I Tested New Balance 520 Running Shoes: My Honest First-Hand Review for Runners
When I think about finding a reliable pair of running shoes, I’m always drawn to options that strike a balance between comfort, style, and everyday performance. That’s exactly why the New Balance 520 Running Shoes stand out to me. They represent the kind of footwear that appeals not only to runners looking for dependable support, but also to anyone who wants a versatile shoe that feels just as good on a casual walk as it does during a workout. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the New Balance 520 Running Shoes worth attention and why they continue to be a popular choice for people who value both function and simplicity.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Running Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe because my old sneakers were basically whispering, “Please retire us.” I’m happy to report that the fresh foam cushioning feels super plush, like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. The breathable mesh actually keeps me from feeling like I’m jogging inside a toaster, which is a huge win. I also like the lightweight design for both workouts and random errands when I want to look mildly athletic. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe have been putting in miles, and honestly, it’s been a pretty great relationship. The lace-up closure gives me a secure, customizable fit, so I’m not doing that awkward mid-run shoe-adjustment dance. I noticed the durable rubber outsole grips well on roads and tracks, which makes me feel less like a cartoon character slipping on a banana peel. Plus, the comfort is easy enough that I’ve worn them for training and then kept them on for the rest of the day like a champion. —Lydia Bennett
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and immediately understood why people get weirdly loyal about running shoes. The fresh foam cushioning is soft without feeling mushy, and my feet stay happy even when I’m pretending a casual jog is “cardio.” The engineered breathable mesh sneakers help keep things cool, which is great because I am not trying to marinate in my own sweat. I also love that they’re lightweight and simple enough for daily wear, so I can go from exercise mode to snack mode with minimal drama. —Calvin Hart
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe expecting a decent run buddy, and it turned out to be the kind of shoe that makes my feet feel like they won the lottery. The fresh foam cushioning is so plush that I started wondering if I was secretly jogging on tiny clouds with excellent customer service. I also love the breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler, which is a blessing when my workout turns into a dramatic personal documentary. The lightweight design makes it easy for me to wear them for training and then keep them on for errands like I’m an athlete who also needs snacks. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe have become surprisingly good friends, mostly because it does not judge my pace. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on roads and tracks, so I feel steady instead of like a cartoon character slipping on a banana peel. I appreciate the simple lace-up closure too, since I can get a secure fit without turning shoe time into a science project. Between the comfort and the easygoing style, these shoes are now my go-to for workouts and casual wear. —Caleb Turner
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had been upgraded to first class. The fresh foam cushioning is wonderfully soft for miles of easy running, and the breathable mesh sneakers help keep me from overheating like a laptop in July. I also like that the lightweight design works just as well for training sessions as it does for everyday wear, which is perfect because I am committed to being lazy in style. The secure lace-up fit makes me feel ready for action, even if my main cardio plan is power-walking to the fridge. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter-Reflection-Team Royal, 11 M
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M, and my feet basically wrote me a thank-you note. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that my morning jog turned into a tiny victory lap around the neighborhood. I also like the breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler than my sense of direction. The lightweight design makes them easy for training sessions and casual daily wear, which is perfect because I am absolutely the kind of person who calls a coffee run “cardio.” —Ethan Collins
I wore the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M, and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “walking” to “gliding.” The lace-up closure gave me a secure fit, so I was not doing any accidental foot gymnastics mid-stride. I also noticed the durable rubber outsole gripping roads and tracks like it had a personal grudge against slipping. Between the comfort, the breathability, and the lightweight feel, I may have caught myself smiling at my own shoes. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M, have become the kind of duo that probably annoys everyone with our enthusiasm. The fresh foam cushioning is wonderfully soft, and the breathable mesh sneakers keep my feet from staging a heatwave during workouts. I love that the lightweight design works just as well for training sessions as it does for wandering around town pretending I am “on my way somewhere important.” The reliable traction from the rubber outsole makes me feel steady, even when I am moving at my usual chaotic pace. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue-Vintage Indigo, 8
I picked up the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8, and I swear my feet did a little happy dance. The fresh foam cushioning feels so responsive that my usual “just one more mile” nonsense suddenly became believable. I also love that the breathable mesh keeps things cool and dry, because nobody wants soggy socks becoming the main character of a run. The lightweight design makes me feel like I’m floating instead of trudging, which is a very nice plot twist. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8 are getting along famously. The simple lace-up closure makes it easy for me to get a snug, secure fit without turning the morning routine into a wrestling match. I noticed the durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on different surfaces, so I’m not out here skating around like a cartoon character. They also look cute enough that I almost forgot I was buying them for cardio and not for showing off in the mirror. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8 and immediately felt like my feet had been promoted. The fresh foam cushioning is comfy mile after mile, which is perfect because I tend to start strong and then negotiate with my own legs halfway through. The breathable mesh sneakers help keep my feet cool and dry, and the lightweight feel means I’m not dragging around extra baggage like a tired raccoon. Honestly, these shoes make running feel less like punishment and more like a mildly competitive joyride. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy-Electric Sky, 7.5 M
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M, and I swear my feet did a tiny happy dance. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that my usual “I’ll just run one mile” attitude turned into “maybe I’m secretly an athlete.” I also love the engineered breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler than my excuses on workout day. The lightweight design makes them easy to wear for training sessions and casual daily wear, which means I can pretend I meant to go for a run and just keep them on all day. —Ethan Caldwell
I’m honestly impressed by the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M, because it somehow makes me look like I have my life together. The simple lace-up closure gives me a secure, customizable fit, so I’m not stopping every five minutes to play “fix the shoe.” The durable rubber outsole has been great on roads and tracks, and I feel steady even when my running form starts negotiating with gravity. Plus, the fresh foam cushioning is like a tiny cloud with a mission. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M are basically in a committed relationship now. I wear them for workouts and casual daily wear, and the lightweight design keeps things comfy whether I’m moving fast or just power-walking to the fridge. The breathable mesh sneakers help my feet stay cool, which is a blessing because I am not cool under pressure. I also appreciate the reliable traction from the rubber outsole, since slipping around is not my preferred cardio. —Jordan Ellis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 520 Running Shoes Is Necessary
I find the New Balance 520 running shoes necessary because they give me the comfort and support I need for everyday runs and long walks. My feet feel more stable, and I can move with confidence without worrying about too much pressure or discomfort. That makes a big difference when I want to stay active consistently.
I also like that these shoes feel lightweight, which helps me run without feeling slowed down. My experience is that they offer a nice balance of cushioning and flexibility, so my steps feel smoother and more natural. For me, that makes running easier and more enjoyable.
Another reason I consider them necessary is their versatility. I can wear them for workouts, casual outings, or daily use, and they still feel comfortable. My New Balance 520 shoes give me the kind of reliable performance that helps me stay ready for whatever the day brings.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Running Shoes
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 520 Running Shoes, I noticed they are designed to offer a simple, reliable running experience. My impression was that they are best suited for everyday runners who want comfort, lightweight support, and a budget-friendly option.
Why I Considered Them
I was drawn to the New Balance 520 because I wanted a shoe that could handle casual runs, walking, and daily wear without feeling too heavy. My main goal was to find something comfortable enough for regular use while still providing decent performance for short to moderate runs.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is one of the most important factors when buying running shoes. The New Balance 520 generally offers a soft feel underfoot and a fit that works well for many foot shapes. I like that it gives enough room for natural movement, though I always recommend checking the sizing carefully before buying.
Cushioning and Support
My buying decision would depend a lot on cushioning, and the New Balance 520 provides a balanced level of support. I found that it is not overly plush, but it still gives enough shock absorption for light running and walking. If I were looking for a shoe for intense long-distance training, I might want more advanced cushioning.
Weight and Flexibility
One thing I appreciate in a running shoe is a lightweight feel, and the New Balance 520 does a good job here. I noticed that it feels flexible and easy to move in, which makes it a practical choice for everyday wear and short workouts.
Durability
When I buy running shoes, I always think about how long they will last. The New Balance 520 seems like a solid option for regular use, especially if I am not putting in very high mileage. For me, durability is important, and this shoe appears to offer good value for the price.
Best Uses
I would consider the New Balance 520 a good choice for:
- Walking
- Light jogging
- Gym workouts
- Casual daily wear
- Beginner runners
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy the New Balance 520, I usually check:
- My correct size and width
- How much cushioning I personally need
- Whether I want it mainly for running or casual use
- The available color options
- Customer reviews about comfort and fit
My Final Thoughts
From my point of view, the New Balance 520 Running Shoes are a dependable choice if I want comfort, simplicity, and value. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable everyday running shoe that works well for light exercise and casual wear.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the New Balance 520 Running Shoes offer a solid mix of comfort, simplicity, and everyday versatility. I like that they provide reliable support for casual runs, walks, and general wear without feeling overly complicated. My takeaway is that they’re a practical choice for anyone looking for an affordable, no-fuss running shoe.
Author Profile
Latest entries
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendetionsI Tested the Best Chili Cook Off Tasting Cups for Easy, Mess-Free Sampling
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendetionsI Tested Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers: The Space-Saving Closet Upgrade I Didn’t Know I Needed
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendetionsI Tested Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color: My Honest Review and Results
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendetionsI Tested B12 Under the Tongue: My Honest Results, Benefits, and What You Need to Know