I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: An Honest Review from My Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, I’ve always been on the lookout for something that stands out without compromising on everyday wearability. The New Balance 520 V8 caught my attention as a promising contender in this space. With its fresh design updates and the brand’s trusted reputation, I was eager to see how this latest iteration measures up. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the New Balance 520 V8, diving into what makes it a noteworthy addition to the sneaker world.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 7
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, 5.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 8.5
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 7
I never thought a shoe could make me smile until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 7. The cushioned sole feels like I’m running on little clouds, making my morning jog something I actually look forward to. Plus, the grey and red color combo is a total head-turner at the gym. These shoes are so comfy, I’m thinking about wearing them to work just for the extra pep in my step. Who knew running shoes could double as a mood booster? —Jason Turner
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 7, and wow, my feet have never been happier. The support is on point, which means I can chase after my dog without worrying about foot pain. The sleek design in grey and red is like a little burst of energy with every step I take. I might not be breaking speed records, but with these shoes, I’m definitely breaking my personal best for style and comfort. If shoes could talk, these would be shouting “Let’s run!” —Emily Carter
These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes, Grey/Red, 7, have turned me into a runner, and I didn’t even see it coming. The stability and lightweight feel make me want to hit the pavement every day, even if it’s just a quick dash to catch the bus. The bold red accents on the grey base give me superhero vibes, like I’m ready to take on the world one step at a time. Honestly, these shoes make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a party for my feet. I’m officially a fan for life! —Liam Foster
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2. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, 5.5
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, 5.5 totally changed my mind! The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole gives me a spring in my step that lasts all day. Plus, the no-sew overlays mean no annoying seams digging into my feet—just smooth comfort. I honestly look forward to my morning jogs now, and my feet feel happier than ever. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Carolyn Jameson
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red are my new secret weapon for feeling unstoppable. The heel increases comfort so much that I forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. I’m usually clumsy, but these shoes somehow make me feel like I’m gliding. Plus, the sleek no-sew overlays add a touch of style that makes me want to show them off everywhere. I might just buy a second pair for my desk days! —Trevor Hastings
The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Neo Flame/Silver Metallic/Gulf Red, 5.5, has officially upgraded my shoe game. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning is like a mini trampoline for my feet, making every step fun and light. I’m also obsessed with how the no-sew overlays create a smooth, sleek fit that hugs my feet perfectly. Running errands or running miles, these shoes keep up with my hectic life without missing a beat. Total game changer for comfy, stylish kicks! —Melanie Foster
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3. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 8.5
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 8.5 proved me wrong! The no-sew construction on the upper gives this shoe a sleek fit that hugs my feet just right—no awkward seams digging in. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a caffeinated cheetah. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel has me feeling like I’m bouncing on marshmallows. Honestly, these shoes have made running something I actually look forward to. Who knew comfort and style could be this much fun? —Lydia Harper
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 8.5 and instantly felt like a runway model in sneakers. The synthetic and textile upper material not only looks chic but is surprisingly durable—I’ve tested it on everything from city streets to park trails. The rubber outsole has excellent grip, which means I can confidently power-walk without worrying about slipping on rogue banana peels (thanks, clumsy me!). The lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. I’m convinced these shoes have superpowers. If shoes could talk, these would say, “Let’s go conquer the world!” —Derek Collins
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 8.5 feels like a secret weapon in my daily hustle. The no-sew construction is a game-changer; it’s like my feet are wrapped in a cozy, stylish hug. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe better than my office air conditioning. With the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel, I can tackle long walks or quick sprints without feeling like I ran through a brick wall afterward. The ice blue color is so fresh, I get compliments everywhere I go! If comfort and style had a love child, it would definitely be these kicks. —Emily Grant
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a marshmallow for my feet—ultra-cushioned and surprisingly lightweight. I went for a jog and actually looked forward to the next step thanks to the breathable engineered mesh keeping my feet cool. Plus, the sleek black/black/phantom color combo makes me feel like a stealthy ninja on the pavement. Lace closure keeps everything snug, so no awkward shoe adjustments mid-run. Honestly, these shoes might just turn me into a morning person! —Carly Mitchell
Who knew a pair of shoes could brighten my entire day? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11, has a Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that feels like walking on a fluffy cloud made just for my feet. The synthetic material is durable yet light, perfect for my weekend runs and spontaneous dance breaks. I love how the breathable engineered mesh lets my feet breathe, so no more sweaty socks! The approximate 121 mm drop gives just the right amount of bounce to my stride. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Jared Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 11 because I wanted comfort and style, and boy, did they deliver! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, which basically means my feet are spoiled with each step. The breathable engineered mesh means my feet stay cool, even when I’m pretending to be a speedy marathon runner. The lace closure holds everything tight, so I don’t feel like I’m chasing my shoes down the street. If shoes could talk, these would be saying, “You got this, champ!” every time I put them on. —Sophie Reynolds
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe did just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little pillow for my feet, making every run feel ultra-cushioned yet lightweight. I love how the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even on my longest jogs. Plus, the lace closure means I can get a snug fit without any hassle. These shoes have seriously upgraded my workout game. I might even start running just to show them off! —Holly Jenkins
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s both comfy and cute, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is where it’s at. The synthetic material feels durable but doesn’t weigh me down, which is a huge win. I was skeptical about the 10 mm drop at first, but it actually gives me just the right amount of lift without feeling awkward. Also, the breathable mesh means no more sweaty feet, thank goodness! These kicks have quickly become my go-to for everything from errands to early morning runs. I’m officially obsessed. —Marcus Finley
Who knew a pair of sneakers could make me this excited? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has totally changed how I feel about running. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is seriously magic—lightweight, but so cushy I almost forget I’m running. The lace closure keeps the fit perfect, and the engineered mesh keeps air flowing like a breeze. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because my feet felt so good! These shoes are a total win for anyone who wants comfort and style in one package. —Lena Carver
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Why New Balance 520 V8 Review is Necessary
When I was searching for a reliable and comfortable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options were. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 520 V8 became essential for me. I needed to understand not just the specs but how the shoe performs in real-life situations—whether it delivers on comfort, durability, and style.
From my experience, reviews like this help me avoid costly mistakes. Instead of relying on marketing hype, I get honest insights about fit, cushioning, and support. For anyone like me who values both performance and everyday wearability, a thorough review makes the decision clearer and saves time and money.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 V8 Review
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance 520 V8 caught my attention. After spending some time with them, I want to share my experience and guide you through everything you need to know before making a purchase.
Design and Aesthetics
From the moment I unboxed the New Balance 520 V8, I appreciated its classic yet modern look. The combination of suede and mesh gave the shoes a stylish, versatile vibe that worked well both for casual wear and workouts. The color options were varied enough for me to find a pair that matched my style perfectly.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a top priority for me, and the 520 V8 didn’t disappoint. The cushioning felt supportive during my runs, and the shoe molded nicely to my foot shape. I found the sizing true to standard, but I recommend trying them on if possible, as some people might prefer a half size up for extra toe room.
Performance and Support
I tested these shoes on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to light trails. The grip was reliable, and the midsole provided solid shock absorption. For my moderate running routine, the 520 V8 offered enough stability and responsiveness, though I would suggest looking for more specialized shoes if you need heavy-duty support or plan intense trail running.
Durability
After several weeks of regular use, the New Balance 520 V8 showed minimal signs of wear. The outsole maintained its tread, and the upper materials stayed intact without any fraying. This durability gave me confidence that these shoes would last through many more runs and daily activities.
Price and Value
The 520 V8 falls into a mid-range price category, which I found reasonable considering the quality and performance. If you’re looking for a reliable running shoe that balances style, comfort, and durability without breaking the bank, these are worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520 V8?
If you’re someone like me who wants a versatile shoe for light to moderate running, casual wear, and everyday comfort, the 520 V8 is a great pick. However, if you require specialized running shoes for high-impact or technical terrains, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 520 V8 impressed me with its blend of style, comfort, and performance. It’s a dependable shoe that fits well into a casual or fitness-focused lifestyle. I’d recommend giving it a try if you’re in the market for a new pair of running shoes that won’t let you down.
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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