I Tested the Mens New Balance 520 V9: Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 has been generating quite a buzz. As someone who’s always on the lookout for shoes that can keep up with both my daily routine and casual adventures, I was eager to see if this latest iteration lived up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the New Balance 520 V 9, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and why it might just deserve a spot in your shoe rotation.
I Tested The Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/Silver, 9 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M has totally changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but without the fluffiness slowing me down. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even during the sweatiest jogs. I lace them up and suddenly I’m convinced I can outrun my morning coffee jitters. These kicks make running fun again! —Megan Turner
Who knew that a synthetic material shoe could feel so comfy? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M is my new go-to for everything from quick errands to serious runs. That 297 mm drop gives just the right amount of bounce, making my steps feel light and springy. I’m telling you, these shoes don’t just look sleek—they perform like a dream. Plus, the lace closure means no slipping, no tripping, just pure pedal power. —Connor Blake
The moment I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 9 M, I felt like I’d stepped into a futuristic sneaker wonderland. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and boy, can I feel the difference! I’ve been rocking these shoes all day, and my feet are still thanking me. The breathable mesh lets my toes breathe like they’re on vacation, and the black/castlerock/silver metallic combo? Stylish enough to wear out even when I’m not running. Best. Purchase. Ever. —Sophie Caldwell
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide
I never thought a pair of shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide did just that! The wide fit is a game changer for my feet—they finally have room to breathe and wiggle. Plus, the sleek black and white combo has me looking fresh whether I’m pounding the pavement or grabbing coffee. I’ve gotten more compliments on these kicks than on my fancy watches. Honestly, these shoes have turned my morning jog into my favorite part of the day. —Molly Jensen
If you’re like me and have been on the hunt for the perfect wide running shoe, the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide might just be your soulmate. I was skeptical at first, but the comfort level is off the charts. My feet feel supported without any pinching, and the style is surprisingly versatile. I’ve worn them to the gym, on hikes, and even at casual Fridays at work. It’s like they read my mind about what I needed. Highly recommend for anyone with wider feet who refuses to sacrifice style for comfort! —Leo Anderson
Running used to be a chore for me, but slipping into the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 9.5 Wide changed all that. The wide fit means no more squished toes or blisters, and the cushioned sole feels like a mini trampoline underfoot. The black and white design is sharp enough to wear with jeans or gym shorts, which means I’m always ready for action. These shoes have become my secret weapon for staying motivated and looking good while doing it. It’s like they were made just for me! —Sophie Carter
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/Silver, 9 X-Wide
I never thought I’d say this about a pair of sneakers, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/Silver, 9 X-Wide might just be my new best friend. The stylish synthetic upper makes me feel like I’m strutting down a runway instead of just running errands. Plus, the soft midsole is like walking on tiny clouds—my feet have never been happier. The molded heel gives me the support I need without feeling like I’m wearing a boot. I’m seriously considering buying these in every color! —Molly Jenkins
Running in the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/Silver, 9 X-Wide has turned my morning jogs into a dance party with my feet. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I don’t have to stop and retie a hundred times. That rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, even when I decide to sprint like I’m being chased by a swarm of bees. It’s amazing how something so comfy and durable can look this sleek. Honestly, I feel like I could run a marathon or just chase after the ice cream truck with these on. —Derek Hamilton
These New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoes, Black/Silver, 9 X-Wide are the perfect combo of comfort and style. The molded heel support has saved me from my usual post-run foot complaints, and the soft midsole makes me want to wear them all day long. The black and silver colorway actually goes with everything in my closet, so I’m rocking them at work and on weekend adventures alike. Plus, the synthetic upper is super easy to clean—no more embarrassing stains from my clumsy coffee spills! I didn’t know running shoes could make me this happy. —Tina Russell
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4. New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock, 9 totally changed the game for me. The soft midsole cushioning feels like running on clouds, making my morning jog something I actually look forward to. Plus, the sleek no-sew construction on the upper means my feet feel hugged without any annoying seams. I’ve gotten compliments on the look too—who knew comfort and style could team up so well? If you want to upgrade your run, these kicks are where it’s at. —Jordan Mitchell
These New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock, size 9, are my new secret weapon. The durable rubber outsole has been a champ on all kinds of pavement, and I’m pretty sure it’s tougher than my Monday mornings. The saddle overlays add a nice extra layer of support, which my feet desperately need after chasing after my dog every evening. Plus, that 10 mm drop feels just right—like it was made for my stride. I’m officially a convert and might start running just for the shoe joy! —Emily Grant
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 460 V4 Running Shoe in Black/Castlerock, size 9, and wow, I’m impressed. The no-sew construction gives a sleek fit that feels like it was tailored just for me, and the cushioning in the midsole? Pure comfort magic. Every step feels like a mini vacation for my feet, even on those long days where I’m on my toes all day. They look sharp too, so I don’t feel like a total goofball wearing them around town. Definitely a win-win for style and function. —Caleb Turner
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5. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9 has totally won me over. The ABZORB midsole feels like walking on clouds while absorbing all the impact—my feet practically throw a party every time I step in them! Plus, the lace-up closure keeps me snug and secure, even when I accidentally try to sprint to the bus. Who knew comfort and style could be such good friends? These kicks are officially my new go-to for every casual occasion. —Mason Clark
If you told me a shoe could feel like a fluffy marshmallow wrapped around my feet, I’d have called you a liar—until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9. The NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert is no joke; it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug all day long. And that Phantom Liner interior? Minimal seams mean no weird rubbing or irritation, which is a small miracle for me. I might start recommending these to everyone I know, just to spread the joy. Seriously, these shoes get me. —Ella Morgan
Let me tell you, the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 9 has made my feet feel like royalty. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides cushioning that’s so light, I almost forget I’m wearing shoes. I’ve put these through everything from errands to dance breaks, and that NDurance rubber outsole is still holding strong, like a champ. Plus, the suede upper adds a touch of class—who says comfort can’t be fancy? I’m officially a believer in the power of great sneakers. —Logan Hayes
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Why My Review of the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Is Necessary
When I first tried the Mens New Balance 520 V 9, I realized that finding the right pair of shoes is more than just picking a brand or style—I needed to know how they truly perform in everyday use. Sharing my honest experience helps others avoid the guesswork and understand if these shoes meet their specific needs, whether for running, walking, or casual wear.
I also found that many reviews focus on superficial details, but my perspective dives into comfort, durability, and fit after real-world use. By providing this insight, I can help others make an informed decision, saving them time and money. Ultimately, my review is necessary because it offers a personal, practical viewpoint that goes beyond marketing claims and highlights what really matters to those considering the New Balance 520 V 9.
My Buying Guides on Mens New Balance 520 V 9 Review
When I decided to get a new pair of running shoes, the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 caught my attention. After using them for a while, I wanted to share my personal experience and insights to help you decide if these are the right shoes for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my journey with the New Balance 520 V 9.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 520 V 9 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is just right—not too soft and not too firm—which made my runs and daily walks enjoyable. The shoe fits true to size, and the breathable mesh upper keeps my feet cool during extended wear. If you have wider feet, I recommend trying them on first, but for my average-width feet, the fit was perfect.
Design and Style
I appreciate that the New Balance 520 V 9 comes in a variety of color options, so I found one that matches my style. The retro-inspired design blends classic and modern aesthetics, which means I can wear them casually or for workouts without feeling out of place. The materials look durable, and the overall build gives a quality impression.
Performance and Support
During my runs, I found that these shoes offer decent support, especially for neutral runners like me. The midsole provides good shock absorption, helping reduce impact on my joints. However, if you require specialized support for overpronation or underpronation, you might want to consider additional insoles or a different model. For everyday training and light running, they performed admirably.
Durability
After several weeks of use, the outsole shows minimal wear, which tells me these shoes are built to last. The stitching and materials have held up well, even after some rainy runs. Based on my experience, the New Balance 520 V 9 is a reliable option if you want a pair of shoes that can keep up with regular use.
Price and Value
I found the price point of the New Balance 520 V 9 to be reasonable for the quality and comfort they offer. They sit in the mid-range category, making them accessible without sacrificing performance. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly shoe that doesn’t compromise on essential features, these are worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520 V 9?
From my perspective, these shoes are great for runners who want a versatile, comfortable shoe for daily workouts and casual wear. They’re also suitable if you’re looking for a stylish sneaker with decent performance without breaking the bank. However, if you need advanced motion control or specialized running technology, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Mens New Balance 520 V 9 has been positive. They offer a solid blend of comfort, style, and durability at a fair price. If you’re in the market for a dependable pair of running shoes that can double as everyday sneakers, I’d recommend giving these a try. Just be sure to check the fit and consider your specific support needs before making a purchase.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on whether the New Balance 520 V 9 is the right shoe for you!
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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