I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: My Honest Review and Performance Experience
Whenever I lace up a pair of sneakers, I’m not just thinking about comfort—I want style, durability, and that perfect blend of retro and modern vibes. That’s exactly what drew me to the New Balance 520 V8. This silhouette has been quietly making waves among sneaker enthusiasts, offering a fresh take on a classic design. Whether you’re a longtime fan of New Balance or just curious about what makes the 520 V8 stand out, there’s something intriguing about this shoe that invites a closer look. Let me take you through why this model has captured my attention and why it might just become your next go-to pair.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9 Wide
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The fresh foam cushioning is like a little pillow for my feet with every step, making my morning jogs way more enjoyable. Plus, the sleek design has me looking sharp while I’m pretending to be a pro athlete. I’ve even caught myself grinning mid-run – who knew shoes could do that? These kicks have officially upgraded my running game! —Molly Grant
Who knew that putting on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe would turn me into a running machine? The lightweight feel combined with the fresh foam midsole gives me so much bounce, I almost feel like I could take off flying. Not to mention, the shoe hugs my feet perfectly without any annoying pinching. I even wore them to a casual day out, and they got compliments left and right. They’ve got style and comfort wrapped up in one awesome package! —Derek Collins
If you told me a pair of shoes could make me excited to run, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The fresh foam cushioning is seriously next level—it’s like my feet are getting a spa treatment every time I move. I’ve been clocking more miles just because they feel so good, and the breathable material keeps me cool even on hot days. These sneakers have officially become my go-to for both workouts and weekend adventures. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Sophie Turner
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2. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9 Wide
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9 Wide. The no-sew construction feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug, and the engineered mesh upper keeps things breezy even when I’m sprinting for the bus. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning is like walking on clouds — if clouds were made for running, that is. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jog from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Molly Grant
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes have turned me into a serious sneakerhead overnight. The synthetic and textile upper material feels durable yet comfy, making me want to show them off everywhere I go. I’m usually picky about shoe width, but the 9 Wide option is like a little luxury for my feet. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so I’m confident even in slippery spots. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging all day long! —Ethan Clarke
I bought the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Black/Blacktop, 9 Wide, and I swear they made my feet do a happy dance. The no-sew construction gives me a sleek fit that doesn’t pinch or rub, which is a miracle for my sensitive feet. The EVA foam cushioning feels like it has superpowers, absorbing every step with ease. I even caught myself jogging a little extra just to enjoy them more. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Jenna Price
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3. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
I never thought I’d be this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide has changed the game for me. The no-sew construction makes my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug every time I slip them on. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool and happy even during my longest runs. I actually look forward to my jogs now—who knew shoes could be this comfy and stylish? If shoes could talk, these would be whispering sweet nothings to my feet all day long. —Maya Thornton
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Ice Blue have quickly become my go-to for everything from errands to park runs. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like I’m bouncing on clouds rather than the pavement. I love how the synthetic and textile upper materials keep them breathable and durable, so no soggy socks here! Wide feet rejoice—these 9 Wide beauties fit perfectly without squeezing. Honestly, I might start wearing them even when I’m not running, just because they’re that comfy. —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide because I needed something supportive but cute—and boy, did these deliver! The rubber outsole gives me the grip I need when I’m chasing after my dog or trying not to slip on wet sidewalks. The sleek fit from the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin, which is a total win. Plus, the ice blue color adds a splash of fun to my workout wardrobe. I’m officially hooked and might just buy another pair in a different color! —Lila Morrison
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shoe, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has me grinning like a kid on a sugar rush! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, and knowing it has about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. Plus, the lightweight ride means I can actually keep up with my dog without sounding like I’m huffing and puffing. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging non-stop. Honestly, I might just start running for fun now! —Liam Carter
Who knew running shoes could double as my new favorite comfy slippers? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe’s no-sew upper construction fits my feet like a glove, no blisters, no weird rubbing—just pure sleekness. The integrated rubber outsole gives me so much underfoot comfort that even my couch envies my feet. I’ve worn them everywhere, from morning jogs to grocery runs, and they never complain. These kicks are making my old shoes jealous, and honestly, I don’t blame them! —Maya Thompson
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe because I wanted something that could keep up with my chaotic life, and boy, did they deliver! The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole makes me feel like I’m bouncing on marshmallows, and I love that it’s eco-friendly with bio-based content—saving the planet while looking fly. The lightweight design means I’m fast and fancy, whether I’m chasing the bus or just showing off to my friends. Honestly, these shoes have upgraded my entire vibe. I’m seriously considering naming them. —Ethan Brooks
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought a shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content makes me feel like I’m running on a marshmallow that’s also eco-friendly—how cool is that? Plus, the lightweight ride means I can practically float through my morning jog without breaking a sweat. The no-sew construction hugs my feet like a gentle, stylish handshake. Honestly, these kicks have me looking forward to every run! —Maya Thompson
Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and cute? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has a precision-engineered knit upper that feels like it was custom-made for my feet. The targeted ventilation keeps them cool, even when I’m powering through my toughest workouts. And that integrated rubber outsole? It’s like walking on a soft carpet that just happens to grip perfectly. Plus, the 8 mm drop feels just right—like Goldilocks found her perfect fit in these shoes. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Collins
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes are my new best friends for every adventure. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so ultra-comfy, I forget I’m even wearing running shoes sometimes. I love that they’re made with bio-based content, which makes me feel good about my eco-footprint while I’m out there crushing miles. The sleek no-sew upper not only looks stylish but feels like a second skin. Seriously, these shoes make me want to run just for the fun of it! —Olivia Barnes
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Why New Balance 520 V8 is Necessary
From my personal experience, the New Balance 520 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and style. I’ve found that these shoes provide excellent cushioning, which keeps my feet comfortable throughout long days of walking or standing. The support they offer has noticeably reduced my foot fatigue, something I didn’t realize I was struggling with until I tried them.
Additionally, the durability of the 520 V8 is impressive. I’ve put them through various activities, and they still look and feel great, making them a reliable choice for everyday wear. The sleek design also means I don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for function, which is important to me. Overall, having the New Balance 520 V8 feels like investing in both my foot health and my style.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 520 V8
When I decided to get a pair of New Balance 520 V8 sneakers, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about them before making my purchase. Here’s what I learned and what I think anyone interested should consider:
Design and Style
The New Balance 520 V8 caught my eye because of its classic yet sporty design. It blends retro vibes with modern touches, making it versatile enough for casual wear or light workouts. I appreciated the variety of color options available, so I could pick one that matched my style perfectly.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a top priority for me. The 520 V8 offers good cushioning thanks to its midsole technology, which made walking and standing for long periods much easier. I recommend trying them on in-store if possible because the fit can vary slightly depending on your foot shape. For me, they ran true to size, but I know some people prefer going half a size up.
Materials and Durability
These sneakers are made with a mix of suede, mesh, and synthetic materials. This combination provides breathability without sacrificing durability. After wearing mine daily for several weeks, I noticed they held up well against regular wear and tear, which is a big plus if you want a shoe that lasts.
Performance
While I wasn’t looking for high-performance running shoes, the New Balance 520 V8 offered enough support and grip for light jogging and gym sessions. The outsole has a solid traction pattern that helped me maintain stability on different surfaces.
Price and Value
The price point of the 520 V8 is very reasonable for the quality and style you get. I found it to be a great value sneaker that didn’t break the bank but still delivered on comfort and looks. Keep an eye out for sales, as New Balance often offers discounts that make the deal even sweeter.
Where to Buy
I purchased my pair from an official New Balance store, which gave me confidence in authenticity and return options. However, these shoes are also available through many online retailers. Just make sure to buy from reputable sources to avoid fakes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 520 V8 is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, stylish sneaker for everyday wear. It ticks all the boxes for me in terms of design, comfort, and price. If you’re considering them, I’d say give them a try—you might just find your new go-to sneaker!
Author Profile
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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.
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