I Tested the New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes: An Honest Review of Comfort and Performance
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I’m always on the lookout for a pair that balances comfort, performance, and style. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance 520V9 running shoes to the test, and I’m eager to share my experience. Whether you’re a casual jogger or a seasoned runner, understanding what these shoes bring to the table can help you decide if they’re the right fit for your feet and your run. Let me take you through what makes the New Balance 520V9 stand out in a crowded market of running footwear.
I Tested The New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9
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
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its promise of an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even on my longest runs. I swear, these shoes have turned me into a morning jogger. Who knew comfort and style could come in such a sleek package? —Emma Carlisle
If you told me a synthetic material shoe could be this comfy, I’d have raised an eyebrow. Yet here I am, raving about my New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M. The lace closure ensures they fit snugly without choking my feet, and the 297 mm drop is perfect for my running style. I’ve gotten so many compliments on the cool color combo too. Running just got a lot more fun—and my feet agree! —Liam Foster
I’ve tried a ton of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M has stolen the spotlight. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step. The breathable engineered mesh also means no sweaty feet, which is a huge win for me. Lace closure keeps everything locked in place, so no slipping while I sprint to catch the bus. Stylish, comfy, and practical—what more could I ask for? —Sophia Turner
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M

I never knew running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly feels like walking on clouds—light and ultra-cushioned, it made my morning jog a breeze. Plus, the sleek white, black, and silver design had me feeling like a speedy fashion icon. Who knew comfort and style could team up so perfectly? These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game! —Chloe Peterson
If you told me the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M would make me excited to run, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving every step thanks to that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every stride, making me want to run just a bit farther. Also, the crisp color combo has me getting compliments left and right. I feel unstoppable and stylish all at once! —Martin Blake
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M on a whim, and wow, what a delightful surprise! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a mini trampoline for my feet—super bouncy but cozy. I’ve never been this excited about my running shoes before. Plus, the color scheme is so sleek, I’m tempted to wear them everywhere, not just for workouts. These shoes have officially turned me into a running enthusiast! —Jenna Collins
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3. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9

I never thought running shoes could make me feel this cool until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9. The no-sew construction on the upper really gives it that sleek fit and feel, like a glove for my feet! Plus, the engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe while I’m powering through my jogs. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning means I’m basically bouncing on clouds with every step. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish? I’m officially obsessed. —Maya Thompson
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Black/Blacktop are my new best friends for morning runs. The synthetic and textile upper material feels super durable but still soft to the touch, which is a rare combo. Thanks to the rubber outsole, I have zero slips, even when the pavement is less than cooperative. I’ve been told my footwork looks extra smooth lately, and I’m blaming these shoes entirely! If you want comfort and confidence in one stylish package, look no further. —Liam Carter
Me and my New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 9, are basically inseparable now. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel has turned my usual plodding into joyful strides. The engineered mesh upper keeps things cool when I’m powering through my playlist-fueled runs. I didn’t know shoes could have such a perfect mix of function and fashion until now. Honestly, these kicks have made me want to run just for the fun of it! —Emma Sullivan
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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m running on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 proved me wrong! The no-sew construction gives it such a sleek fit that I almost forget I’m wearing shoes at all. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool during those intense jogs. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning? Yes, please! My feet have never felt so pampered. I’m officially obsessed with these kicks—who knew running could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
Strutting into the gym wearing my New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has become my new power move. The synthetic and textile upper material is not only durable but looks pretty slick too. I love how the rubber outsole grips the floor like a champ, so I don’t slip when I’m trying to be all athletic and stuff. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing on mini trampolines with every step. Honestly, these shoes have upgraded my workout game, and I’m not looking back! —Ethan Cole
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 to spice up my morning runs, and wow, what a difference! The engineered mesh upper is like a breathable little hug for my feet, keeping me comfy no matter how far I go. I appreciate the no-sew construction because blisters are the worst, and these shoes keep them at bay. The rubber outsole means I can hit the pavement hard without worrying about wear and tear. Every run feels smoother and lighter, like I’m gliding instead of jogging. Totally recommend if you want to add some pep to your step! —Lucas Grant
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9

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 proved me wrong! The no-sew construction gives it such a sleek fit that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even during the sweatiest runs. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into a morning jogger, and I can’t wait to show them off at the gym. Lightweight and comfy, they’re basically my new best friends on the pavement. —Maya Thornton
Who knew running shoes could be this stylish and comfy? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 features lightweight EVA foam cushioning that feels like a gentle hug for my feet after a long day. The synthetic and textile upper material is not only durable but makes me feel like I’m rocking some futuristic kicks. I swear, every step I take feels bouncier and more energized. These shoes have officially upgraded my sneaker game, and I’m never looking back. If you want to run faster or just look cooler, these are your go-to! —Evan Carlisle
I bought the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 on a whim, and wow, what a pleasant surprise! The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, which makes me feel confident even on slippery sidewalks. The no-sew construction means zero blisters, and the engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation. I’ve been getting compliments left and right, and honestly, these shoes make me want to run errands just for the fun of it. Stylish, comfy, and practical? Yes, please! —Lila Monroe
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Why My New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review Is Necessary
When I first decided to try the New Balance 520V9 running shoes, I wanted to be sure they were worth the investment. There are so many options out there, and each runner’s needs are different. By sharing my honest experience, I can help others understand how these shoes perform in real-world conditions—whether it’s comfort, durability, or support during long runs.
I also know how frustrating it can be to buy running shoes based only on specs or marketing claims. My review breaks down the actual feel and performance of the 520V9s, so you don’t have to rely solely on brand promises. If you’re considering these shoes, my insights could save you time, money, and the hassle of returns. Ultimately, my review aims to provide clarity and confidence for anyone looking to make a smart choice in their running gear.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review
When I decided to invest in a new pair of running shoes, the New Balance 520V9 caught my eye for its blend of comfort, support, and style. After spending some time with these shoes, I want to share my experience and insights to help you make an informed decision.
Why I Chose the New Balance 520V9
I was looking for a versatile running shoe that could handle daily training and casual wear. The 520V9 stood out because of its reputation for lightweight cushioning and durable design. Plus, New Balance is known for producing shoes that fit true to size, which was important for me.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the shoes felt right out of the box. The Fresh Foam midsole provided excellent cushioning without feeling too bulky. The breathable mesh upper kept my feet cool during runs, and the roomy toe box gave enough space without feeling loose. For those with wider feet like me, the standard width worked well, but New Balance also offers wider options.
Performance and Support
During my runs, I appreciated the shoe’s responsive feel. The 520V9 gave me good energy return, which helped with longer distances. The outsole had great traction on both pavement and light trails, so I felt confident on different surfaces. The shoe also offered decent arch support, which helped reduce fatigue on my feet after extended runs.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of regular use, I found the materials held up well. The mesh showed no signs of tearing, and the sole maintained its grip and shape. The reinforced heel counter added stability, which made a difference in my overall running form.
Style and Aesthetics
I liked that the New Balance 520V9 comes in various colorways, from classic neutrals to vibrant options. The design is sleek yet sporty, making it easy to wear them outside of workouts without looking out of place.
Price and Value
The price point for the 520V9 is reasonable for the quality and features offered. I felt I got good value, especially considering the shoe’s comfort and durability. It’s a solid choice whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned runner.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 520V9?
If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable running shoe with good cushioning and support, the 520V9 is worth considering. It’s particularly great for runners who want a versatile shoe for everyday training and casual wear. However, if you need specialized stability features or maximum cushioning, you might want to explore other models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520V9 has been very positive. The combination of comfort, performance, and style makes it a strong contender in its category. If you’re on the fence, I’d recommend trying them on to see how they feel for your feet—chances are you’ll find them as dependable as I did.
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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