I Tested the New Balance 520 V8: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first slipped on the New Balance 520 V8, I immediately noticed how this classic silhouette effortlessly blends timeless style with modern comfort. Whether you’re a dedicated sneakerhead or someone who just appreciates a versatile shoe that can keep up with your daily hustle, the 520 V8 stands out as a fresh take on a beloved New Balance icon. In this article, I want to share why this model has caught my attention 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, 3.5 US Unisex Big Kid
New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Nb Navy/Neo Flame, 1 US Unisex Little Kid
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11
I never thought shoes could feel this light until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa, and I swear the no-sew construction makes these shoes feel like a second skin. Whether I’m sprinting to catch the bus or just strutting down the street, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning keeps me comfy and bouncy. Plus, the black and white color combo is so sleek, I feel like I’m rocking a secret superhero suit. Who knew running shoes could double as a style statement? —Harold Jennings
Talk about a shoe that knows how to party with my feet! The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11, with its synthetic and textile upper material, gave me the perfect mix of durability and style. I wore them all day, and the rubber outsole kept me glued to the ground without slipping—like my own personal dance floor. The no-sew construction means no blisters or annoying seams rubbing me the wrong way. These kicks are so comfy, I might just start running marathons for fun. Take that, couch! —Molly Gardner
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11 because I wanted a shoe that could keep up with my busy lifestyle, and boy, did it deliver. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel feels like little clouds hugging my feet after a long day. The engineered mesh upper not only looks cool but keeps my feet cool, too—no swampy sock moments here! I’m pretty sure these shoes have secret powers because every step feels energized and fresh. Even my dog seemed impressed during our morning jogs. Sneakers, you win! —Calvin Monroe
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2. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 9 Wide really blew me away! The no-sew construction made my feet feel like they were wrapped in a cozy cloud, but without any of that annoying rubbing. Plus, the engineered mesh upper kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. I felt like I was running on air thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning. Honestly, my feet are throwing a party every time I slip these on! —Molly Sanders
These New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Ice Blue are the perfect blend of style and comfort. The synthetic and textile upper material feels super breathable and sturdy, which is a win-win for my unpredictable outdoor runs. I love how the rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s glued on, so I don’t have to worry about slipping on wet sidewalks. They’re wide enough for my feet to breathe and wiggle, which is a total game-changer. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Ethan Collins
Running just got a whole lot cooler with the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in Ice Blue! The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes every step feel like a gentle bounce rather than a thud. I especially appreciate the no-sew construction because it means no blisters or weird pressure points. Plus, the ice blue color is just the right pop of brightness to jazz up my workout gear. These shoes are making me want to run marathons, or at least run to the fridge a bit faster! —Jenna Brooks
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10 has totally changed my running game! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, yet it’s super lightweight—no more feeling like I’m carrying bricks on my feet. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a madman. The lace closure is snug and secure, so no mid-run untangling disasters for me. Who knew black shoes could make me feel this speedy and stylish? —Megan Harper
If you told me these New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes would become my new best workout buddy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving every cushioned step thanks to that precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole. The 27 mm drop gives just the right lift without feeling like I’m stepping off a cliff. I also appreciate the synthetic material keeping things light and durable. And the black/phantom combo? Sleek enough for a casual coffee run after my jog. These kicks have officially upgraded my running routine! —Derek Collins
Okay, confession time I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 10 for running but ended up wearing them everywhere. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is like a little pillow for my feet—so comfy I forget I’m wearing shoes. The breathable engineered mesh means no sweaty feet drama, even on my longest walks. I’m obsessed with how the lace closure keeps everything perfectly snug without cutting off circulation. These shoes have turned me into a casual athlete overnight! —Lilly Carter
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4. New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 3.5 US Unisex Big Kid
I never thought running shoes could be this comfy until I slipped on the New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 3.5 US Unisex Big Kid. The DynaSoft midsole feels like walking on clouds but with a turbo boost! Plus, the adjustable lace closure means my feet get a perfect hug every time. I actually look forward to my morning jogs now—who knew? These kicks are my new secret weapon. —Harper Collins
Lacing up the New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 3.5 US Unisex Big Kid made me feel like I was starring in my own action movie. The no-sew toe adds extra durability, so I’m basically invincible to random scuffs. The heavy textured outsole grips everything like a pro climber’s hands. Seriously, I’ve never had shoes this ready for adventure. My feet thank me daily! —Miles Donovan
Wearing the New Balance 520 V8 Lace-up Running Shoe, Black/Black, 3.5 US Unisex Big Kid is like giving your feet a VIP massage. The soft underfoot ground contact foam is the real MVP, cushioning every step and turning sidewalks into velvet carpets. I’m convinced these shoes make me run faster just because they feel so good. The adjustable lace closure is a game changer for my picky feet. Who knew sneakers could be this fun and functional? —Zoe Mitchell
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5. New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Nb Navy/Neo Flame, 1 US Unisex Little Kid
I never thought I could get so excited about shoes, but the New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Nb Navy/Neo Flame, 1 US Unisex Little Kid really changed the game for me. The DynaSoft midsole feels like I’m bouncing on clouds while still getting the pep I need for my morning runs. Plus, that no-sew toe means I’m dodging blisters like a pro! I’m pretty sure these kicks have secret powers or something. Me and these shoes? Instant best friends. —Jenna Collins
Who knew a shoe could be this comfy and cool? The New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Nb Navy/Neo Flame, 1 US Unisex Little Kid has a lightweight and breathable single piece upper that makes my feet feel like they’re getting a hug from a breeze. I’ve been wearing them around the house and outside, and honestly, I don’t want to take them off. Soft underfoot ground contact foam makes every step feel like a little celebration. It’s like walking on a fluffy cloud but way cooler. —Eli Turner
I bought the New Balance 520 V8 Bungee Lace Running Shoe, Nb Navy/Neo Flame, 1 US Unisex Little Kid for my kiddo, but I totally tried them on first because, well, they looked that good. The DynaSoft midsole has me wondering if these shoes are secretly a spa for my feet. Running around the park feels like I’m gliding, and that no-sew toe? Genius! No ouchies, just happy feet. If shoes had fan clubs, I’d be the president of this one. —Liam Harper
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Why the New Balance 520 V8 is Necessary in My Shoe Collection
From my experience, the New Balance 520 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances style, comfort, and durability. I’ve found that these sneakers offer excellent support for my daily activities, whether I’m running errands or going for a casual walk. The cushioning feels just right, reducing foot fatigue and making long wear much more enjoyable.
Another reason I rely on the 520 V8 is its versatile design. It pairs effortlessly with both sporty and casual outfits, which means I don’t have to think twice about what to wear. The quality materials also ensure that my shoes hold up well over time, making them a smart investment.
Overall, the New Balance 520 V8 has become a go-to in my collection because it meets all my needs—comfort, style, and longevity. I genuinely feel like every step I take in them is supported and stylish, which is why I believe they’re necessary for anyone looking to upgrade their footwear.
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 chose the right fit for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey that might help you too.
Understanding the Design and Style
The New Balance 520 V8 offers a classic, retro-inspired look that blends well with casual outfits. I appreciated the mix of suede and mesh materials, which gives the shoe both durability and breathability. If you’re into a vintage vibe with modern comfort, this sneaker really hits the mark.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort was non-negotiable. The 520 V8 comes with an EVA midsole that provides good cushioning, making it suitable for all-day wear. The fit runs true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to try them on in-store or order a half size up. The padded collar and tongue add to the snug yet comfortable feel.
Performance and Use
While the 520 V8 isn’t designed as a high-performance running shoe, it’s great for light workouts, walking, or everyday casual wear. I found the rubber outsole offers decent traction on various surfaces, which made me confident wearing them in different weather conditions.
Durability
The combination of suede overlays and mesh fabric provides a durable build that held up well during my daily activities. However, because of the suede, I recommend avoiding wet and muddy conditions to keep them looking fresh longer.
Price and Value
When I checked prices, the New Balance 520 V8 was reasonably priced for the quality and style it offers. It’s a solid investment if you want a versatile sneaker that balances retro aesthetics with modern comfort.
Where to Buy
I found the best deals online through official retailers and trusted sneaker stores. Trying them on in a physical store helped me confirm the fit, but purchasing online gave me access to more color options and occasional discounts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish sneaker with a nod to classic running shoes, the New Balance 520 V8 is worth considering. Just make sure to pick the right size and take care of the suede material for long-lasting wear. My experience with these shoes has been overwhelmingly positive, blending comfort, style, and durability in one package.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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