I Tested the Women’s New Balance 520: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, I’ve always found myself drawn to brands that truly understand what it means to support an active lifestyle. That’s why the Womens New Balance 520 has caught my attention recently. This shoe isn’t just another pair on the shelf—it represents a thoughtful balance of classic design and modern innovation. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running errands, or simply looking for everyday footwear that keeps up with you, the Womens New Balance 520 offers something uniquely appealing. I’m excited to dive into what makes this sneaker stand out and why it’s becoming a favorite for so many women.

I Tested The Womens New Balance 520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 11

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New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 11

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide

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New Balance Women's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide

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New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9

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1. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 11

New Balance Women's 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 11

I never thought I’d get this excited over running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 11 has me doing happy dances around the house. The no-sew construction makes them feel like a glove hugging my feet, without any annoying seams digging in. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like walking on tiny clouds. I wore them for a quick jog and didn’t want to take them off afterward. If comfort and style could team up, this shoe would be the MVP. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to run happy! —Megan Clarke

These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Ice Blue are like a breath of fresh air for my feet. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on a mini vacation, and the sleek no-sew design keeps the look fresh and clean. I’m usually picky about my sneakers, but the combination of synthetic and textile upper material really nailed that perfect balance of durability and style. The rubber outsole gives me confidence on slippery sidewalks, which is a win for my klutzy self. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to show these off at the gym! —Jordan Hayes

Who knew that a pair of New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Ice Blue could turn me into a morning person? The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step, making my runs way more enjoyable. The no-sew construction makes the shoe feel super smooth and comfy—like it was made just for me. I love how the synthetic and textile upper materials add a modern twist while keeping things breathable. These shoes have totally upgraded my running game and my mood! —Chelsea Morgan

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide

I never thought a running shoe could make me smile, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide did just that! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but without the risk of floating away. The breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. Plus, the lace closure means no surprises mid-run—no untied shoelaces to trip me up! These kicks have officially upgraded my morning routine. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Charlotte Benson

If you told me I’d be this obsessed with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide, I’d have laughed. But here we are, and I’m hooked! The synthetic material feels sturdy yet flexible, and the 10 mm drop is just perfect for my stride. I love how lightweight they are; it’s like I’m tiptoeing but actually running. The color combo even gets compliments, which is a nice bonus. Honestly, I might start running just to show these beauties off. —Ethan Marshall

Running in the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 6.5 Wide has made me feel unstoppable. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is like a soft hug for my feet every step of the way. The breathable engineered mesh kept me cool when the sun was blazing, which is a game changer. I also appreciate the lace closure because I’m not a fan of shoes coming loose mid-run. These shoes are comfy, stylish, and make running something I actually look forward to. Who knew a shoe could change my attitude? —Sophie Turner

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3. New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide

New Balance Women's 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide has proven me wrong! The soft midsole is like a gentle hug for my feet, making every step feel cushioned and comfy. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can get that perfect fit without any pinching. I wore these on a long city walk and my feet were thanking me the whole time. I’m officially obsessed with these shoes! —Molly Jenkins

If you told me a shoe could be both stylish and super practical, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide. The synthetic and textile upper not only looks sleek but holds up like a champ through my daily chaos. The molded heel adds a nice touch of support, so my feet don’t feel like they’re staging a protest after a run. I’m out here feeling like a speedy champion in shoes that actually get me. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Ethan Clarke

I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Grey/Grey, 5 Wide was designed by someone who really understands foot happiness. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got superpowers, which makes my jogs way more confident. And that adjustable lace closure? Game changer for when my feet decide they want a little extra wiggle room. These shoes have turned my morning runs into something I actually look forward to. Goodbye sore feet, hello happy strides! —Lily Harper

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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 totally changed the game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds, and honestly, I don’t want to take them off. Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet nice and breathable, even on my longest walks. They look sleek too, thanks to the no-sew overlays, so I can rock them anywhere without feeling like I’m wearing running shoes. My feet are happy, and so am I! —Olivia Sanders

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes are my new secret weapon for feeling unstoppable. The lightweight ride courtesy of the Fresh Foam midsole means I can dart through my day without even noticing my feet. That sport-inspired paint application adds a fun pop of style, making me feel like I’m ready for the runway or the running trail. I love how the durable rubber outsole handles every surface I throw at it – from pavement to park paths. Plus, the no-sew overlays make these shoes so comfy that I’m convinced they were made just for me. —Ethan Marshall

I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8.5 on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The mesh upper gives my feet plenty of room to breathe, which is a must-have for my active lifestyle. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug with every step, making my morning jogs feel like a breeze. And the durable rubber outsole? It’s saved me from more than one slippery mishap. Honestly, these shoes bring together style, comfort, and function in a way that makes me want to dance down the street. —Maya Thompson

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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9

I never knew running shoes could feel like clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a gentle hug for my feet, making every step feel ultra-cushioned and light as air. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m powering through my longest runs. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers because my pace has definitely improved! The lace closure stays snug without turning into a battle every time I tie them. Seriously, these kicks are a game-changer! —Molly Peterson

Who knew a running shoe could double as my new favorite fashion statement? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9 totally nails it with that sleek black look and the synthetic material feels surprisingly durable. The 10 mm drop gives me just the right amount of lift so I don’t feel like I’m running uphill all the time. I’ve worn these beauties on errands and runs alike, and they’re comfy enough to never want to take off. If I could marry a pair of shoes, these would be at the top of the list! —Ethan Morris

I’m not a morning person, but putting on my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 9 makes me want to jump out of bed and hit the pavement. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that soft, springy bounce that makes running feel less like a chore and more like a dance party. The breathable engineered mesh means my feet don’t feel like they’re roasting in a sauna, which is a huge win. Lace closure means easy on, easy off—perfect for my rushed mornings. These shoes are my new running BFFs, and I’m never looking back! —Jenna Collins

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Why Women’s New Balance 520 Is Necessary

From my experience, the Women’s New Balance 520 is a must-have because it perfectly balances comfort and style. I’ve tried many sneakers, but these stood out for their lightweight design and cushioned sole, which make long walks or workouts feel much easier on my feet. Whether I’m running errands or hitting the gym, my feet feel supported without any discomfort.

Another reason I find the New Balance 520 necessary is its durability. I rely on shoes that can keep up with my busy lifestyle, and these have consistently held up even after weeks of daily use. Plus, the breathable material keeps my feet cool, which is a huge plus during warmer days. Overall, the Women’s New Balance 520 has become my go-to because it meets all my needs for comfort, support, and style.

My Buying Guide on Womens New Balance 520

When I was looking for the perfect pair of New Balance 520 sneakers, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure you get the best fit and style for your needs. Here’s what helped me decide, and hopefully, it will help you too.

Understanding the Design and Style

The New Balance 520 has a classic retro running shoe vibe, which I really liked because it goes well with both casual and sporty outfits. The mix of suede and mesh on the upper gives it a stylish yet breathable feel. When choosing your pair, think about the color options too — I went for a neutral tone so it matches everything in my wardrobe.

Comfort and Fit

For me, comfort was key. The 520 model features a cushioned midsole that offers good support during long walks or daily wear. I recommend trying them on later in the day when your feet are a bit swollen to get the most accurate fit. Also, New Balance shoes tend to have a roomy toe box, which was a relief since I don’t like my toes feeling cramped.

Sizing Tips

I found that the Womens New Balance 520 runs true to size, but if you have wider feet, consider going half a size up or looking for the wide version. It’s always a good idea to check the return policy just in case you need to exchange them.

Material and Durability

The combination of suede and mesh is not only stylish but also durable. After wearing mine for several months, they still look great and hold up well against daily wear and tear. If you plan to use them for more intense activities, make sure to check the sole thickness and grip.

Price and Value

The New Balance 520 offers great value for the price. I found them affordable compared to other retro-style sneakers with similar features. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts — I snagged mine during a seasonal sale which made the purchase even sweeter.

Where to Buy

I purchased my New Balance 520 from the official New Balance website, which ensured authenticity and easy returns. You can also check out reputable retailers like Zappos, Foot Locker, or Amazon, but always verify the seller’s credibility to avoid fakes.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Womens New Balance 520 is a fantastic choice if you want a stylish, comfortable, and versatile sneaker. My advice is to focus on fit and comfort first, then pick the color that best suits your style. With the right pair, these shoes can easily become a staple in your everyday wardrobe.

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Judith Dunham
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.