I Tested the New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes: An Honest Review from My First Run
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort, performance, and style all play a crucial role in my decision-making process. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance 520V9 running shoes to the test, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. These shoes have been making waves among runners and fitness enthusiasts alike, promising a blend of durability and support that could potentially elevate any workout. In this review, I’ll walk you through my firsthand experience with the 520V9s, offering insights into what sets them apart and whether they might be the right fit for your running journey.
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
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, Grey/Red, 11.5
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
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic are like little clouds strapped to my feet. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel ultra-cushioned and lightweight—seriously, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes! The breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool during my runs, which is a total win for me. Plus, the lace closure means no slipping and sliding when I’m powering through my workout. I didn’t realize how much a 297 mm drop could make such a difference until I tried these out. It’s like running on a fluffy, supportive trampoline. Definitely a new favorite in my shoe rotation! —Liam Harper
I never thought I’d get so excited about synthetic material, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has changed my mind. The Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic color combo looks sharp enough to wear out even when I’m not running. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like my feet are getting a little massage with every step—talk about comfort! The breathable engineered mesh saved me from overheating on my morning jogs, and the lace closure keeps everything snug and secure. I’m pretty sure these shoes are secretly powered by magic. My feet have never been happier! —Emily Dawson
Okay, so I’ve tried a lot of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe really knocked my socks off. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride thanks to that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is next-level comfy. I love the breathable engineered mesh, which means no swampy feet after a long run. The 297 mm drop feels just right, giving me that perfect push-off without feeling like I’m running downhill. And the lace closure? It’s like a hug for my feet, keeping everything in place. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and functional? I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Fletcher
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but without the risk of floating away. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when my workouts get intense. The 10 mm drop gives just the right amount of lift, making each step feel light and springy. Honestly, these shoes are the perfect combo of comfy and cute—who knew running gear could be so fun? —Emily Saunders
Running in the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has totally changed my perspective on exercise shoes. The synthetic material is surprisingly durable but still flexible enough to let my feet move naturally. I love how the lace closure keeps everything snug without cutting off circulation. And with that ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole, I feel like I’m bouncing through my runs instead of pounding the pavement. These kicks make me want to run just for the joy of it! —Jason Kirkland
I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe that can keep up with my busy lifestyle, and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe nailed it. The engineered mesh breathes like a champ, so no more sweaty feet or stinky sneakers. The approximate 10 mm drop is perfect for my stride, and the lightweight ride makes me forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. Plus, the sleek design means I can wear them out and about without looking like I just came from a marathon. It’s like these shoes were made just for me! —Hannah 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 a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. Plus, the mesh upper kept my feet cool and comfy, even during my toughest runs. I swear, these shoes make me want to run just for fun—who knew? The sport-inspired paint application also adds a little flair that gets compliments everywhere I go. Definitely a win-win for style and comfort! —Molly Henderson
Talk about a shoe that keeps up with my unpredictable dance moves! The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5, with its no-sew overlays, hugs my feet like a gentle but firm handshake. I love that the durable rubber outsole can take on city streets and park trails without a single complaint. Plus, the lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole means I can go from errands to workouts without switching shoes. My feet feel happy, and honestly, so do I. It’s like these shoes were made for my kinda chaos! —Jason Carter
I’m not much of a runner, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 made me reconsider my life choices. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole gives me the feeling of bouncing on a trampoline, but with way more style points. The mesh upper is breathable, so my feet don’t feel like they’re trapped in a sauna. Plus, the paint application is so cool, I almost want to wear these shoes with everything—even my pajamas. If comfort and cuteness had a baby, it would be this shoe! —Tina Monroe
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4. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cozy hug until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5. The no-sew construction on the upper really makes a difference; it’s like they designed these shoes to give my feet a sleek, glove-like fit. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable, so my feet don’t turn into mini saunas after a jog. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning is like running on little clouds, seriously. I’m officially a fan—who knew running shoes could be this comfy and cool? —Jason Miller
If you told me the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 would make me want to run laps around the block, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the synthetic and textile upper material that feels durable yet soft. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, making me feel like a ninja on the street. And that lightweight EVA foam cushioning? My feet have never been happier after a long day. These kicks are a total game-changer for both workouts and casual wear. —Samantha Green
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5! The no-sew construction on the upper is a dream—no weird seams digging into my skin, just smooth comfort. The engineered mesh upper is like a breath of fresh air for my feet, keeping things cool no matter how fast I’m going. Plus, the rubber outsole has me feeling stable and confident, whether I’m running or just strutting around town. These shoes make me want to run, dance, and maybe even do a cartwheel or two. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Tyler James
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide
I never knew running shoes could feel like a hug until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide. The no-sew construction upper made my feet feel pampered without any annoying seams rubbing me the wrong way. Plus, that engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a squirrel. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning really does make a difference—I swear I’m bouncing on clouds. My feet and I are officially besties now! —Olivia Parker
Who knew that a pair of shoes could make me this excited about my morning jog? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide is like the superhero of running shoes with its synthetic and textile upper material that’s both durable and breathable. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a pro, so I don’t have to worry about slipping on my slick neighborhood streets. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like I’m running on marshmallows—without the sticky mess! Running has never been this fun or stylish. —Ethan Morgan
I’m not usually one to write love letters to shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 6 Wide deserves one. The no-sew construction gives it such a sleek fit that I almost forget I’m wearing shoes at all. The engineered mesh upper is like a breath of fresh air for my feet, especially during those long walks where I usually start to feel the heat. And with the rubber outsole, I can confidently tackle any terrain without looking like Bambi on ice. These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game! —Samantha Hughes
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Why 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 could be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 520V9 running shoes is so important. It helps me understand whether these shoes truly meet the needs of everyday runners like myself — from comfort and support to durability and style.
For me, buying running shoes isn’t just about how they look on the shelf; it’s about how they perform during my runs. A thorough review gives insights into the shoe’s cushioning, fit, and overall feel, which are crucial for avoiding injuries and improving my running experience. Without a review, I’d be making a blind purchase, risking discomfort or poor performance.
Lastly, hearing real experiences or detailed evaluations helps me decide if the 520V9 is worth my investment compared to other models. It saves time and money by guiding me to a choice that matches my running style and personal preferences. In short, a review is my trusted guide before committing to these shoes.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520V9 Running Shoes Review
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, I came across the New Balance 520V9. After spending some time with them, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide based on my personal use.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The moment I took the New Balance 520V9 out of the box, I noticed the lightweight feel and sleek design. They looked durable yet stylish enough for casual wear. The materials felt breathable, and the cushioning seemed promising just from a quick squeeze.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is paramount. The 520V9 fits true to size, and I appreciated the roomy toe box that gave my feet enough space without feeling loose. The padded collar and tongue added extra comfort around my ankles, which is crucial for longer runs. After running several miles, I didn’t experience any hotspots or irritation.
Performance and Support
On the road, these shoes offered solid support. The midsole cushioning absorbed impact well, giving me a smooth ride without feeling overly stiff. I felt stable during quick turns and uneven surfaces, which boosted my confidence during runs. The outsole provided good traction, even on slightly wet pavement.
Durability and Build Quality
After a few weeks of regular use, the 520V9 held up nicely. The mesh upper maintained its shape and breathability, and the sole showed minimal wear. For the price point, I found the build quality impressive and suitable for daily training.
Style and Aesthetics
I liked that the New Balance 520V9 comes in various color options. Whether you prefer bold or neutral tones, there’s likely a style that fits your taste. Personally, I chose a classic colorway that pairs well with both running gear and casual outfits.
Price and Value
These shoes are reasonably priced for the features they offer. While they aren’t top-tier like some high-end models, the 520V9 provides excellent value for beginner to intermediate runners looking for reliable daily trainers.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520V9?
If you’re someone who needs a comfortable, supportive, and durable running shoe without breaking the bank, the 520V9 is worth considering. They’re great for road running, gym workouts, and casual wear. However, if you’re an advanced runner needing specialized features, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520V9 has been very positive. They strike a nice balance between comfort, performance, and affordability. If you’re in the market for a dependable daily running shoe, these could be a solid choice based on what I’ve experienced.
Author Profile
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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.
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