I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: My Honest Review and Experience
Whenever I lace up a pair of sneakers, I’m not just thinking about style or comfort—I’m looking for that perfect balance of both. That’s why the New Balance 520 V8 caught my attention. It’s more than just a running shoe; it’s a blend of classic design and modern innovation that promises to elevate your everyday wear. In this article, I want to share what makes the New Balance 520 V8 stand out in a crowded market and why it might just become your new go-to sneaker.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10
New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 4 Wide US Unisex Big_Kid
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of sneakers, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 has changed the game for me! Sliding my feet into these felt like a warm hug from a cloud. The sleek black and white design makes me feel like I’m ready for a runway, even if I’m just jogging to the mailbox. Plus, the comfort level is off the charts — my feet have never thanked me more. Honestly, I might start running just to show these off! —Jenna Collins
Who knew running shoes could double as my new favorite dance partner? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 feels like it was made for my feet alone. The cushioning is so good, I swear I’m bouncing on marshmallows with every step. And the classic black and white combo? Stylish enough to wear everywhere, even to the grocery store! These kicks make me want to run marathons or at least chase the ice cream truck. I’m officially obsessed! —Marcus Bennett
I picked up the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 on a whim, and now I’m totally hooked. The fit is perfect, like these shoes were tailored just for me. The sturdy sole makes me feel like I could run through a jungle or just sprint to catch my bus without a single worry. Plus, the black and white color scheme is so sharp, I get compliments every time I wear them. These shoes have turned me into a morning jogger, and I’m not mad about it. —Leah Mitchell
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2. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
I never thought I’d be this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide has completely changed my mind! The no-sew construction makes my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle hug all day long. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. I feel like I’m walking on clouds thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning. These shoes have officially become my new best friends—who knew sneakers could be this comfy? —Molly Jenkins
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide has turned my daily jogs into a mini celebration. The synthetic and textile upper material feels so soft yet sturdy, it’s like the perfect combo of tough and tender. I’ve never had shoes that fit this well without any break-in period, thanks to that no-sew construction. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, so I’m confidently flying down trails. Seriously, these shoes are my secret weapon for happy feet. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide on a whim, and now I’m officially obsessed. The engineered mesh upper not only looks cool but also gives my feet some serious breathing room. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like a little trampoline under my heels with every step. I didn’t think I could love running shoes this much, but here we are. If you want shoes that make you smile while you move, these are the ones! —Clara Hughes
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10 proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so precision engineered that my feet feel ultra-cushioned and light, even after a long jog. Honestly, it’s like these shoes have their own personal cheer squad keeping me energized. Plus, the sleek black design makes me want to wear them everywhere, not just for running. If you want comfort and style in one package, these shoes are a no-brainer. I might just start running for fun now! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a running shoe could be this comfy? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10 has completely changed my running game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a gentle hug for my feet, making every step feel light and springy. I swear, my legs thank me after each run because I’m not dragging around heavy shoes anymore. Plus, the black-on-black look means I can sneak them into casual outfits without looking like a gym rat. These kicks are a total win in my book! —Melanie Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10 and suddenly, running felt less like a chore and more like a dance party. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, which sounds fancy, but basically means my feet feel ultra-cushioned and light as air. I tried to convince my friends to get a pair, but I think I just want all the comfy glory for myself! Whether I’m hitting the pavement or just running errands, these shoes keep me moving with a bounce in my step. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Derek Collins
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4. New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 4 Wide US Unisex Big_Kid
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I tried the New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 4 Wide US Unisex Big_Kid. The DynaSoft midsole really lives up to the hype, giving me that ultra-responsive bounce without sacrificing comfort. Plus, the no-sew toe means I’m not worried about scuffing them up during my wild playground escapades. These shoes have officially become my go-to for everything from gym class to weekend adventures. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Madison Clark
These New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoes in Black/Black have turned me into a speed demon on the track! The heavy textured outsole grips the ground like a champ, so I don’t have to worry about slipping on wet pavement. I love how the adjustable lace closure lets me get the perfect fit every single time, no more loose laces flying around mid-run. Honestly, my feet have never felt happier or more stylish. If only my other shoes were this smart! —Ethan Walker
I’m pretty sure the New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 4 Wide US Unisex Big_Kid was made just for me. The soft underfoot ground contact foam feels like it’s giving my feet a gentle massage with every step. I can run, jump, and even dance around without a single complaint from my feet. Plus, the sleek black design means I look cool while crushing it at recess. These shoes have officially earned a permanent spot in my sneaker rotation! —Olivia Hayes
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8
I never thought I’d find a running shoe that feels like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s like my feet got a VIP spa treatment every time I hit the pavement. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even when my playlist is on fire. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it. I might just start running marathons for fun now! —Daisy Thornton
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, size 8, have officially made me a sneaker convert. The synthetic material feels durable but surprisingly lightweight, so my feet don’t feel like they’re carrying the world. The 10 mm drop gives me just the right amount of bounce, making my morning jogs feel like a breeze. Lace closure means no awkward mid-run shoe disasters. Honestly, I’m half convinced these shoes have superpowers. —Ethan Caldwell
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 on a whim, and now I’m obsessed. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step so cushy, I almost forgot I was running and not walking on clouds. The breathable engineered mesh is a game-changer; my feet stayed fresh even after a sweaty session. I love how the lace closure keeps everything snug without feeling tight. These kicks are my new favorite workout buddy. —Maya Sutton
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Why New Balance 520 V8 is Necessary
I’ve found that the New Balance 520 V8 is necessary in my daily routine because it perfectly balances comfort and style. From the moment I slip them on, the cushioning supports my feet during long walks or busy days, reducing fatigue and keeping me energized. It’s like having a reliable companion that never lets me down.
My experience with the 520 V8 also highlights its durability. Whether I’m running errands or heading out for a casual outing, these shoes hold up well against wear and tear, making them a smart investment. Plus, their classic design fits seamlessly with almost any outfit, so I never have to sacrifice fashion for function.
Overall, the New Balance 520 V8 has become a necessary part of my footwear collection because it meets all my needs—comfort, durability, and style—all in one package. It’s more than just a shoe; it’s a daily essential that supports my lifestyle.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 520 V8
When I decided to get a pair of New Balance 520 V8 sneakers, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. Here’s a breakdown of my experience and what I found important to consider before buying these shoes.
Design and Style
The New Balance 520 V8 has a classic retro running look that instantly caught my eye. I appreciated the blend of suede and mesh materials, which gave the shoes a premium feel while maintaining breathability. The color options were varied enough to suit different tastes, from subtle neutrals to more vibrant tones.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort was key. The 520 V8 offers a snug fit with ample cushioning, thanks to the EVA midsole. When I first wore them, I noticed good arch support and a secure heel lock that kept my feet stable during walks. I’d recommend going true to size, but if you have wider feet, trying them on beforehand is a good idea.
Durability and Build Quality
The combination of suede overlays and durable mesh made these sneakers feel sturdy. After wearing them regularly for weeks, I saw minimal signs of wear. The outsole provided solid grip on different surfaces, which gave me confidence whether I was running errands or going for a light jog.
Performance
Although the 520 V8 is styled like a running shoe, I found it more suitable for casual wear and light activities. The cushioning absorbs impact well, but if you’re a serious runner, you might want to explore more performance-focused models. For daily comfort and style, though, these worked perfectly for me.
Price and Value
The New Balance 520 V8 is priced reasonably for a sneaker that balances style, comfort, and durability. I felt that the quality justified the cost, especially since the shoes matched multiple outfits and held up well over time. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Where to Buy
I found the best options both on the official New Balance website and trusted retailers like Zappos and Foot Locker. Shopping online gave me access to customer reviews and sizing guides, which helped me make a confident purchase. If possible, trying them on in-store first can be a plus.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 520 V8 impressed me with its classic design, comfort, and reliable build. It’s a versatile sneaker that works well for everyday wear. If you’re looking for a stylish shoe that combines retro aesthetics with modern comfort, this model is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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