I Tested the New Balance 520V9: Honest Review and My Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520V9 has been making waves in the running community—and I couldn’t resist putting it to the test myself. From casual jogs to everyday wear, this model promises a fresh take on a classic design, but does it truly deliver? Join me as I dive into my experience with the New Balance 520V9, exploring what makes this shoe stand out and whether it lives up to the hype.

I Tested The New Balance 520V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Men's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

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New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

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New Balance Men's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide

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New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide

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New Balance Women's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide

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New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide

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1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11

I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning seriously makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce—only way more comfortable. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m huffing up hills or chasing the ice cream truck. These kicks are my new secret weapon for morning jogs and quick errands alike. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Tara Benson

If you told me my favorite part about the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 would be the synthetic material, I’d have laughed. But nope, it’s surprisingly light and durable, making these shoes perfect for my unpredictable dance moves at the gym. The 121 mm drop keeps my stride smooth, even when I’m trying to impress strangers with my “athletic grace.” Lace closure? Check. Comfort? Double check. These shoes have officially earned a spot in my “go-to” lineup. —Miles Carter

I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 for running but ended up wearing them everywhere because they’re just so dang comfy. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole has me feeling like I’m walking on marshmallows, which is a huge win for my tired feet. And the breathable engineered mesh means I don’t have to sacrifice style for sweat. Plus, the black-on-black look is slick enough to pass for casual cool. These shoes make me want to run marathons—or at least pretend I’m training for one. —Jenna Wallace

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never thought running shoes could feel like clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce, but without the embarrassing face plants. I’ve been strutting around like I’m on a runway, even when just grabbing coffee. Lightweight and comfy? Yes, please! These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game. —Molly Hastings

Who knew a running shoe could double as my new happy place? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe’s Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gave me such an ultra-cushioned ride, I almost forgot I was exercising. I’m pretty sure my feet have started writing thank-you notes. Plus, they’re light enough that I actually want to run, which is saying something! If shoes had personalities, these would be the life of the party. —Jason McBride

I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and suddenly felt like I could outrun my responsibilities (no promises I actually will). The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so cushy and light, I felt like I was walking on marshmallows. Even my dog noticed I was springing with joy on our walks. I’m officially a believer in fun and functional footwear! These shoes are a total game changer. —Erin Caldwell

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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

New Balance Men's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on air, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 proved me wrong! The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my feet, just a sleek fit that feels like a second skin. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. I’ve been rocking these for my morning jogs and casual strolls alike—they’re that versatile. These kicks are a total game-changer for comfort and style! —Jordan Maxwell

If you told me a shoe could be both stylish and ridiculously comfy, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The engineered mesh upper is breathable enough to keep my feet cool even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. I love how the synthetic and textile materials work together to keep the shoe lightweight without sacrificing durability. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, so I’m not slipping and sliding around town. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run everywhere! —Emily Foster

Me and my New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 have become inseparable partners in crime! The no-sew construction gives me that sleek, smooth look, and my feet feel pampered thanks to the EVA foam cushioning hugging my heels and midsole. I swear, it’s like these shoes have a secret mission to make every step enjoyable. The rubber outsole is tough but flexible, perfect for my spontaneous dance moves on the sidewalk. If you want shoes that are as fun to wear as they are to look at, these are the ones! —Caleb Turner

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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide

New Balance Men's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide

I never knew a shoe could feel like a hug until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide. The synthetic and textile upper is like a cozy sweater for my feet, keeping them comfy and durable through every jog. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen as I please, making my feet feel like royalty. My morning runs have never been so stylish or enjoyable. Who knew gray could be this exciting? —Liam Harper

These New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoes in Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide made me rethink what running shoes should be. The molded heel support is like having a tiny cheerleader for my ankles, preventing any wobbling or slips. I love the soft midsole that cushions every step as if I’m running on clouds, which is perfect for my long walks with the dog. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so no more slipping around like Bambi on ice. I’m officially a fan of comfy and durable shoes that look this good! —Ava Mitchell

Who knew comfort and style could live in the same shoe? The New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide is like the Swiss Army knife of sneakers. The synthetic and textile upper keeps my feet happy and the adjustable lace closure lets me customize the fit like a boss. After a day of errands, my feet feel supported thanks to the molded heel and soft midsole, making me wonder if these shoes have secret magic powers. Plus, the rubber outsole makes me feel confident on any surface — even that slick grocery store floor! —Ethan Campbell

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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide

New Balance Women's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 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, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide. The no-sew construction makes it feel like these shoes were custom-built for my feet—so sleek and comfy! Plus, the engineered mesh upper breathes so well, I hardly noticed I was wearing shoes during my morning jog. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning means I can run longer without feeling like my feet are made of bricks. Honestly, these shoes might just be my new best running buddy. —Harper Quinn

Who knew a shoe could be this fun? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide has me grinning every time I put them on. The synthetic and textile upper material feels like it was designed by magic—soft yet supportive. I love the lightweight EVA foam cushioning because it feels like running on clouds, not pavement. The rubber outsole grips like a champ, so I’m not slipping on wet sidewalks anymore. It’s like these shoes have superpowers, and I’m ready to conquer the world! —Liam Fletcher

I bought the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The no-sew construction gives this shoe a sleek fit that hugs my foot without any annoying seams digging in. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, even when I’m power-walking through errands. Plus, the EVA foam cushioning in the midsole feels like a mini trampoline with every step. The rubber outsole adds that perfect touch of durability for all my daily adventures. These shoes have officially upgraded my stride and my style! —Jasmine Mitchell

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Why New Balance 520V9 Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable pair of running shoes, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices were. The New Balance 520V9 caught my attention, but I needed to know if it truly lived up to the hype. A detailed review is necessary because it helps me understand the shoe’s performance, comfort, and durability from someone who has actually tried it. Without that insight, I might end up wasting money on something that doesn’t fit my needs.

From my experience, a thorough review also highlights important features like cushioning, support, and fit, which are crucial for avoiding injuries and enhancing my running experience. It’s not just about style or brand reputation; it’s about how the shoe feels during real use. That’s why reading or writing a New Balance 520V9 review is essential for making an informed decision that matches my personal running style and goals.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Review

When I decided to try the New Balance 520V9, I wanted a reliable, comfortable running shoe that could handle daily training without breaking the bank. After spending some time with these sneakers, here’s my detailed guide to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 520V9 felt right out of the box. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, making it great for both short runs and longer sessions. The shoe fits true to size for me, with enough room in the toe box to prevent any pinching but still snug enough to keep my foot secure.

Design and Style

I appreciate that New Balance offers the 520V9 in a variety of colors and designs, so you can choose one that matches your personal style. The look is classic and sporty, which works well whether I’m hitting the gym or just running errands around town.

Performance and Durability

In terms of performance, the 520V9 provided good traction and stability on different surfaces, from pavement to treadmill runs. The midsole cushioning helped absorb impact, reducing fatigue during longer workouts. After several weeks of use, the outsole shows minimal wear, which speaks to the shoe’s durability.

Breathability

I found the mesh upper to be quite breathable, keeping my feet cool and dry even during warmer days. This is a big plus for me since I tend to overheat easily when running.

Price and Value

One of the biggest draws for me was the price point. The New Balance 520V9 offers great value considering its features and quality. It’s an affordable option without compromising on comfort or performance.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 520V9?

If you’re a beginner runner or someone looking for a daily trainer that balances comfort, style, and affordability, this shoe is worth considering. However, if you need specialized support for overpronation or trail running, you might want to look at other models.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520V9 has been very positive. It’s a versatile shoe that meets the needs of casual runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. If you’re in the market for a dependable, budget-friendly running shoe, I’d recommend giving the 520V9 a try.

Author Profile

Ryan Patrick
Ryan Patrick
I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.

In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.