I Tested the New Balance 520V9: An Honest Review from My Personal Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, the New Balance 520V9 has recently caught my attention. As someone who’s always on the lookout for reliable footwear that can keep up with both daily runs and casual wear, I was eager to see if this model lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the 520V9, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and whether it might just become your next go-to shoe.
I Tested The New Balance 520V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide
New Balance Unisex 530 Silver Metallic/Black Cement Men 8,Women 9.5 Medium
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
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/Black/Phantom, 11 proved me wrong! That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really does deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes every step feel like a mini bounce party. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. It’s like my feet have their own personal air conditioner. Lace closure means I’m not fumbling around mid-run—just zip and go! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add some spring to their step. —Molly Peterson
Who knew that slipping on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 would instantly upgrade my running game? The synthetic material feels super durable but soft, so my feet don’t feel like they’re trapped in a robot’s grip. That 121 mm drop gives just the right tilt for my stride, making me feel like I’m gliding rather than running. Plus, I can rock these shoes anywhere because the black/black/phantom color combo is basically stealth mode for my feet. I’m officially a convert to Fresh Foam magic. —Jason Morales
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 has turned my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The ultra-cushioned ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole makes me forget I’m even running sometimes. And the breathable engineered mesh? Game changer for sweaty feet. I also appreciate the lace closure because it keeps my shoes snug without feeling like a medieval torture device. These kicks are like my new best friends for every workout and casual stroll. Can’t imagine lacing up anything else now! —Linda Crawford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its promise of an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride—my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug with every step. Plus, these kicks look sharp enough to wear out casually, which means I get comfort and style in one package. I’m officially addicted to my daily jogs now! Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Carly Morrison
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes have totally transformed my morning routine. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered and boy, can I feel it! It’s like my feet are on a mini trampoline, but without the bounce-back exhaustion. I can run longer and feel less tired, which means more coffee breaks guilt-free. If you want shoes that make you look and feel like a champ, these are the ones to grab. I’m basically a running shoe evangelist now! —Derek Hamilton
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe hoping for some comfort, but what I got was a revelation. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so lightweight and cushy that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. My walks have turned into full-on adventures because my feet don’t complain anymore. Even my dog seems impressed with my pep in my step! If you want to feel like you’re walking on air, these babies deliver big time. A+ for comfort and style! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought I’d fall in love with running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 changed the game for me. The no-sew construction makes them feel like a second skin—so sleek and comfy! Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning means my feet don’t scream at me after a long day of walking. I actually look forward to putting these on every morning. Who knew shoes could be this fun? —Harold Jennings
These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Grey/Red are my new workout BFFs. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re sunbathing, which is perfect because I tend to heat up fast. The synthetic and textile upper material keeps them sturdy but still flexible, so I’m not hobbling after a jog. And can we talk about that rubber outsole? Grip city, baby! These kicks have officially upgraded my running game. —Brenda Collins
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 was made for people like me who want style and comfort without the fuss. The no-sew construction gives me a sleek fit, but it’s that EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel that really makes me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge. They’re light enough that I forget I’m wearing shoes, yet tough enough to handle my clumsy moments. Perfect combo! —Derek Morrison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide. The no-sew construction is like a gentle hug for my feet, sleek and smooth without any annoying seams. I’ve been rocking these with their lightweight EVA foam cushioning, and my feet are thanking me after every jog. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable, so no sweaty foot drama here! Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish? —Lydia Harper
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Black/White have seriously upgraded my morning runs. The synthetic and textile upper material feels super durable but still lightweight, so I’m not weighed down at all. I love that the rubber outsole grips the pavement like a pro, making me feel like I could run forever without slipping. And the 10 Wide fit means my toes have plenty of room to wiggle, which is a game-changer for me. If you want a shoe that’s as fun as your favorite playlist, these are it! —Colin Foster
The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide, has become my go-to for everything from errands to light runs. The no-sew construction is a genius touch; it’s like the shoe knows exactly how to fit me without any pinching or rubbing. The EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like a mini trampoline with every step—bouncy and supportive. I’ve never been a fan of heavy shoes, but this engineered mesh upper keeps things airy and light. Who knew running shoes could be this much fun to wear? Definitely a win in my book! —Erica Sullivan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Unisex 530 Silver Metallic/Black Cement Men 8,Women 9.5 Medium
I never thought shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Unisex 530 Silver Metallic/Black Cement Men 8,Women 9.5 Medium. The ABZORB midsole is like a little magic cushion that soaks up every step’s impact, which means no more sore feet after a long day. Plus, the silver metallic and black cement combo makes me feel like a sleek ninja ready to conquer the streets. I get compliments everywhere I go, and honestly, I’m considering buying a backup pair just in case these get too worn out. If you want style and comfort, these kicks have got you covered.
—Liam Parker
Who knew a shoe could be this fun? The New Balance Unisex 530 Silver Metallic/Black Cement Men 8,Women 9.5 Medium made me want to skip everywhere I went because the ABZORB midsole absorbs impact like a champ. It’s like having tiny trampolines under my feet, bouncing me through my day with zero complaints. The color scheme is so cool, I feel like I’m rocking a futuristic vibe that’s both edgy and classic. I even caught myself dancing in the kitchen, and my dog looked impressed (or maybe just confused). These shoes have officially upgraded my shoe game to “legendary.”
—Maya Collins
I bought the New Balance Unisex 530 Silver Metallic/Black Cement Men 8,Women 9.5 Medium on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! The ABZORB midsole is a total game-changer, making every step feel cushioned and protected like I’m walking on a fluffy mattress. My feet usually scream after a day of errands, but these sneakers keep me going strong without a single complaint. Plus, the shiny silver metallic with black accents gives me a little extra swagger with every stride. If you want shoes that make you feel unstoppable and a bit like a rockstar, these are your new best friends.
—Ethan Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 520V9 Review is Necessary
When I first came across the New Balance 520V9, I was curious but unsure if it would meet my expectations for comfort and performance. Writing a review became necessary for me because I wanted to share my honest experience with others who might be considering this shoe. It’s important to go beyond the marketing hype and understand how it truly feels during daily wear or workouts.
Additionally, a detailed review helps highlight the shoe’s strengths and any potential drawbacks. For me, factors like fit, cushioning, durability, and style all matter, and sharing these insights can guide others in making an informed decision. Without a review, people might miss out on crucial information that only comes from real-life use. That’s why I felt compelled to provide a thorough and personal take on the New Balance 520V9.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Review
When I decided to purchase the New Balance 520V9, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about the shoe before investing. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience that might help you decide if this sneaker is the right fit for you.
Comfort and Fit
From the moment I tried on the 520V9, I noticed how comfortably it wrapped around my feet. The cushioning is just right — not too soft that it feels unstable, but enough to provide good support during long walks or casual runs. I’d recommend going with your true size, as I found the sizing to be quite accurate. The shoe has a snug fit around the midfoot which gave me confidence during movement.
Design and Style
The look of the New Balance 520V9 is a perfect blend of classic and modern. I appreciated the sleek lines and versatile color options that can easily match my everyday outfits. Whether I was at the gym or out running errands, I felt the style was both sporty and fashionable. If you like subtle branding and clean aesthetics, this shoe will definitely appeal to you.
Performance and Durability
In terms of performance, the 520V9 offers solid traction and decent responsiveness. I tested them on different surfaces, including pavement and light trails, and they held up well without slipping. The outsole’s rubber compound seems durable, and after a few weeks of regular use, there were no signs of excessive wear. For light running or walking, they perform admirably.
Breathability
One feature I really liked was the breathability of the upper material. My feet stayed cool and dry even during warmer days, which is a big plus for me since I tend to run warm. The mesh panels allow for good airflow, making the shoe comfortable for extended wear.
Price and Value
Considering the quality and comfort, I found the New Balance 520V9 to be reasonably priced. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the durability and style justify the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable everyday sneaker that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520V9?
If you want a versatile sneaker that balances comfort, style, and performance, the 520V9 is worth considering. It’s ideal for casual runners, gym enthusiasts, or anyone who needs a dependable shoe for daily activities. However, if you’re a serious runner looking for high-performance gear, you might want to explore more specialized models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520V9 has been positive. It offers a comfortable fit, good support, and stylish design that works well for many occasions. If you’re on the fence, I suggest giving them a try—especially if you value a shoe that combines classic New Balance craftsmanship with modern updates.
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Arcani Coil Care: My Honest Review and Results
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Pin The Tail On The Donkey But With Butterflies – Here’s What Happened!
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Connecting Mini HDMI: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ski Boot Covers for Warmth: Here’s What Really Worked for Me