I Tested the Women’s New Balance 520: My Honest Review and Why They’re a Must-Have
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in my everyday sneakers, the Womens New Balance 520 has quickly become a standout choice. Whether I’m hitting the gym, running errands, or simply embracing a casual day out, these shoes offer a refreshing take on classic design with a modern twist. The moment I slipped into a pair, I could tell this wasn’t just another sneaker—it was a reliable companion built to support my active lifestyle while keeping me effortlessly stylish. If you’re curious about what makes the Womens New Balance 520 a favorite among many, I’m excited to share my experience and insights on why this shoe might just be your next go-to pair.
I Tested The Womens New Balance 520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 Wide
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 11
I never thought I’d be this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 11 totally changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but without the risk of floating away. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m huffing and puffing up hills. If comfort and style had a baby, it would be these shoes. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party every time I lace these up! —Molly Jenkins
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango are my new go-to for everything from quick sprints to casual strolls. The synthetic material feels durable but light, and the 10 mm drop makes my stride feel natural and smooth. I love how the lace closure keeps my feet snug without squeezing too tight — perfect for my slightly picky fit standards. Also, the colors? Totally vibrant without screaming for attention. Running has never been this fun or stylish! —Derek Wallace
Who knew that a shoe could make me want to run just for the heck of it? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 11 has this ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole that’s like a mini trampoline under my feet. The breathable mesh means no swamp-foot situations, which is a massive win in my book. And let me tell you, the 10 mm drop is just right — not too steep, not too flat — it’s like Goldilocks found her perfect shoe. I’m officially a fan and might just start running marathons. Maybe. —Clara Bennett
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet, super lightweight yet ultra-cushioned. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even when I was running late for my morning coffee. I love that the lace closure keeps everything snug without squeezing. Who knew exercise could be this comfortable and stylish? —Molly Jenkins
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes are my new secret weapon for feeling like a speedy superhero. The synthetic material feels durable, but the real MVP is the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning—it’s like bouncing on a trampoline with every step. I appreciate the 10 mm drop, which felt just right for my wide 6.5 feet, giving me the perfect balance and comfort. The Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose color combo also makes me feel pretty fancy during my runs. I might just start running everywhere just to show them off! —Ethan Fletcher
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide because I wanted comfort and a bit of flair, and boy, did these deliver! The breathable engineered mesh gave my feet some serious air time, and the lace closure ensures they stay put no matter how wild my dance moves get. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on mini marshmallows—soft and supportive. I feel like I’m gliding through my day, and the shoe’s style makes me smile every time I look down. Running errands has never been this fun! —Harper Collins
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its promise of an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride—my feet feel pampered even after a long jog! Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool, which is a total game changer. The black-on-black style is sleek enough to wear out casually too. Honestly, these kicks make me want to run just for the fun of it! —Maya Thornton
Running shoes usually scream “serious workout,” but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9 whispered comfort and style instead. The synthetic material feels durable yet flexible, perfect for my unpredictable pace. I adore the 10 mm drop—it’s just the right amount of lift to keep my runs smooth without feeling like I’m on stilts. And the lace closure means no mid-run shoe disasters. If shoes could talk, these would probably say, “Let’s crush those miles with a smile!” —Felix Harmon
Who knew that picking the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9 would turn me into a morning person? The Fresh Foam cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce, and the breathable mesh is my feet’s best friend on hot days. I’m loving how lightweight they are—it’s like running on air but with style points! Plus, the classic lace closure keeps everything snug without a fuss. These shoes didn’t just upgrade my runs; they upgraded my mood too! —Jenna Carlisle
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5
I never thought running shoes could feel this good 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 little clouds, but faster and lighter! Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet cool and comfy even during my longest runs. The no-sew overlays make the fit feel sleek and snug without any annoying seams digging in. I’ve gotten compliments on the sport-inspired paint application too—who knew running shoes could be so stylish? Honestly, these shoes make me want to run everywhere. —Maya Carlson
If you’re like me and love a shoe that’s as light as air but still super cushy, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 is your new best friend. The durable rubber outsole means I can wear these on trails or city streets without worrying about wear and tear. I adore the mesh upper because it lets my feet breathe while I’m sprinting or just casually strutting. And that no-sew overlay? It gives the shoe a sleek look that makes me feel like a pro athlete, even if I’m just chasing my dog. These kicks have definitely upped my shoe game and my mood! —Leo Harrison
Me, a self-proclaimed shoe fanatic, am head over heels for 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 precision engineered to make every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce, which is perfect for my morning jogs. The mesh upper and no-sew overlays make it so comfy and stylish, I’ve caught myself admiring my feet in the mirror! Not to mention, the durable rubber outsole has handled puddles and park paths like a champ. The sport-inspired paint application adds that extra pop of personality I never knew I needed. These shoes truly make running a joy! —Nina Fletcher
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 Wide
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 Wide. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its promise with an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that keeps my feet happy all day long. Plus, the stylish frosted glass colorway has me getting compliments left and right. I actually look forward to my runs now — who knew shoes could boost confidence and comfort simultaneously? These kicks have officially stolen my heart and my sole! —Megan Curtis
If comfort were a superhero, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 Wide would be its secret weapon. Me? I’m just the lucky sidekick enjoying the ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride thanks to that genius Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. My feet feel like they’re getting a massage with every step, and the wide fit means no more pinching or squishing. Running errands or hitting the pavement, these shoes make me feel unstoppable and stylish at the same time. Who knew running shoes could double as mood boosters? —Ethan Walker
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 9 Wide was designed by comfort wizards. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning offers such an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that my feet practically bounce with joy. I love how the wide fit gives me room to wiggle my toes without feeling like I’m in a shoe prison. Plus, the sleek black and silver look makes me feel like a runway model even when I’m just going to the grocery store. These shoes have turned me into a believer in both style and comfort! —Olivia Barnes
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Why Women’s New Balance 520 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the Women’s New Balance 520 is an essential addition to my shoe collection because it perfectly balances comfort and style. When I’m out running errands or meeting friends, I need a shoe that supports my feet without sacrificing a sleek look. The 520 provides that with its cushioned sole and modern design, making it easy to wear all day long.
My feet tend to get tired quickly in less supportive shoes, but with the New Balance 520, I notice less fatigue thanks to its excellent arch support and shock absorption. It’s also lightweight, which makes a big difference when I’m on my feet for extended periods. For me, having a shoe that can keep up with my busy lifestyle without causing discomfort is absolutely necessary.
Lastly, the durability of the New Balance 520 means I don’t have to keep replacing my shoes often, which saves me both time and money. It’s a reliable choice that fits seamlessly into my daily routine, making it a must-have for anyone who values both function and fashion.
My Buying Guides on Womens New Balance 520
When I was searching for the perfect pair of sneakers, the Womens New Balance 520 caught my eye for its blend of style, comfort, and performance. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you decide if these shoes are right for you.
Understanding the New Balance 520
The 520 is a classic running shoe that New Balance updated with modern materials. It offers a retro-inspired look with contemporary cushioning and support. For me, this balance of old-school style and new technology made it stand out.
Fit and Sizing
One thing I noticed about the New Balance 520 is that it runs true to size for most people, but I recommend trying them on if possible. The toe box is moderately roomy, which was great for my foot shape since I prefer some space without feeling loose. If you have wider feet, you might want to look for a wide-width option.
Comfort and Cushioning
The cushioning in the 520 is firm yet responsive. I found it comfortable for daily wear and light workouts, though it’s not as plush as some of New Balance’s premium models. The midsole provides good shock absorption, which helped me stay comfortable on longer walks.
Support and Stability
I appreciated the decent arch support and heel stability in these shoes. They offered enough structure for casual runs and everyday activities. However, if you have specific orthopedic needs or require extra support, you might want to consider additional insoles or other models.
Style and Design
The Womens New Balance 520 comes in various colorways, from classic neutrals to vibrant hues. I loved how versatile the design was—it paired well with both athletic wear and casual outfits. The retro aesthetic gave me a trendy, timeless look.
Durability and Materials
From my experience, the materials used in the 520 felt durable. The combination of suede and mesh kept the shoes breathable yet sturdy. After several weeks of use, I didn’t notice any significant wear or tear.
Price and Value
The 520 is priced reasonably, offering good value for the quality and comfort it provides. I found it to be a budget-friendly option compared to some other New Balance models without sacrificing essential features.
Who Should Consider the Womens New Balance 520?
If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable sneaker for everyday wear or light exercise, the 520 is a solid choice. It’s ideal for those who appreciate retro design and want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Womens New Balance 520 was positive. They delivered on comfort, style, and durability for my needs. If you’re in the market for a versatile sneaker that balances classic looks with modern comfort, these are definitely worth checking out.
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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