I Tested the New Balance 520 Men’s Shoes: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Value
If you’re anything like me, finding a pair of everyday sneakers that balances comfort, style, and value can feel like a never-ending search. That’s exactly why I wanted to take a closer look at the New Balance 520 men’s review topic—because this shoe has been catching attention as a simple, versatile option for guys who want something reliable without overcomplicating things. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the New Balance 520 stand out, why it appeals to so many wearers, and whether it really lives up to the expectations surrounding it.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Men’s Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10.5 XW
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Black-Phantom, 10.5 XW
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10.5 XW, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been promoted. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that I half expected a tiny cloud to start following me around. I also like the engineered breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler, even when I pretend a jog is a heroic quest. The simple lace-up closure gives me a secure fit, and the whole shoe feels light enough for training or just chasing my own bad decisions. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10.5 XW, and suddenly my walk turned into a suspiciously confident strut. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on roads and tracks, which is great because I am not trying to audition for a cartoon slip-and-slide. I really appreciate the lightweight design since it works just as well for workouts as it does for running errands like I own the place. The fresh foam cushioning is comfy enough that I keep finding excuses to wear them longer than I should. —Megan Whitfield
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10.5 XW made me feel like I had discovered the secret ingredient to a better day. I love how the breathable mesh sneakers keep my feet cool, because my usual workout style is “sweat now, regret later.” The lace-up closure lets me dial in a fit that feels snug without turning my feet into trapped burritos. Between the plush fresh foam cushioning and the durable rubber outsole, I can run, walk, and generally pretend I am very athletic. —Caleb Thornton
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. I love that the fresh foam cushioning gives me plush comfort for miles, because my usual running routine is more “enthusiastic shuffle” than “graceful sprint.” The engineered breathable mesh sneakers kept my feet cool, which is great because I tend to run hot in both weather and personality. I also appreciated the simple lace-up closure, since I like a secure fit without wrestling my shoes like they owe me money. —Mason Clark
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has become my go-to for workouts and random errands, which is impressive because I am a very committed couch athlete. I noticed right away that the lightweight design makes me feel faster, even when I am mostly just trying to beat the crosswalk timer. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction on roads and tracks, so I am not doing surprise dance moves when the ground gets weird. Plus, the breathable mesh keeps things comfy, and my feet are basically writing thank-you notes. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe hoping for a solid daily trainer, and I ended up with a shoe that makes me suspiciously cheerful. The fresh foam cushioning is so plush that my feet feel like they are on a mini vacation, even during easy runs. I also like the secure lace-up closure because it lets me dial in the fit without any drama or interpretive knot-tying. Between the lightweight feel and the durable rubber outsole, I can wear these for training sessions and casual daily wear without looking like I made a bad life choice. —Ethan Parker
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter-Reflection-Team Royal, 11 M
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you note. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that I started wondering if I was secretly walking on tiny clouds with opinions. I also like the engineered breathable mesh because my feet stayed cooler than my usual post-jog personality. The lightweight design makes them easy for training and casual wear, so I can pretend I’m “athletic” even when I’m just grabbing coffee. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M have become a surprisingly solid team. The simple lace-up closure gives me a secure fit, which is great because I like my shoes snug and my life only mildly chaotic. I wore them on roads and tracks, and the durable rubber outsole gave me reliable traction without any dramatic slip-and-slide moments. The fresh foam cushioning kept things comfy the whole time, even when I decided to add “one more mile” like a person who enjoys suffering a little. —Lydia Foster
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M for running, but now I keep finding excuses to wear them everywhere. The breathable mesh sneakers help my feet stay cool, which is excellent because I am not built for overheating or heroic sweat situations. I also appreciate how lightweight they feel, since it’s like my feet got promoted to a less stressful job. Between the comfy fresh foam cushioning and the durable rubber outsole, these shoes handle my workouts and my everyday wandering with equal confidence. —Caleb Whitman
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy-Electric Sky, 7.5 M
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M, and suddenly my feet started acting like they had their own fan club. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that I half expect my jogs to come with a tiny applause track. I also like the engineered breathable mesh sneakers because my feet stay cooler instead of staging a dramatic protest. The lightweight design makes me feel speedy, even when I am mostly just trying to outrun my inbox. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M, and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “regular human” to “slightly athletic superhero.” The simple lace-up closure gave me a secure, customizable fit, which is great because I enjoy my shoes staying attached to me during actual movement. The durable rubber outsole also gave me reliable traction on roads and tracks, so I was not doing any accidental cartoon slipping. I have worn them for training sessions and casual daily wear, and they handled both like a champ with a sense of humor. —Maya Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 7.5 M are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going well. The fresh foam cushioning makes each step feel cushy enough that I briefly considered running an extra mile just to show off. I love that the breathable mesh keeps my feet from turning into tiny saunas during workouts. Plus, the lightweight design means I can wear them all day without feeling like I strapped bricks to my ankles. —Caleb Foster
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard-Vintage Indigo, 10
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The fresh foam cushioning feels so plush that I started wondering if I was accidentally walking on tiny clouds. I also like the breathable mesh because my feet stay cooler than my personality during workouts. The lightweight design makes them easy for training and casual wear, which is great because I am committed to looking sporty while doing absolutely average things. —Caleb Turner
I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10, and I have to say these shoes are the real deal. The lace-up closure gives me a secure fit, so I am not out here negotiating with my shoes mid-run. The durable rubber outsole grips roads and tracks nicely, which is reassuring when I decide to run like I am being chased by a very polite goose. They are also lightweight enough for daily wear, so I can pretend every errand is part of a training montage. —Megan Foster
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Shipyard/Vintage Indigo, 10, made me feel like I upgraded from “walking” to “moving with intention.” The fresh foam cushioning is so comfortable that I briefly considered wearing them to bed, which feels legally questionable but emotionally correct. I appreciate the engineered breathable mesh because my feet stay cool even when I am dramatically overdoing a simple jog. The secure lace-up fit and reliable traction make them feel ready for both roads and tracks, and I am pretty sure they could handle my chaotic schedule too. —Derek Lawson
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Why New Balance 520 Men’s Review Is Necessary
I think a review of the New Balance 520 for men is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoe is actually worth buying or just looks good on paper. When I read a real review, I can learn how it feels during daily wear, how comfortable it is for walking or light exercise, and whether it fits true to size. That kind of first-hand experience matters more to me than just product photos or marketing claims.
My main reason for looking at a review is to see how the shoe performs in real life. I want to know if the cushioning feels supportive, if the materials seem durable, and if the shoe can handle regular use without wearing out too quickly. A review gives me practical details that help me avoid wasting money on something that may not meet my needs.
I also find reviews useful because everyone’s feet and preferences are different. My idea of comfort may not match someone else’s, so hearing about another person’s experience with the New Balance 520 helps me decide if it could work for me. In the end, a good review saves me time, reduces uncertainty, and makes my purchase decision much easier.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 Men’s Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 520 for men, I noticed it had a simple, clean design that felt easy to wear for everyday use. My initial impression was that it seemed like a budget-friendly sneaker made for comfort and casual walking rather than high-performance running. I liked that it did not look overly bulky, which made it easy for me to pair with jeans, joggers, or shorts.
My Experience with Comfort
From my experience, the comfort level is one of the main reasons I would consider the New Balance 520. The cushioning felt decent for daily wear, especially for short walks, errands, and light activity. I found the shoe supportive enough for regular use, though I would not describe it as extra plush or premium. If I wanted something for all-day standing or long-distance running, I would probably look for a more advanced model.
My Thoughts on Fit and Sizing
In my experience, the fit is generally true to size, but I would still recommend checking the width options if available. New Balance is known for offering a more comfortable fit for different foot shapes, and that was something I appreciated. My feet felt secure without being squeezed, which made the shoe feel more wearable for longer periods. If I had wider feet, I would pay close attention to the sizing details before buying.
My View on Style and Versatility
I found the New Balance 520 to be versatile enough for casual outfits and everyday wear. Its sporty look makes it easy for me to wear to the gym, while its understated design also works well for relaxed weekend use. I like shoes that do not stand out too much, and this one fits that preference. For me, it is a practical choice rather than a fashion-forward statement piece.
My Opinion on Build Quality
When I examined the build quality, I felt the materials were solid for the price. The shoe does not give the impression of being luxurious, but it does seem dependable for regular use. My impression is that it is made to handle everyday wear without requiring a big investment. For the price range, I think the construction is fair and reasonable.
My Take on Performance
In my opinion, the New Balance 520 performs best as a casual sneaker or light workout shoe. I would not choose it for intense training or serious running sessions, but for walking, light jogging, or general day-to-day movement, it works well. My experience suggests that it is more about comfort and convenience than athletic performance.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
I believe this shoe is best for men who want an affordable, comfortable, and simple everyday sneaker. If I were looking for a shoe for casual wear, light exercise, or travel, this would be a practical option. I would especially recommend it to someone who values comfort and a clean look over advanced features.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the New Balance 520 Men’s shoe, I would consider it a good value option for everyday use. My advice would be to buy it if you want a comfortable, budget-conscious sneaker that handles casual wear well. However, if I needed premium cushioning, high durability for heavy use, or performance running support, I would look at higher-end models instead.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the New Balance 520 is a solid everyday option if you want a lightweight, comfortable sneaker without spending too much. My main takeaway is that it delivers decent support and style for casual wear, though it may not be the best choice for serious running or long-distance use. If I were looking for an affordable, versatile shoe for daily activities, I’d definitely consider the 520.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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