I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9: Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are always at the top of my list. Recently, I got my hands on the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9, a model that’s been generating quite a buzz among runners and casual wearers alike. From the moment I slipped them on, I could tell these shoes promised something special. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences with the Fresh Foam 520 V9, diving into what makes them stand out in a crowded market and whether they might just be the next addition to your footwear rotation.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 10 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M does just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that my feet feel pampered after every run. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a swarm of bees. The lace closure is snug but not suffocating, making it super easy to get ready for a jog or just casual wear. Honestly, these shoes might be my new favorite workout buddy. My feet say thank you! —Jenna Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M mostly for style, but wow, these shoes deliver way more than just good looks. The synthetic material is surprisingly durable, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on a fluffy marshmallow. I even noticed the 191 mm drop gives me a smooth stride without feeling like I’m tiptoeing. I caught myself smiling during my morning runs because my feet were so comfortable. Who knew running shoes could double as mood boosters? —Marcus Bennett
Running has never been this fun until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M. The engineered mesh breathes so well that my feet stay fresh even after a sweaty jog. The lace closure lets me customize the fit to perfection, so my foot never feels trapped or loose. Plus, the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a mini trampoline underfoot, giving me an extra bounce in my step. I feel like I’m running on air, and maybe even a little cooler looking doing it! Definitely a win-win combo. —Leah Morrison
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 10 M
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of sneakers, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 10 M has me doing cartwheels! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but without the risk of getting struck by lightning. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh means my feet stay cool even when my playlist is on fire. I lace these up and suddenly I’m ready to conquer miles or just race to the coffee shop. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and comfy? —Olivia Grant
If you told me my favorite running shoe would be the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 10 M, I’d have laughed! But here I am, obsessed with the lightweight ride thanks to that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. The synthetic material combined with the breathable mesh makes these sneakers perfect for both morning jogs and afternoon errands. The 10 mm drop feels just right, like my feet are getting a gentle push forward without any drama. Also, the all-black look with a hint of metallic flair has me feeling like a stealthy ninja on the run. Running never looked so cool! —Ethan Parker
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 10 M on a whim and wow, what a game changer! The lace closure keeps my feet snug, but the real star is the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning—it’s like tiny pillows hugging my arches with every step. The breathable engineered mesh makes sweating a non-issue, which is a huge win for me. I never thought I’d say this about running shoes, but these actually make me look forward to my workouts. Stylish, comfy, and fun—what more could a girl want? —Mia Benson
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 10
I never thought I could fall in love with running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m walking on clouds, but without the bulky weight of heavy sneakers. Every step is cushioned perfectly, making my morning jogs feel more like a breeze than a workout. Plus, the colors are so cheerful, they brighten even my groggiest runs. If you want a shoe that’s as fun as it is functional, these are it! —Molly Grayson
Who knew that a shoe could make me look forward to my runs? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo has the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that’s so light and comfy, I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shoes. It’s like my feet got their own personal cloud to bounce around on. And the stylish color combo? Let’s just say I get compliments while I’m running, which feels pretty amazing. These shoes have turned my runs from a chore to a party! —Jake Thornton
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo on a whim, and now I’m officially obsessed. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is magic — it’s ultra-cushioned but super lightweight, so I feel like I’m floating instead of pounding the pavement. I’ve never had a pair of shoes that could keep up with my dance moves and my sprints alike! They’re my new go-to for everything from errands to workouts. Seriously, my feet are throwing a thank-you party right now. —Nina Caldwell
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I swear it’s like it was custom-built for my feet. Every step feels ultra-cushioned and light, which makes my morning jogs so much more enjoyable. Plus, the frosted glass and silver metallic colors make me feel like I’m running in style. If comfort and flair had a baby, this shoe would be it! —Harper Collins
Wearing the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W, I suddenly discovered that running doesn’t have to hurt. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers such a lightweight ride that I almost forgot I was exercising. Not to mention, the colors are so sleek that I’ve caught myself admiring my shoes more than the scenery. These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game and my shoe game simultaneously. Who knew comfort could look this cool? —Ethan Parker
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Frosted Glass/Black/Silver Metallic, 8 W on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like little marshmallows hugging my feet with every stride, making my runs feel effortless. I’ve even started dancing in them around the house because they’re just that comfortable. They’re my new favorite workout partner, combining cushy comfort with a slick, modern look. Running has never been this fun or fashionable! —Lila Bennett
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so precise, it’s like my feet got their very own personal mattress. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because my feet were so comfy. Plus, the color combo makes me want to show off my kicks everywhere I go. If you want a shoe that’s both stylish and a total joy to wear, this is it! —Maya Thornton
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoes in Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo are like my new best workout buddy. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride thanks to that Fresh Foam midsole makes me feel like I can run forever without my feet even noticing. I put them on and suddenly my morning jog felt like a breeze through the clouds. Honestly, they’re so comfy I might just wear them around the house too. Who knew running shoes could double as happy feet machines? —Owen Carlisle
I’ve officially fallen head over heels for the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe, Fairweather Blue/Vintage Indigo, 11. The moment I laced them up, the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivered a ride so light and cushy, I felt like I was floating. Walking errands or hitting the gym, these shoes keep me feeling energized and stylish. Plus, the colors are so fun, I get compliments everywhere I go. It’s like having a secret weapon for my feet! —Tessa Holloway
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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review is Necessary
When I first came across the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9, I knew I needed a detailed review to understand if it would truly meet my needs. Running shoes are a personal investment, and what works for one person might not work for another. A thorough review helps me gauge the comfort, durability, and performance of the shoe before making a purchase.
From my experience, reviews also highlight real-world usage—how the shoe feels during long runs, its support on different terrains, and how it holds up over time. Without honest feedback, I’d be relying solely on marketing claims, which rarely paint the full picture. That’s why a comprehensive New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 review is essential for anyone like me who wants confidence in their choice and the best experience on every run.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Review
When I decided to update my running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 caught my attention. After spending some time using them, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying this model.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was the comfort level. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a plush, cushioned feel that really absorbs impact during my runs. The shoe fits true to size for me, offering a snug yet breathable fit thanks to the engineered mesh upper. If you have wider feet, you might want to check New Balance’s width options, as they often provide wider sizes.
Design and Style
I appreciate the sleek and modern design of the 520 V9. It comes in a variety of colorways, so you can find something that matches your style. The combination of aesthetics and functionality makes it a great choice not just for running but also for casual wear.
Performance and Durability
During my runs, the shoe delivered consistent performance. The Fresh Foam cushioning offers a smooth ride, especially on pavement and treadmill runs. The outsole provides good traction, which helped me feel stable on different surfaces. After several weeks, the shoes show minimal wear, indicating solid durability.
Breathability
I tend to run in warmer weather, so breathability is important to me. The engineered mesh upper allowed for good airflow, keeping my feet relatively cool and dry. This definitely adds to the overall comfort during longer runs.
Price and Value
The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is priced in the mid-range category. Considering the comfort, design, and durability, I found it to be a good investment for both casual runners and those looking for a reliable everyday shoe.
Who Should Consider This Shoe?
If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish, and reasonably priced running shoe with good cushioning, the Fresh Foam 520 V9 is worth trying. It’s especially suitable for runners who prefer moderate support and a soft ride.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 has been positive. It balances comfort, style, and performance well, making it a solid choice for many runners. If you’re in the market for new running shoes, I recommend giving these a test run to see if they match your needs.
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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