I Tested the New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are always at the top of my list. Recently, I got my hands on the New Balance 520V9, a model that’s been generating quite a buzz among runners and casual joggers alike. As someone who’s always on the lookout for reliable footwear that can keep up with my pace, I was eager to see if this shoe could live up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience and impressions of the 520V9, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this shoe might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
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 Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M

I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but without the bulk. These shoes are lightweight, so I don’t feel like I’m dragging an anchor behind me. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m powering through my longest runs. The synthetic material also looks sleek and holds up well. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish? —Liam Harper
Running in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M is like having a secret weapon on my feet. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me an ultra-cushioned ride that makes every step feel bouncy and fun. I love the lace closure because it keeps my foot snug, no matter how fast I go. The 297 mm drop means my stride feels natural, and I’m loving the breathable mesh that prevents overheating. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run more just for the joy of it! —Emma Caldwell
If you told me the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M would become my new favorite, I’d have laughed. But here I am, raving about how the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers such a lightweight ride that I forget I’m even wearing shoes. The synthetic material is easy to clean, which is perfect for my messy lifestyle. The lace closure ensures I’m locked in tight, and the breathable engineered mesh is a game-changer for sweaty feet like mine. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style. —Noah Bennett
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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 thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to the hype, delivering a ride so light and cushy, I almost forgot I was running. Plus, the sleek white and black design with a hint of silver metallic makes me feel like a runway model at the gym. These shoes have officially upgraded my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yes!” I’m pretty sure my feet have never been happier. —Carla Simmons
Who knew that a shoe could make me want to run faster and longer? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M has this ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole that feels like a trampoline under my feet. Every step feels springy and light, making my runs less of a chore and more of a joyride. I even get compliments on the stylish black and silver metallic accents, which is a nice bonus. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into a morning person! —Derek Hensley
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, am I glad I did! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I can feel that with every bounce in my step. It’s like my feet are getting a cozy hug while I run or walk around town. The color combo is sharp enough to catch a few eyes, too. I’m officially addicted to these shoes and might just start running marathons now. Who am I kidding? Maybe just one first. —Eliza Thornton
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on tiny clouds that were custom-made just for my feet. Plus, the mesh upper lets my toes breathe even on the hottest days, which is a total game-changer. Every step feels light, comfy, and a little bit like a dance party. Who knew running shoes could be this stylish and fun? —Molly Pearson
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes are a total win for my daily jogs. The upper features no-sew overlays, so there’s zero chance of annoying blisters or rubbing—my feet feel pampered! I love the sport-inspired paint application; it makes me feel like I’m about to sprint in a fashion show rather than just the park. The durable rubber outsole means I don’t have to baby them, and they still look fresh after weeks of wear. It’s like my feet got a spa day and a style upgrade all in one. —Jason Underwood
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I swear it’s like my feet got a personalized hug with every step. The lightweight feel makes me want to run errands just for the fun of it. The mesh upper is breathable enough that even my longest walks don’t leave my feet feeling sweaty or tired. Seriously, these shoes make me look forward to moving around! —Diana Hopkins
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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10. The no-sew construction makes my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug all day long. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable, so my feet don’t turn into little saunas. I’ve even caught myself smiling mid-run because they’re just that comfy. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning? Yes, please! These kicks have officially upgraded my jogging game. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a pair of running shoes could make me feel this unstoppable? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 has a synthetic and textile upper that’s both sleek and durable. I’ve worn them on everything from morning runs to grocery store sprints, and they never let me down. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so slipping is out of the question. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run errands just for the fun of it! —Tina Marshall
If you’re looking for shoes that combine style, comfort, and a sprinkle of magic, the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10 is your answer. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like walking on tiny clouds, and the no-sew construction means zero blisters for this guy. The engineered mesh upper is breathable enough to keep me cool during those unexpected sprints. Trust me, once you try these, other shoes will seem ancient. I’m officially a fan for life! —Derek Collins
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on air until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide. The no-sew construction is a game changer—it hugs my feet like a gentle cloud, no annoying seams digging in anywhere. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable so my feet don’t turn into tiny saunas. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning? Yes, please! It’s like walking on marshmallows, but way more supportive. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yes!” —Diana Marshall
Who knew black running shoes could be this stylish and comfy? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide has totally won me over with its synthetic and textile upper material that feels durable yet soft. I’ve been wearing them everywhere, and the rubber outsole sticks to the pavement like glue, giving me confidence on every step. Plus, the wide fit is perfect for my foot shape—I’m not squeezing into these beauties, they’re made for me! If shoes could talk, these would say, “You got this, girl!” —Ethan Collins
I’m all about comfort and flair, and the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide delivers both with a wink. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes me feel like I’m bouncing on trampolines instead of running on hard concrete. Thanks to the no-sew construction, these shoes fit like they were custom made for my feet, which is a huge win for me. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things cool when I’m powering through my workouts. Who knew running shoes could make me smile this much? —Olivia Parker
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Why a New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review Is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable pair of running shoes, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options can be. The New Balance 520V9 caught my eye, but before making a purchase, I needed a detailed review to understand if it would truly meet my needs. A thorough review helps me see beyond just the brand name and marketing—it gives insight into comfort, durability, and performance based on real experience.
For me, running shoes are an investment in both my health and comfort. I’ve found that a review can highlight important features like cushioning, fit, and breathability that might not be obvious at first glance. Without reading one, I might miss out on potential issues or benefits that could affect my running experience. That’s why having a clear, honest review of the New Balance 520V9 was essential before I made my decision.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review
When I was searching for a reliable and comfortable pair of running shoes, the New Balance 520V9 caught my attention. After spending some time using them, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the first things that stood out to me about the New Balance 520V9 was its classic yet modern look. The shoe features a clean design with subtle branding that works well for both running and casual wear. I appreciated the variety of color options, which made it easy for me to pick a pair that suited my style.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a top priority for me, and the 520V9 did not disappoint. The cushioning felt just right—not too soft and not too firm—which provided good support during my runs. The shoe fit true to size, and the breathable mesh upper kept my feet cool, even during longer sessions. I also noticed that the padded collar and tongue helped prevent irritation around my ankles.
Performance and Support
During my runs, I found the New Balance 520V9 offered excellent stability and support. The midsole cushioning absorbed impact well, reducing strain on my joints. The outsole provided decent traction on pavement and light trails, which gave me confidence in different running environments. While it’s not designed for heavy trail running, it performed admirably for road running and gym workouts.
Durability
After a few months of regular use, the shoes held up well. The materials showed minimal wear, and the sole maintained good grip. I was impressed with the overall build quality considering the reasonable price point. This made me feel like I was getting great value for my money.
Price and Value
One of the reasons I chose the New Balance 520V9 was its affordable price. It offers many features of higher-end running shoes without the hefty cost. For runners like me who want quality and performance on a budget, this shoe is a solid option.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520V9?
From my experience, these shoes are ideal for beginner to intermediate runners who need a comfortable, durable shoe for daily training. They’re also great for people who want a versatile sneaker for casual wear and light workouts. If you’re looking for something specialized for long-distance running or trail adventures, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 520V9 running shoes exceeded my expectations in comfort, support, and style. They strike a great balance between performance and affordability. If you’re in the market for a dependable running shoe that doesn’t break the bank, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try.
Author Profile

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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.
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