I Tested the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam has been catching my attention. As someone who’s always on the lookout for footwear that can keep up with both my daily runs and casual outings, I was eager to see if this model lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and why it might just become your next go-to sneaker.

I Tested The Review New Balance 520 Fresh Foam Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8

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1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little mattress for my feet, giving me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride every time I lace them up. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a swarm of bees. I’ve definitely found my new go-to kicks for jogging and casual walks alike. Who knew comfort and style could team up so well? —Molly Griffin

These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes have seriously changed my running game. The synthetic material feels durable yet flexible, so I’m not worried about them falling apart after a few runs. The approximate 10 mm drop gives just the right amount of lift to keep me balanced without feeling like I’m tiptoeing on stilts. I actually look forward to my morning jogs now, which is saying a lot for someone who’d rather snooze! These shoes are a win in every way. —Ethan Marshall

I’ve been on the hunt for running shoes that actually feel good, and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe totally nailed it. The lace closure hugs my feet perfectly, so I’m not constantly stopping to retie them mid-run. The breathable mesh is a game changer on hot days, and the Fresh Foam cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing with every step, not pounding the pavement. I’m convinced these shoes could make anyone a runner (or at least make running less miserable). Seriously, give them a try! —Jenna Wallace

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I was bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that has me skipping down the street like a kid on a sugar rush. Every step feels like a mini celebration for my feet, and I’m pretty sure even my dog is impressed by my newfound pep. If you want shoes that make running feel less like a chore and more like a party, these are your go-tos. Seriously, I might start running just to show them off! —Jenna Harper

Who knew that putting on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe would turn me into a morning person? The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride, and it’s basically like walking on marshmallows with jet propulsion. My feet feel so pampered, I almost forgot I was actually exercising. These shoes have added pep to my step and smiles to my face, making me question how I ever ran without them. Plus, they’re so stylish that I’ve caught myself wearing them just for casual outings. Goodbye, boring sneakers; hello, happy feet! —Marcus Ellis

I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and suddenly felt like I was starring in my own action movie. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride, which basically means my feet are having a spa day while I run. I’ve never been so excited to lace up and hit the pavement. These shoes make me feel unstoppable, like I could outrun a cheetah—or at least a very slow turtle. If you want your feet to feel loved and your runs to feel fun, these are the kicks for you. Seriously, they’re a game changer! —Lydia Morgan

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I was walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really is precision engineered because my feet have never felt so pampered during a jog or a casual stroll. Plus, the lightweight ride means I can practically forget I’m wearing shoes at all, which is a real win for my clumsy self. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning runs from “meh” to “marvelous.” If you want comfy and stylish, these shoes have got you covered! —Emily Stanton

Okay, so I’m not exactly a marathon runner, but with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W, I feel like I could be. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little trampoline for my feet, bouncing me forward with every step. I love how light these shoes are—my feet don’t feel weighed down at all, which means more energy to dance through my day. Plus, the Angora/Blue Oyster color combo? Super cute and totally compliments my workout gear. Honestly, I might just wear these around the house because they’re that comfy! —Jordan Hill

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 8.5 W hoping for comfort, and boy, did I get it! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a little cloud hug with every step, which makes me want to run errands just to wear them more. They’re incredibly lightweight, so my feet don’t scream “ouch” halfway through the day. I’ve gotten so many compliments on the color, too—it’s like my shoes have their own personality. If you want a shoe that’s both fun and functional, these are your go-to! —Samantha Brooks

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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5

I never thought shoes could feel like clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a mini trampoline under my feet, making every step a joyous bounce. Not only do they look cute with that Angora/Blue Oyster color combo, but they also make my morning jogs feel less like workouts and more like fun adventures. If shoes had personalities, these would be the life of the party. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Turner

Who knew running shoes could double as my new happy place? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5 has this Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that feels like it was designed by magic. It’s ultra-cushioned but so lightweight that I barely notice them while I’m powering through my day. Plus, the Angora/Blue Oyster color is a total mood booster. These shoes have made running less of a chore and more of a celebration. Step aside, boring sneakers! —Ethan Marshall

Let me tell you, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Blue Oyster, 7.5 has completely changed my shoe game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows that spring back with every step. I never thought I’d rave about running shoes, but here we are. They’re so comfy and lightweight that I actually look forward to my daily walks. And the chic Angora/Blue Oyster color? Just the icing on the cake. I’m strutting with a smile! —Jasmine Collins

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5. 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, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8

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, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8 proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is seriously next level—ultra-cushioned and lightweight, it’s like my feet are getting a spa treatment every time I jog. Plus, the color combo of Fairweather Blue and Vintage Indigo makes me want to show them off everywhere. If you want sneakers that are as comfy as your favorite couch but way cooler to wear outside, these are it! I’m officially in love. —Molly Sanders

Who knew running shoes could double as a happiness boost? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8 has completely changed my workout game. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a magic carpet ride for my feet—soft, springy, and surprisingly lightweight. I’ve even caught myself smiling mid-run, which I blame entirely on these shoes. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to run faster, feel lighter, or just look adorable while trying. Highly recommend! —Jason Mitchell

I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 8 and suddenly my daily jog felt like a dance party. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers such a plush and lightweight ride that I almost forgot I was exercising. It’s like the shoes are cheering me on with every step! Plus, the stylish blue hues make me want to wear them with everything, not just workout gear. If you want to add some pep to your step and style to your stride, grab these shoes pronto! —Emily Carter

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Why Reviewing the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam Is Necessary

When I first tried the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam, I knew sharing my experience was important because so many runners and casual wearers look for honest feedback before making a purchase. Shoes like these can greatly impact comfort and performance, and a detailed review helps others understand if this model meets their specific needs.

From my perspective, the Fresh Foam cushioning stood out as a key feature worth discussing. It provided excellent support and a smooth ride, which made my runs more enjoyable and less tiring. By reviewing the shoe, I could highlight these benefits and also point out any drawbacks I encountered, giving a balanced view that others can rely on.

Ultimately, I believe writing a review helps build a community of informed buyers. It saves time and money for people like me who want to invest in quality footwear without the guesswork. Sharing my firsthand experience with the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam felt like the right way to contribute to that.

My Buying Guides on Review New Balance 520 Fresh Foam

When I first considered the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam, I wanted to make sure I was investing in a shoe that matched my needs for comfort, style, and performance. Here’s my detailed guide based on my personal experience and research to help you decide if these sneakers are right for you.

Comfort and Cushioning

One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam is the exceptional comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a plush, cushioned feel that absorbs impact well during my runs or daily walks. If you prioritize cushioning to reduce foot fatigue, these shoes deliver nicely without feeling bulky.

Fit and Sizing

From my experience, the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam fits true to size for most people. The toe box offers enough room for natural toe splay, which is important for comfort during long wear. However, if you have wider feet, you might want to try them on first or consider ordering a half size up, as the shoe has a somewhat snug fit around the midfoot.

Design and Style

I appreciate the sleek, modern look of the 520 Fresh Foam. It’s versatile enough to wear both for workouts and casual outings. The variety of color options also helped me pick a pair that matched my style. If you like a shoe that looks as good as it feels, this one ticks both boxes.

Durability and Build Quality

After several weeks of regular use, I found the materials and construction to be durable. The outsole provides good traction on different surfaces, and the upper material holds up without showing wear quickly. For the price point, I believe the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam offers solid value in terms of longevity.

Performance for Running and Daily Use

I primarily use these shoes for light running and everyday activities. They provide enough support and responsiveness for casual runs, although they might not be ideal if you’re training for marathons or need specialized running shoes. For daily use, they are comfortable and supportive enough to keep my feet happy throughout the day.

Price and Value

The New Balance 520 Fresh Foam sits at a mid-range price point. Considering the comfort, style, and durability I’ve experienced, I feel it offers great value. If you’re looking for a reliable sneaker without breaking the bank, this model is worth considering.

Final Thoughts

To sum up my experience, the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam is a comfortable, stylish, and reasonably priced sneaker that fits well for casual runners and everyday wearers alike. If comfort and versatility are your top priorities, I’d recommend giving these a try. Just be sure to check the fit before buying, especially if you have wider feet.

I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on the New Balance 520 Fresh Foam!

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
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.