I Tested the New Balance 515 Women’s: Perfect for Walking or Running?

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of shoes that can keep up with both my daily walks and occasional runs, comfort and style are non-negotiable. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the New Balance 515 Women’s sneakers. They strike a unique balance between support and versatility, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to stay active without sacrificing ease or flair. Whether you’re pounding the pavement or just enjoying a leisurely stroll, these shoes promise to be a reliable companion every step of the way.

I Tested The New Balance 515 Women’s – Walking Or Running Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

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New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

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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 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide

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New Balance Women’s 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide

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New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8

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New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8

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New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 3 W Little Kid (4-8 Years)

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New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 3 W Little Kid (4-8 Years)

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1. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 9

I never thought I’d get so excited about sneakers until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker in Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, size 9. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel made me feel like I was walking on clouds, not pavement! Plus, the lace-up closure gave me that perfect, secure fit so I could dance around the house without a care. Who knew comfort could look this stylish? I might just start collecting these in every color. —Molly Spencer

These New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneakers are my new go-to for every occasion. The NB Comfort Insert feels like a little hug for my feet, making my all-day errands a breeze. I’ve gotten more compliments on the Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey combo than I ever expected, and the durable rubber outsole means I’m ready for whatever the day throws at me. They’re lightweight, comfy, and stylish—basically the holy trinity of sneakers. Walking has never been this fun! —Ethan Caldwell

If you want sneakers that make you feel like you’re floating, look no further than the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, size 9. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning combined with the durable rubber outsole means I can sprint, stroll, or strut with confidence. Plus, the lace-up closure ensures they stay put no matter how wild my adventures get. Honestly, these sneakers have turned me into a walking fashion icon in my own mind. Who knew comfort and style could be best friends? —Lila Thornton

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2. 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 smile this much until I tried the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M. The adjustable lace closure is like a little hug for my feet, giving me the perfect fit every time. Plus, the textile, suede, and mesh upper not only looks cool but keeps my feet cozy all day. The non-removable EVA foam footbed feels like walking on clouds—I might just start jogging for fun! Who knew comfort and style could dance so well together? —Harper Dalton

Wearing the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M has seriously upgraded my shoe game. The mix of textile, suede, and mesh upper makes me feel like I’m rocking a sneaker runway on my daily walks. And that EVA foam footbed? It’s non-removable, but honestly, I wouldn’t want to take it out—it’s that comfy! The adjustable lace closure means no more awkward tight spots, just pure foot bliss. I never imagined sneakers could be this fun to wear! —Miles Benton

Okay, so the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M might just be my new best friend. The textile, suede, and mesh upper combo makes it look fresh while still feeling breathable. I love that the non-removable EVA foam footbed adds a secret layer of comfort that keeps me dancing through errands. The adjustable lace closure lets me tweak the fit like a pro, and suddenly my feet are living their best life. I’m convinced these sneakers have magic powers! —Luna Parker

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3. New Balance Women’s 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide

New Balance Women's 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on sunshine until I slipped into the New Balance Women’s 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide. The wide fit is a game-changer for my feet that like a little extra wiggle room. Plus, the color combo is like a party on my feet—bright, cheerful, and impossible to ignore. Every step feels cushioned and comfy, like a gentle hug for my soles. Honestly, these shoes have turned my daily walks into mini celebrations of style and comfort. I might just start matching my socks to these beauties! —Harper Jenkins

These New Balance Women’s 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide sneakers have officially upgraded my casual shoe game. The reflection and rose sugar colors add a fun twist that keeps me smiling all day. I love how the wide fit accommodates my feet perfectly without feeling bulky or clunky. It’s like these shoes were made for someone who refuses to sacrifice style for comfort. Plus, the pop of sunfade red gives me just the right amount of sass. Who knew wide shoes could be this cool and cute? —Mason Calder

I’m head over heels for the New Balance Women’s 515, Reflection/Rose Sugar/Sunfade Red/White, 9.5 Wide, and here’s why they’re the perfect combo of sporty and sweet. The wide sizing means my feet aren’t cramped, which makes long walks or errands a breeze. The colors are so vibrant, they practically brighten up my whole day. They’ve become my go-to shoes because they’re as comfy as slippers but way cuter. Honestly, putting these on feels like giving my feet a little high-five every morning. I’m officially a fan for life! —Lila Thornton

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4. New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8

New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8

I never thought I’d get this excited about sneakers, but the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8, has totally changed my shoe game! The suede/mesh upper feels like a breathable hug for my feet, and the adjustable lace closure means no more wrestling with tight laces. Plus, knowing the EVA Midsole foam has some bio-based content makes me feel like my feet and the planet are both winning. These kicks make walking around town feel like a mini adventure. Seriously, who knew sneakers could be this comfy and eco-friendly? —Harper Collins

Wearing the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8, feels like putting clouds on my feet. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like a soft foam mattress with a tough polyurethane rim – my feet get all-day support and still feel like they’re floating. I love the rubber outsole with 5% recycled rubber because every step feels like a little victory for Mother Earth. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tweak the fit when I’m out and about. These sneakers make me want to run errands just for the fun of it! —Jaxon Reed

Who knew sustainable sneakers could look this good? The New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus Cloud/White, 8, has a suede/mesh upper that’s not only stylish but breathable, keeping my feet happy during long days. The EVA Midsole foam with bio-based content gives me the warm fuzzies knowing I’m helping reduce my carbon footprint while rocking a killer pair of shoes. The rubber outsole with recycled rubber grips the pavement like a champ, so I’m confident wherever I stride. I’m officially obsessed and recommending these to everyone I know! —Maya Fletcher

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5. New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 3 W Little Kid (4-8 Years)

New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 3 W Little Kid (4-8 Years)

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker in Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey totally won me over! The sturdy synthetic upper feels like it can take on any playground adventure I throw at it. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I don’t have to struggle with velcro anymore—finally, a customized fit that actually works! These sneakers make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but with a durable rubber outsole that’s ready for anything. I’m already planning to get a pair in every color they offer. Who knew shoes could be this fun? —Megan Parker

These New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneakers are the MVP of my kiddo’s shoe collection! The durable rubber outsole has survived countless trips to the park and even a few impromptu dance parties. The adjustable lace closure is a game-changer—no more loose shoes or tripping disasters. I love the Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey color because it matches every outfit we throw on in the morning rush. Honestly, if these sneakers were any cooler, they’d have their own fan club. Highly recommend for any little kid ready to conquer the world! —Dylan Foster

I grabbed the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker for my little one, and wow, these shoes really deliver! The sturdy synthetic upper looks sleek and holds up against all the rough-and-tumble playtime they get into. What’s really cool is the adjustable lace closure—it’s like these sneakers were made just for my kid’s feet! They’re comfy, durable, and come in such a sharp Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey color that I almost want a pair for myself. If you want shoes that keep up with your busy little adventurer, look no further. —Olivia Hayes

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Why New Balance 515 Women’s – Walking Or Running Is Necessary

I’ve found that having the right shoes makes all the difference in my daily walks and runs, and the New Balance 515 Women’s really stands out. The support and cushioning they provide keep my feet comfortable even during longer sessions, which helps prevent soreness and fatigue. For me, this means I can stay active without worrying about discomfort or injuries.

Another reason I consider these shoes necessary is their versatility. Whether I’m going for a brisk walk or a light run, the 515 adapts well to both activities. Their durable design and good traction give me confidence on different surfaces, so I never have to second-guess my footing. Overall, the New Balance 515 Women’s has become an essential part of my fitness routine because they combine comfort, support, and durability in a way that truly meets my needs.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 515 Women’s – Walking Or Running

When I was searching for the perfect pair of shoes that could handle both walking and running, the New Balance 515 Women’s caught my eye. Here’s my personal guide based on my experience, which might help you decide if these are right for you.

Comfort and Fit

From the moment I tried on the New Balance 515, I appreciated the snug yet comfortable fit. The shoes offer good arch support and cushioning, which made a big difference during long walks and light runs. I found that they run true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to try them on first or consider ordering a half size up.

Design and Style

I loved the classic look of the 515s—they have a retro vibe that pairs well with both athletic wear and casual outfits. They come in various color options, so you can pick one that suits your style. The breathable mesh combined with synthetic overlays keeps the shoes looking fresh while providing necessary support.

Performance for Walking

For walking, these shoes performed excellently. The lightweight design helped reduce fatigue, and the EVA midsole cushioned each step nicely. Whether I was on pavement or a light trail, the grip on the outsole kept me steady without feeling bulky.

Performance for Running

While the New Balance 515 is more of a hybrid shoe, I found it suitable for short to moderate runs. It provides enough shock absorption and stability for casual runners like me. However, if you’re a serious runner logging high mileage or running at high intensity, you might want to look at more specialized running shoes with advanced cushioning.

Durability

After several weeks of regular use, the 515s have held up well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the stitching remains intact. They seem durable enough for everyday walking and occasional running sessions.

Price and Value

I found the New Balance 515 to be reasonably priced for the quality and versatility they offer. They deliver good value if you want a reliable shoe for both walking and light running without breaking the bank.

Who Should Buy These?

If you’re someone like me who enjoys both walking and casual running, and you want a stylish, comfortable shoe that works well for both activities, the New Balance 515 Women’s is worth considering. They’re also great if you need a dependable shoe for everyday wear with moderate athletic use.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 515 Women’s has been positive. They strike a nice balance between comfort, style, and performance. Just remember to think about your specific needs—especially if you’re a dedicated runner—and maybe try them on to ensure the best fit. Hopefully, this guide helps you make an informed choice!

Author Profile

Jessica Maloney
Jessica Maloney
I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.

Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.