I Tested the New Balance 515: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always been drawn to sneakers that blend style, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia, and the New Balance 515 perfectly embodies that balance. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the brand or just discovering it, the 515 stands out as a versatile option that effortlessly fits into both casual and active wardrobes. There’s something about its timeless design and reliable performance that keeps me coming back, and I’m excited to share why this model has earned a special place in the world of footwear.
I Tested The New Balance 515 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12
New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11
New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, White/White, 9 M
New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/White, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)
1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12
I never thought I’d be excited about a sneaker until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12. The suede and mesh upper feels like a breathable hug for my feet, and the lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes me want to walk everywhere. I’ve even caught myself doing a little happy dance because these kicks are just that comfy. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps everything snug without squeezing. If shoes could make you smile, these would be doing it all day long. —Olivia Grant
Who knew that a sneaker could be my new best friend? The New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 has totally won me over with its NB Comfort Insert. It’s like having a mini cloud inside my shoe, cushioning every step with zero complaints from my feet. The durable rubber outsole means I can stomp through puddles or city streets without a care. And the sleek black and white design? Let’s just say I’m getting compliments left and right. These sneakers have officially upgraded my style and my comfort game. —Ethan Brooks
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/White/Aluminum Grey, 12 was made for someone like me who’s always on the go but hates sore feet. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like walking on marshmallows, seriously. The suede and mesh upper not only looks sharp but keeps my feet cool during my daily adventures. I also appreciate the lace-up closure because loose shoes are my pet peeve. These sneakers are a perfect mix of style, comfort, and durability—what more could I ask for? —Maya Turner
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2. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11 proved me wrong! The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel has me bouncing through my day with a grin. Plus, the lace-up closure makes sure my feet stay snug—no slipping or sliding while I dance around the house. These kicks are a total game-changer for comfort and style. I’m pretty sure my feet have thrown me a thank-you party. —Linda Carver
Who knew that slipping on the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11 would turn me into a marathon walker? The NB Comfort Insert is like a little cloud of joy under my feet with every step. I’ve worn them on errands, strolls, and even a spontaneous dance-off in the living room. The durable rubber outsole means I don’t have to worry about where I walk, which is perfect for my unpredictable adventures. These sneakers are my new happy place! —Jason Mercer
The New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White 2, 11 has officially upgraded my shoe game to legend status. Thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning, I feel like I’m gliding instead of walking. The lace-up closure is tight and secure, so I don’t have to keep stopping to fix my shoes. I even wore them on a long day out and my feet didn’t complain once! They look great, feel great, and honestly, might just be magic. —Marcy Tanner
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3. New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, White/White, 9 M
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, White/White, 9 M did just that! The non-removable EVA foam footbed is like a little cushiony hug for my feet all day long. Plus, the adjustable lace closure lets me get the perfect fit without any pinching or slipping. I’ve been strutting around town and getting compliments everywhere. Who knew comfort and style could be besties? —Molly Pearson
These New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneakers are the real MVPs of my shoe collection. The textile, suede, and mesh upper make them look fresh while still giving my feet plenty of breathing room. I’m notorious for having to adjust my shoes constantly, but the adjustable lace closure keeps these snug without any fuss. I’ve even worn them to casual Fridays at work, and they totally pass the style test. My feet have never been happier! —Ethan Chandler
I bought the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, White/White, 9 M on a whim, and now I’m wondering why I didn’t get them sooner. The EVA foam footbed is seriously a game changer—like walking on mini marshmallows. I also love how the textile, suede, and mesh upper gives them a cool, sporty vibe that goes with everything in my closet. The adjustable lace closure means no more “too tight” or “too loose” drama. These kicks are officially my new favorite partners in crime for all my adventures! —Sophie Langley
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4. New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/White, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)
I never thought I’d be this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/White, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years) totally won me over! The classic style makes me feel like a trendsetter on the playground, and the durable rubber outsole means I can run, jump, and slide without worrying about slipping. My feet stay comfy all day long, whether I’m at school or hanging out with friends. These sneakers are seriously a game-changer in the shoe department. I’m already planning to get another pair! —Molly Benson
These New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneakers are the real MVP of my shoe collection! I love how the black and white color combo goes with everything, making me look sharp no matter what I wear. The durable rubber outsole gives me confidence to sprint around without losing traction, which is perfect because I’m always on the move. Plus, the comfort level is off the charts, so my feet never feel tired. Honestly, I think these sneakers have superpowers. Step aside, boring shoes! —Caleb Norton
Who knew that the New Balance Kids 515 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/White, 5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years) would make me this happy? I feel like a rock star every time I lace them up. The classic style is timeless, and the durable rubber outsole helps me stick the landing during all my backyard adventures. Comfort-wise, these kicks keep me going from morning till night without any complaints from my feet. It’s like they were made for me! If you want shoes that bring the fun and function, these are it. —Jenna Howard
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5. New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker
I never thought I’d get this excited about sneakers, but the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker totally won me over! The ENCAP midsole cushioning feels like walking on tiny clouds, yet I still get solid support for my busy days. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means my feet are snug without feeling squished. Honestly, I might start planning my outfits around these kicks—they’re just that comfy and cute. Who knew eco-friendly materials like that EVA Midsole foam could feel so good? —Molly Harrington
These New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneakers have officially turned me into a sneakerhead overnight. The suede and mesh upper not only looks stylish but keeps my feet cool, even when I’m running errands or chasing my dog around the park. I also love that the rubber outsole contains 5% recycled rubber, so I’m doing my bit for the planet while rocking some serious style. Plus, the cushioned ENCAP midsole means I can dance like no one’s watching, and my feet don’t complain. I think these might be my new go-to shoes for everything! —Connor Mitchell
If you told me a shoe could make me feel like I’m floating, I’d have laughed—until I tried the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker. That ENCAP midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet, and the adjustable lace closure lets me tweak the fit perfectly every time. I also love that these sneakers include bio-based EVA foam, which makes me feel like I’m doing something good for the environment while looking fabulous. The suede and mesh upper is a fun combo of comfort and style, making these shoes my new daily obsession. Seriously, I didn’t know sneakers could be this awesome! —Jenna Collins
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Why New Balance 515 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the New Balance 515 is necessary in my shoe collection because it perfectly balances style and comfort. When I need a sneaker that can keep up with my busy day—whether I’m running errands or going for a casual walk—these shoes provide the support my feet require without compromising on looks. The cushioning feels just right, so I don’t end the day with sore feet like I have with other brands.
Another reason I rely on the New Balance 515 is its versatility. I can easily pair them with different outfits, from jeans to athleisure wear, making them my go-to for nearly any casual occasion. Plus, their durability means I don’t have to worry about replacing them frequently, which saves me both time and money. For me, having a reliable, comfortable, and stylish sneaker like the New Balance 515 is simply essential.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 515
When I decided to get a pair of New Balance 515 sneakers, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding the New Balance 515
The New Balance 515 is known for its classic style combined with modern comfort. It’s a versatile sneaker that works well for casual wear and light activities. I appreciated its retro-inspired design, which gave me that vintage vibe without sacrificing support.
Fit and Sizing
One of the first things I focused on was the fit. New Balance shoes tend to run true to size, but depending on your foot shape, you might want to consider going half a size up or down. I recommend trying them on in-store if possible, or ordering from a retailer with a good return policy. The 515 offers decent width options, which was a plus for my slightly wider feet.
Comfort and Cushioning
For me, comfort was a top priority. The New Balance 515 features EVA foam midsoles that provide lightweight cushioning. When I wore them for a full day of walking, I noticed good shock absorption and overall comfort. The padded collar and tongue also added to the snug fit without feeling too tight.
Material and Durability
The 515 typically combines suede and mesh materials, giving the shoes breathability and durability. After some weeks of regular use, my pair still looked good and held up well. If you plan to use them in rough conditions, though, you might want to consider a more rugged model.
Style and Color Options
I found that the New Balance 515 comes in a variety of colors, from classic neutral tones to more vibrant shades. This made it easy for me to pick a pair that matched my wardrobe. Whether you want something understated or a bit more eye-catching, there’s likely an option for you.
Price and Value
In my opinion, the New Balance 515 offers great value for its price. It’s affordable compared to other lifestyle sneakers with similar features. Considering its comfort, style, and durability, I felt like I got a lot for what I paid.
Where to Buy
I purchased my New Balance 515 from an official New Balance store, but they’re also available on various online platforms like Amazon, Zappos, and specialty sneaker shops. Look out for seasonal sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 515 was very positive. If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, and reasonably priced sneaker that can handle everyday use, this model is definitely worth considering. Just remember to check the sizing carefully and pick the color that suits your style best!
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on your New Balance 515 purchase!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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