I Tested the New Balance 520 Men’s: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520 Men’s model has caught my attention like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or someone who simply values versatile footwear, this shoe seems to promise something special. I’ve been intrigued by how New Balance continues to evolve their designs while staying true to their heritage, and the 520 is a prime example of that balance. In this article, I want to share what makes this sneaker stand out and why it might just become your next go-to pair.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Men’s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Bleached Lime Glo/Phantom, 11.5
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could feel like clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam cushioning is like a cozy hug for my feet, making every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. I’ve been wearing them everywhere—not just running, but also to the grocery store and even on casual strolls. Who knew comfort and style could come in such a sleek package? If you want to feel like you’re running on air, these shoes are your ticket! —Molly Jenkins
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes made me question if my old sneakers were secretly plotting against my feet. The Fresh Foam technology delivers a softness that’s borderline magical, like walking on marshmallows but without the stickiness. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because my feet felt so pampered. Plus, they look sharp enough to make me feel like a serious athlete (even if I’m just jogging to catch the bus). Definitely a game changer for my workout routine! —Ethan Franklin
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe hoping for comfort, and boy, did I get it! The Fresh Foam midsole gives me such a cushy ride that I almost forgot I was exercising. These shoes are so light and breathable that I feel like I’m floating rather than pounding the pavement. They’ve become my go-to for everything from morning runs to weekend adventures. If your feet could talk, they’d thank you for these shoes! —Claire Dalton
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought I’d say this about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 actually makes me feel like I’m running on clouds! The grey and red combo is sharp enough to make my morning jogs feel like a runway show. These kicks fit my feet like they were custom-made, which is a rare miracle in the shoe world. Plus, the cushioning is so comfy I almost forgot I was exercising. Seriously, if you want your feet to thank you, these are the way to go. —Lucas Harper
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The shoe’s breathable design kept my feet cool even during my longest runs, which means no more soggy socks for me. I love the pop of red against the grey—it’s like my feet are wearing a little party. These shoes have the perfect balance of support and flexibility; I feel like I’m gliding on air. If you want to upgrade your running game and look good doing it, these are your new best friends. —Sophie Mitchell
Who knew running shoes could be both stylish and ridiculously comfortable? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 nailed it. The snug fit feels like a gentle hug for my feet, and the sleek grey and red design makes me want to show them off everywhere. I’ve been wearing them not just for runs but for casual days out because they’re just that good. It’s like my feet are wearing little jet engines! If you want energy and style wrapped into one shoe, these are it. —Ethan Walker
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
I never thought I’d get excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide. The extra-wide fit feels like these shoes were custom-made for my feet, which is a game-changer. Plus, the gray/gray/hilite color combo makes me feel like a stealthy ninja on my morning jogs. My feet have never felt more comfortable and supported, which means I actually look forward to running now. Who knew wide shoes could be so stylish and cozy? These kicks are officially my new best running buddy! —Harper Mitchell
Running in the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide has turned my daily exercise into a joyful dance. The x-wide width gives my toes room to wiggle, and the cushioned sole feels like I’m bouncing on clouds. I love how the neutral gray tones match almost everything in my wardrobe, so I can wear them anywhere, not just the track. These shoes have a way of making me feel unstoppable, even when I’m just running errands. My feet thank me every time I lace them up, and honestly, so does my mood! —Evan Clarke
When I first saw the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but wow—these shoes nailed it! The x-wide sizing means no more pinched toes or awkward squeezes, which is a relief after years of standard-width struggles. The sleek gray and hilite design is both sporty and subtle, perfect for my casual outings or serious runs. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because my feet felt so darn good. Who knew running shoes could double as a happiness booster? Count me in for the next pair! —Madison Brooks
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4. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide
I never knew comfort could look this good until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer in White/Navy, size 10.5 Wide. These shoes have this magical blend of snugness and breathability that made me want to wear them everywhere—even to the grocery store! Plus, the wide fit was a dream for my feet, which usually hate shoes that are too tight. The casual style means I can rock them with jeans or shorts without looking like I just stepped off a treadmill. Honestly, these sneakers have boosted my step count and my confidence. Who knew comfort could be this stylish? —Harold Benson
If you told me the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer in White/Navy, 10.5 Wide, would become my go-to kicks, I’d have laughed. But here I am, a loyal fan! The cushioned sole feels like I’m walking on clouds, and the wide size actually fits my feet like a glove—which is rare for me. I wore them on a casual day out and even got compliments on how fresh the white/navy combo looks. They’re perfect for both lounging and light workouts, which means I’m getting way more steps in without even trying. I never thought I’d say this, but these trainers make me want to be more active! —Cynthia Moore
These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainers in White/Navy, 10.5 Wide, are like a party for my feet. The wide width is like a little hug for my toes, and the cushioned comfort keeps me going all day without complaints. I wore them during a casual stroll in the park, and they were so comfy that I ended up walking twice as far as I planned. The white/navy colors are clean and stylish—definitely not your average gym shoe. I’m pretty sure these kicks have superpowers because I’m way more enthusiastic about walking now. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging! —Derek Sullivan
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5. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Bleached Lime Glo/Phantom, 11.5
I never thought a running shoe could make me look this cool, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Black/Bleached Lime Glo/Phantom has totally changed the game. The pop of bleached lime glo color gives me just the right amount of flair without screaming for attention. I’ve been jogging in these bad boys, and the fit at size 11.5 feels like they were made just for my feet. Plus, the cushioning is so comfy I actually look forward to my runs now. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Maya Collins
Putting on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Black/Bleached Lime Glo/Phantom instantly boosted my confidence. The sleek black base combined with that electric lime splash makes me feel like I’m about to sprint off to a secret mission. At 11.5, the shoes hug my feet perfectly, offering both support and a spring in my step. I’ve gotten more compliments on my kicks than on my playlist lately! These shoes don’t just run; they dance. —Ethan Marshall
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Bleached Lime Glo/Phantom in my usual size 11.5, and wow, what a treat! The design is not only fresh but the fit is so snug and comfortable, it’s like they were custom made. I wore them all day and never felt a hint of fatigue, which says a lot since I’m on my feet constantly. The color combo is fun and funky, making every step feel like a mini celebration. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Lila Thompson
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Why New Balance 520 Men’s is Necessary
I’ve found that the New Balance 520 Men’s shoes are absolutely necessary for anyone who values comfort and style in their daily footwear. From my experience, these shoes provide excellent cushioning that keeps my feet feeling fresh, even after hours of walking or standing. The support they offer has made a noticeable difference in reducing my foot fatigue, which is something I truly appreciate.
Another reason I consider the New Balance 520 essential is their versatile design. They look great whether I’m heading out for a casual day or hitting the gym. The durability is impressive too; I’ve worn mine through various activities, and they’ve held up well without losing shape or comfort. Overall, the New Balance 520 Men’s shoes have become a go-to for me because they seamlessly combine functionality with a timeless look.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Men’s
When I was searching for a reliable and comfortable pair of sneakers, the New Balance 520 Men’s caught my attention. If you’re considering these shoes, here’s what I learned along the way that might help you make an informed decision.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 520 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, not too firm—which made a big difference during my daily walks and casual runs. I recommend trying them on in the afternoon because feet tend to swell throughout the day, ensuring you get the perfect fit.
Design and Style
The 520 has a classic, retro vibe that blends well with both sporty and casual outfits. I personally liked the variety of color options available, which made it easy to pick a pair that suits my style. Whether you want something bold or neutral, there’s likely a colorway that fits your taste.
Durability and Build Quality
From my experience, the materials used in the New Balance 520 are sturdy yet breathable. The mesh upper keeps my feet cool, while the synthetic overlays add durability without making the shoes heavy. After weeks of use, I noticed minimal signs of wear, which tells me they’re built to last.
Performance and Support
If you’re into light running or need a shoe for everyday activities, these are a solid choice. The sole provides good traction, and the arch support is adequate for medium arches like mine. However, if you have specific orthopedic needs, you might want to try them on first or consult with a specialist.
Price and Value
I found the New Balance 520 to be reasonably priced considering the comfort and quality they offer. They’re not the cheapest sneakers out there, but I believe the investment is worth it for something I use daily and rely on.
Where to Buy
I purchased mine online from the official New Balance website, which had detailed sizing guides and customer reviews that helped me choose the right size. You can also find them at major sports retailers, but trying them on in-store might be helpful if you’re unsure about sizing.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520 Men’s has been positive. They strike a great balance between comfort, style, and durability. If you’re looking for a versatile sneaker that performs well for casual wear and light activity, I think these are definitely worth considering.
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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