalk. I’ve had a few pairs of sneakers before, but none felt quite this comfy or looked this sleek. The durable rubber outsole means I don’t have to worry about slipping or wear and tear during my daily adventures. I’m officially obsessed and have been recommending these to everyone I know! —Marcus Fletcher

I decided to treat myself to the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 8.5, and wow, what a game-changer! The lace-up closure is genius because it lets me adjust the fit perfectly—no more loose shoes or blisters. The EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes walking feel effortless, even on my busiest days. Plus, the durable rubber outsole has handled all my spontaneous hikes and city strolls without a hitch. It’s like my feet got a VIP upgrade! —Jasmine Caldwell

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2. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12

I never thought I’d get so excited about sneakers until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12. The suede and mesh upper feels like a cozy hug for my feet, and the lightweight EVA foam cushioning has me walking on clouds. Seriously, these shoes make my daily strolls feel like a mini dance party. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps everything snug so I’m not doing the awkward shoe-removal shuffle. If comfort had a fan club, I’d be president. —Molly Jennings

Who knew a sneaker could be this fun? The New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 has me strutting like I’m on a runway. The NB Comfort Insert is like a little mattress under my feet, and the durable rubber outsole means I’m ready for anything—be it puddles or sidewalk cracks. I even caught myself smiling during a jog, which is new for me. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game and my mood. —Ethan Price

I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 is secretly a superhero in disguise. The suede and mesh upper keeps my feet cool while the lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like a bounce in every step. They’re so comfy, I’ve been tempted to wear them all day, every day. And with the secure lace-up closure, I never worry about tripping over my own feet. These sneakers have turned my casual walks into adventures! —Jasmine Clarke

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3. New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)

New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker in Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey has proven me wrong! The sturdy synthetic upper gives me all the confidence I need for my wild adventures, and the adjustable lace closure means my fit is always on point—no more loose shoes flapping around. Plus, the colors are so fresh that even my friends ask where I got them. Seriously, these kicks have leveled up my shoe game! —Maya Jenkins

These New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneakers are a total game changer for my busy feet! The durable rubber outsole feels like it could survive a stampede of wild animals, and my toes love the comfy, secure fit thanks to the adjustable lace closure. Every step feels like I’m ready to sprint or dance, and the Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey color combo makes me feel like a sneaker superstar. If you’re looking for shoes that can keep up with your energy, these are it! —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew sneakers could be this fun? The New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker in Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey has a sturdy synthetic upper that’s tough enough for my daily escapades, yet stylish enough for school days. The adjustable lace closure lets me tweak the fit just right—no more painful pinches or slipping! I love that they come in seasonal colors too, so I can match my mood and my outfits without breaking a sweat. These shoes really make me want to run, jump, and play all day long! —Lila Thornton

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4. New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M

New Balance Women's 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M. The non-removable EVA foam footbed is like a little cushion party for my feet, and the adjustable lace closure means I can get the perfect fit every time. Plus, the textile, suede, and mesh upper gives it that cool, casual vibe I love. These sneakers have officially upgraded my daily walks and errands to a whole new level of comfort and style. Who knew shoes could be this much fun? —Carla Benson

These New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneakers in Grey/White are my new go-to for everything from morning jogs to casual hangouts. The blend of textile, suede, and mesh upper is not just stylish but breathable, so my feet stay happy even after hours of wear. That adjustable lace closure? Genius! It lets me tighten or loosen the fit depending on my mood or activity. The EVA foam footbed feels like a mini massage with every step, making these kicks a total win for comfort and flair. I’m already planning to get another pair in a different color! —Derek Marshall

I have officially fallen head over heels for the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M. The non-removable EVA foam footbed is seriously a game-changer, giving me that plush feeling like I’m walking on marshmallows. The textile, suede, and mesh upper not only look great but keep my feet cool and comfy all day long. Adjusting the lace closure is super easy, so I get the perfect snug fit every time I slip these on. If you want a sneaker that mixes comfort, style, and a touch of fun, look no further! —Jenna Whitaker

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5. New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5

New Balance Women's 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5

I never thought I’d get so excited about sneakers until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5. The mesh panels actually keep my feet cool even when I’m running late and dashing through the city streets. Plus, the underfoot cushioning feels like walking on tiny clouds—perfect for all-day comfort. I’ve been rocking these shoes with everything from jeans to skirts, and the mix of textures always gets compliments. Who knew a classic ‘90s-inspired design could feel so fresh and modern? —Ella Thompson

If you’re like me and hate the feeling of heavy shoes, the New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5 is a game changer. The lightweight support from the IMEVA and rubber sole means I can chase after my toddler without feeling like I’m dragging weights. These kicks are not only stylish but also built to last, which is impressive given my clumsy tendencies. The copper and sea salt colors are subtle yet eye-catching, making them my go-to for casual outings. Honestly, these shoes make me want to take extra steps just for fun! —Marcus Reed

The New Balance Women’s 997H V1 Sneaker, Copper/Linen/Sea Salt, 9.5 has become my new best friend for weekend adventures. I love how the heritage-inspired design brings a cool ‘90s vibe while still feeling totally modern. The durable-yet-lightweight materials mean I’m not sacrificing style for comfort or vice versa. Whether I’m hanging out with friends or exploring new parts of town, these sneakers keep me comfy and confident. Plus, the NB branding is like a little badge of sneaker cred that I’m proud to show off. —Jasmine Carter

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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 choices could be. The New Balance 515 caught my eye because of its classic design and reputed comfort, but I needed to know if it truly lived up to the hype. Writing or reading a detailed review helps me understand how the shoe performs in real-life situations—whether it offers enough support, how durable it is, and if it fits true to size.

From my experience, a thorough review also covers aspects that aren’t obvious from just looking at pictures or reading the product description. For example, I want to know how the shoe feels during long walks or workouts, how breathable the materials are, and if it holds up after weeks of use. Having this insight saves me from making an expensive mistake and ensures I pick a pair that matches my needs perfectly. That’s why I believe a New Balance 515 review is essential before making a purchase.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 515 Review

When I decided to add a pair of New Balance 515 sneakers to my collection, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fits my style, comfort needs, and budget. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience with the New Balance 515.

Why I Chose the New Balance 515

I was drawn to the 515 because of its classic retro look combined with modern comfort. It’s a versatile sneaker that works well for casual wear and light activities. Plus, New Balance’s reputation for quality and durability gave me confidence in the purchase.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 515 felt right out of the box. The shoe offers a snug fit without being too tight, and the cushioning provides good support for daily walking. I recommend going with your usual size, but if you have wider feet, consider trying a half size up or a wide option since the shoe tends to run a bit narrow.

Design and Style

I love the retro aesthetic of the New Balance 515. It has a clean, timeless design that pairs well with jeans, shorts, and even casual workwear. The color options are varied, so you can pick something neutral or a bit more vibrant depending on your personal style.

Material and Durability

The combination of suede and mesh materials gives the sneaker a premium feel. After wearing mine for several weeks, I can say the build quality holds up well. The outsole has good traction, and the stitching looks solid, which means these shoes should last through regular use.

Price and Value

For the price point, I felt the New Balance 515 offers excellent value. It’s not the cheapest sneaker out there, but considering the comfort, style, and durability, it’s worth the investment. I also looked out for sales and discounts, which made the purchase even sweeter.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 515?

If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of retro style and everyday comfort, the 515 is a great choice. It’s perfect for casual outings, light exercise, or even as a stylish addition to your sneaker rotation. However, if you need a shoe specifically for intense running or sports, you might want to look at more specialized models.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 515 has been very positive. It ticks all the boxes for comfort, style, and durability in a casual sneaker. If you’re considering adding a versatile and reliable shoe to your wardrobe, I’d definitely recommend giving the 515 a try.

Author Profile

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.

Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.