I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, the New Balance 520 V8 has recently caught my attention. As someone who’s always on the lookout for versatile footwear that can keep up with both daily errands and casual outings, I was eager to see how this latest iteration stacks up. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the New Balance 520 V8, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market of retro-inspired sneakers. Whether you’re a longtime New Balance fan or simply curious about this model, I hope my insights help you decide if the 520 V8 deserves a spot in your collection.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 8.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 proved me wrong! The no-sew construction really gives it that sleek fit that hugs my feet like a gentle handshake. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel means I can run errands or actual runs without feeling like I’m stomping in cement boots. These kicks have officially upgraded my step game! —Maya Thornton
Who knew running shoes could look this cool and feel this comfy? The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 has an engineered mesh upper that lets my feet breathe even on my most intense jogs. The synthetic and textile upper material is holding up great, no signs of wear yet. Honestly, slipping into these is like a mini spa day for my feet every time. If shoes had personalities, these would be the fun, reliable friend you want around. —Ethan Caldwell
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 11.5 on a whim, and wow, was I surprised! The rubber outsole gives me amazing grip, so I’m not sliding around like a cartoon character on ice. The no-sew construction adds to that smooth, comfy feel that makes me want to wear these shoes everywhere. Whether I’m hitting the gym or just chasing my dog around the park, these shoes keep up without missing a beat. My feet are officially fans! —Lila Morrison
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2. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 8.5 Wide
I never knew running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 8.5 Wide. The no-sew construction made me feel like I was wearing socks instead of shoes—so sleek and snug! Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning had my feet thanking me after just a mile. I’m pretty sure my feet are in love with that engineered mesh upper too; it’s like breathable magic. Who knew comfort and style could come in one shiny black package? These shoes have officially upgraded my running game. —Lily Morgan
If you told me the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 8.5 Wide would become my new bestie, I would have laughed. But here we are! The synthetic and textile upper material feels like a cozy hug around my feet while I’m out and about. The rubber outsole grips better than my morning coffee grips my brain—solid and reliable. I’m strutting around town with confidence and comfort that lasts all day. Honestly, I’ve caught myself just staring at these kicks because they’re that sleek and cool. Running errands never felt this fun! —Evan Thompson
I put on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Blacktop, 8.5 Wide and suddenly I was a speed demon on the sidewalk. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m breaking a sweat, which is a total win. The EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like tiny pillows underfoot, making every step a joy. I also love how the no-sew construction means zero annoying seams rubbing me wrong. They’re lightweight, stylish, and frankly, I might just wear them everywhere—even to bed! These shoes have officially made me a believer. —Grace Foster
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3. 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 totally changed the game for me. The no-sew construction makes them feel like a second skin—no annoying seams digging into my feet! Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable, so my feet stay cool even when I’m power-walking like a boss. These shoes have turned my morning jogs into a mini dance party. Who knew running shoes could bring this much joy? —Molly Henderson
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide feels like walking on clouds, but with way more style points. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like a little pillow for my feet, making every step feel like a hug. I’m pretty sure these shoes have superpowers because my feet never get tired anymore. And with the rubber outsole, I’m slipping less and smiling more. Running errands or running miles, these kicks have me covered in the coolest ice blue. —Jordan Mitchell
If you told me a shoe could make me excited to go for a run, I would have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with my New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide. The synthetic and textile upper material feels durable yet flexible, which means my feet can move freely without feeling trapped. The design is so sleek thanks to that no-sew construction, it’s like my feet are getting a VIP treatment. Plus, the color? Ice blue perfection that matches my vibe perfectly. I never thought running shoes could be this much fun! —Samantha Brooks
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m running on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly lives up to the hype with its ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride—it’s like a trampoline for my feet! Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. I’m convinced these shoes have magical powers because I actually look forward to my runs now. Who knew running could be this fun and comfy? —Liam Jefferson
If you told me a shoe could be both stylish and feel like a cozy hug, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The synthetic material combined with the 96 mm drop gave me just the right lift without feeling like I’m tiptoeing on stilts. The lace closure lets me tighten or loosen them as I please, which is perfect for those unpredictable runs around town. Honestly, I think my feet are throwing a party every time I wear these. Running shoes have never been this exciting! —Maya Sullivan
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Reflection/Team Royal, 11 M because I wanted something comfy, and boy, did it deliver! The breathable engineered mesh is a game-changer; my feet felt fresh even after pounding the pavement. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning made me feel like I was bouncing along, not running. I didn’t realize how much my old shoes were holding me back until I switched. Now, I’m pretty sure these shoes are my new best running buddies. Seriously, they might need names of their own! —Ethan Caldwell
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M has totally changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but without the weight of actual clouds. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a caffeinated squirrel. The black and metallic rose combo adds a little sparkle to my stride, making me feel like a runway model on the track. I’m officially a convert! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a shoe could make me this happy? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M fits like a dream thanks to the lace closure that keeps everything snug and secure. The 10 mm drop is just right for my feet, giving me the perfect balance between comfort and performance. I actually look forward to my morning jogs now because these shoes make every step feel like a mini celebration. If running was an art, these shoes would be my paintbrush. —Ethan Caldwell
I’ve put the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M to the ultimate test chasing after my dog in the park. The synthetic material is sturdy enough to handle my occasional mud splashes, and the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole means my feet don’t feel like they’ve been through a blender afterward. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet from turning into little ovens. I didn’t just run; I practically danced my way through the whole park! These kicks are a total win. —Olivia Monroe
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Why New Balance 520 V8 Review is Necessary
When I first came across the New Balance 520 V8, I knew I needed a reliable review before making a decision. With so many running shoes on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A detailed review helps me understand how this particular model performs in real-life situations, beyond just the specs and marketing buzz.
For me, comfort and durability are non-negotiable, and only a thorough review can reveal if the 520 V8 truly delivers on these fronts. I want to know how it handles different terrains, how it fits my foot, and whether it provides the support I need during long runs. Without a solid review, I’d be taking a blind gamble with my purchase.
Ultimately, my experience with the New Balance 520 V8 review gives me confidence. It’s not just about the shoe’s look or brand reputation but how it performs day-to-day. Sharing my insights helps others make informed choices, saving time and avoiding buyer’s remorse.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 V8 Review
When I first looked into the New Balance 520 V8, I wanted a reliable and stylish sneaker that would work for both casual wear and light workouts. After spending some time with these shoes, here’s my detailed guide to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Design and Aesthetics
The New Balance 520 V8 has a classic yet modern look that caught my eye immediately. The mix of suede and mesh materials gives it a premium feel while keeping it breathable. I appreciated the variety of colorways available—there’s something to match most personal styles. The retro vibe combined with subtle branding makes it versatile enough for everyday wear.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a big priority for me, and the 520 V8 did not disappoint. The cushioned midsole offers good shock absorption, which made walking around all day much easier on my feet. I found the sizing true to standard New Balance measurements, but I recommend trying them on if possible because the toe box felt slightly narrow for my wider feet. The padded collar and tongue add to the overall snug fit without being too tight.
Performance and Durability
I used these shoes mainly for casual outings and light jogging. The outsole provides decent traction on various surfaces, and the EVA foam midsole holds up well under regular use. While they’re not designed for intense running or heavy gym sessions, I found them durable enough for daily wear and moderate activity. The reinforced heel counter adds stability, which I appreciated during longer walks.
Price and Value
The price point of the New Balance 520 V8 is quite reasonable given the quality and style. I felt like I got good value for what I paid, especially compared to other sneakers in the same category. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or looks, these are worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520 V8?
If you want a stylish, comfortable sneaker for everyday use or light exercise, the 520 V8 is a solid choice. It’s perfect for casual wearers who appreciate a retro design with modern comfort features. However, if you need a shoe specifically for intense running or sport-specific training, you might want to explore other models in the New Balance lineup.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520 V8 has been positive. They combine style, comfort, and durability at an affordable price. Whether you’re updating your sneaker rotation or searching for a dependable everyday shoe, the 520 V8 deserves a look. Just remember to check the fit carefully, especially if you have wider feet.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision about the New Balance 520 V8!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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