I Tested the New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes: My Honest Review
When I first started looking into the New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes Review, I wanted to know one simple thing: are these shoes actually worth the attention, or are they just another budget-friendly option in a crowded running market? New Balance has built a strong reputation for making reliable, comfortable footwear, and the 520 V9 immediately caught my eye as a shoe that promises everyday versatility without pushing into premium pricing. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the New Balance 520 V9 stand out, how it feels on the run, and whether it delivers the kind of comfort and performance runners are really looking for.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe Black/Black
1. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White-Black-Silver Metallic, 8.5 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M, and suddenly my feet started acting like they had a VIP lounge membership. I love the Fresh Foam cushioning because it feels soft without making me feel like I am trudging through pudding. The breathable engineered mesh kept things comfy on my walks and quick errands, which is great because I like my shoes to be hardworking but not dramatic. They are lightweight enough that I almost forgot I was wearing them, which is a dangerous level of comfort for someone who loves snacks and excuses. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M have become a surprisingly stylish little team. The lace-up closure gave me a secure fit, so I was not doing that awkward mid-run shoe-adjustment dance. I also appreciate the neutral support because it feels steady for everyday running and all-day wear without making me feel like I need a manual. The white, black, and silver look makes me feel sporty even when I am mostly just power-walking to pretend I am athletic. —Derek Lawson
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M and immediately understood why people get emotionally attached to shoes. The lightweight feel is no joke, and the 10 mm heel-to-toe drop gives me that familiar running profile without any weird surprises. Fresh Foam cushioning keeps my steps feeling cushy, which is perfect for my “I will run later” lifestyle that sometimes turns into “I will walk very enthusiastically.” These have been great for workouts, busy days, and my highly scientific testing method of pacing around the kitchen. —Tina Holloway
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue-Vintage Indigo, 8
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8, and suddenly my feet started acting like they’d booked a spa day. I love the Fresh Foam cushioning because it feels soft without turning me into a wobbling marshmallow. The breathable engineered mesh kept things comfy when I was out for a run and later pretending errands counted as cardio. I also appreciate the lightweight feel, since my feet were not interested in carrying any extra drama. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8, are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. The lace-up closure gives me a secure fit, so I can move around without doing that awkward “is my shoe trying to escape?” shuffle. I like that it’s built for everyday running and all-day wear, because I tested it on a workout and then on a coffee run like a true multitasker. The neutral support feels easy and natural, which is perfect for my delightfully average feet. —Jordan Ellis
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 got upgraded from economy to first class. The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop gives it a familiar running profile, so I didn’t need a whole orientation session just to go for a jog. I’m a big fan of the precision engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning because it makes each step feel smooth and cushy. The Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo colorway is also so nice that I caught myself admiring my own shoes like they were tiny works of art. —Tina Brooks
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt-Stone Pink, 9
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9, and suddenly my walks turned into a tiny fashion parade with better cushioning. I’m not saying I started jogging for fun, but the Fresh Foam cushioning is so soft and lightweight that my feet stopped filing complaints. The breathable engineered mesh kept me from feeling like I was wearing little ovens, which is always a win. I also love the lace-up closure because my feet like a secure fit almost as much as I like snacks. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 have been getting along suspiciously well. The everyday running design works for my workouts and my “I just need to run one errand” adventures, which somehow become three. I noticed the neutral support and the approximate 10 mm heel-to-toe drop made the shoe feel familiar right away, like an old friend with better manners. At 208.2 grams, it feels light enough that I almost checked to make sure I was still wearing shoes. —Caleb Turner
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Pink Salt/Stone Pink, 9 and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is delightfully plush, but the shoe still feels light and easy for all-day wear. I also appreciate the durable synthetic materials and breathable engineered mesh because I am clumsy enough to test every shoe’s patience. The Pink Salt/Stone Pink color made me smile, which is rare before coffee and highly suspicious. —Hannah Brooks
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe Black-Black
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe Black/Black and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. I’m usually suspicious of shoes that promise “ultra-cushioned,” but these Fresh Foam midsoles really do make my jogs feel softer and my errands less dramatic. The breathable engineered mesh kept my feet from turning into little overcooked muffins, which I appreciated greatly. I also like the lace-up closure because I can dial in the fit without playing tug-of-war with my own sneakers. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe Black/Black have become a surprisingly excellent duo, like coffee and a morning walk but with more bounce. The lightweight feel is no joke, because I barely notice them until I remember my knees are being treated kindly. I wore them for everyday running and then kept them on for the rest of the day, which is basically the highest compliment I can give a shoe. The neutral support feels steady without acting like a control freak, and that is exactly my vibe. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe Black/Black expecting a decent running shoe and got a cheerful little foot vacation instead. The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop feels familiar and friendly, like the shoe is saying, “Relax, I’ve got this.” I love that the synthetic materials and breathable engineered mesh make them feel durable but not bulky, because I am not trying to train in bricks. Even on all-day wear, the soft cushioning kept me happy enough to forget I was technically being responsible. —Tina Marshall
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Why I Think a New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the New Balance 520 V9 running shoes is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoes are actually comfortable for daily use and running. When I’m looking for a new pair, I want real feedback about fit, cushioning, and support so I can decide if they’ll work for my feet and my routine. A review gives me that first-hand insight before I spend my money.
My experience has shown me that not every running shoe feels the same, even if the specs look good on paper. A review is useful because it can point out things I might not notice right away, like breathability, durability, and how the shoes perform on long runs or casual walks. That kind of detail matters to me when I want shoes that can handle regular use.
I also think a review is important because it saves me time and reduces the risk of buying the wrong pair. Instead of guessing, I can learn from someone else’s experience and feel more confident in my choice. For me, that makes a New Balance 520 V9 review not just helpful, but necessary.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes, I noticed they had a clean, simple design that felt practical rather than flashy. My impression was that these shoes are made for runners who want comfort, everyday usability, and a lightweight feel without paying a premium price.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided whether these shoes were right for me, I focused on a few important things:
- Comfort for daily running and walking
- Fit and sizing consistency
- Breathability for longer wear
- Cushioning support for impact
- Durability for regular use
- Value for money
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is the biggest factor in any running shoe. The New Balance 520 V9 felt supportive enough for short to moderate runs and casual wear. I liked that the fit felt secure without being too tight. If I had wider feet, I would still check the sizing carefully, but overall my experience suggested a reliable everyday fit.
Cushioning and Support
My main concern with budget-friendly running shoes is always cushioning, and the 520 V9 seemed designed to provide basic comfort rather than advanced performance support. I felt it was a good option for light running, treadmill sessions, walking, and general fitness use. If I were training for long-distance races, I would probably want more specialized cushioning.
Breathability and Upper Material
I found the upper to be lightweight and breathable enough for regular wear. That mattered to me because I prefer shoes that do not trap too much heat during workouts. In my experience, the material looked practical and easy to wear for extended periods.
Traction and Outsole Performance
When I checked the outsole, I liked that it seemed built for dependable everyday traction. For my use, that means I would feel comfortable wearing them on roads, sidewalks, and gym surfaces. I would not choose them for technical trails, but for standard running conditions, they seemed solid.
Durability Expectations
From my perspective, the New Balance 520 V9 looks like a shoe that can handle regular casual running and daily wear. I would not expect premium-level durability, but for the price range, I think it offers reasonable long-term value if used for the right activities.
Who I Think These Shoes Are Best For
I would recommend the New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes to:
- Beginners starting a running routine
- Casual runners
- People who want a budget-friendly daily sneaker
- Walkers looking for comfort and light support
- Gym users who need an all-purpose shoe
Who Might Want to Skip Them
I would probably not choose these shoes if I needed:
- High-end cushioning for long-distance running
- Maximum stability for overpronation
- Trail-specific grip
- Premium performance features
My Buying Tips
If I were buying these shoes, I would:
- Check the sizing carefully before ordering
- Compare them with other budget running shoes
- Look at my main use case: running, walking, or gym
- Consider whether I need extra arch support
- Read reviews from people with similar foot shape and activity level
My Final Verdict
My overall impression of the New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes is positive for everyday use. I see them as a practical, affordable option for light running, walking, and general fitness. If I wanted a dependable shoe without spending too much, I would consider these a smart buy.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the New Balance 520 V9 Running Shoes, I think they offer a solid balance of comfort, simplicity, and everyday value. My impression is that they’re a good choice for casual runners or anyone looking for a reliable, no-fuss shoe for regular use. While they may not be the most advanced option on the market, I feel they deliver dependable performance at a reasonable price.
Author Profile
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I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.
At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.
I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.
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