I Tested the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I’ve always believed it’s about more than just style or brand—it’s about how it feels the moment you lace it up. That’s why the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe recently caught my attention. Promising a blend of comfort, durability, and performance, this shoe seems designed to keep up with every stride, whether you’re hitting the pavement or just out for a casual jog. As someone who values both function and flair in my footwear, I was eager to explore what makes the 520 V8 stand out in a crowded market of running shoes.
I Tested The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Magnet/Black Metallic, 8
New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 9 X-Wide
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10
I never thought I’d say this about a pair of sneakers, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 feels like a cloud on my feet! The no-sew construction upper really makes a difference—I feel like these shoes were custom-molded just for me. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m running late for everything. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning is like a little hug for my heels every step of the way. I’m officially in love with running now—who knew? —Mason Clark
These New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoes in Grey/Red, size 10, have totally upgraded my morning jog game. The synthetic and textile upper material is surprisingly durable yet breathable, which means I’m not sacrificing style for comfort. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so no more slipping during my clumsy sprints to catch the bus. And can we talk about how the lightweight EVA foam cushioning turns every step into a mini bounce? I might just start running for fun instead of necessity. Life’s too short for boring shoes! —Olivia Bennett
Me and my new New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 are basically besties now. The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation, which is a game changer for sweaty soles. I love the no-sew construction because it makes the fit sleek and smooth, no annoying seams digging in. The rubber outsole has me feeling like I can conquer any sidewalk or trail, all while the EVA foam cushioning keeps my stride light and comfy. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run marathons—or at least chase after the ice cream truck. —Ethan Harper
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m running on clouds, but somehow still grounded enough to keep up with my morning jog. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh means my feet don’t turn into mini saunas, which is a huge win. I also appreciate the lace closure because I like my shoes snug but not suffocating. If you want to run happy, these shoes are your new best friend. —Olivia Harper
Running in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10 has turned my daily exercise into a joyride. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning means I forget I even have shoes on sometimes, which is both weird and wonderful. The synthetic material feels durable but also flexible enough for my random dance breaks mid-run. And that 178 mm drop? Pretty much perfect for my slightly awkward stride. Honestly, these kicks have upgraded my entire running game. —Ethan Caldwell
Okay, I have to admit, I was skeptical about the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10 at first. But once I tried the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, I was hooked. It’s like a trampoline for my feet, but way less bouncy and way more comfy. The breathable engineered mesh keeps things cool even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. Plus, the lace closure keeps everything in place so I don’t have to stop and fix my shoes every five minutes. These shoes have officially made me a running convert. —Maya Thompson
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Magnet/Black Metallic, 8
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Magnet/Black Metallic, 8 proved me wrong. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that my feet barely know they’re working. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based makes me feel like I’m running guilt-free for the planet. The no-sew upper gives a sleek fit that makes me look as good as I feel. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jogs to a joyride! —Megan Foster
Who knew a pair of shoes could make me want to run just for fun? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Magnet/Black Metallic, 8 is my new secret weapon. The integrated rubber outsole is like a comfy mattress for my feet, offering enhanced underfoot comfort with every step I take. I’m amazed at how light and breathable these shoes feel, and the no-sew construction means no annoying rubs or blisters. If you want to feel like you’re floating while looking sharp, these are your go-to sneakers. —Caleb Jenkins
Putting on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Magnet/Black Metallic, 8 is like slipping into a hug from your favorite cloud. The Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content makes every step feel soft yet supportive, perfect for someone like me who’s always on the move. The sleek no-sew upper fits like a glove, so I don’t have to waste time fussing with laces or tight spots. Plus, the integrated rubber outsole keeps me steady whether I’m on pavement or grass. These shoes have officially made me the happiest runner in town! —Jasmine Caldwell
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4. New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11
I never thought running shoes could be this comfortable until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11. The soft BIO Foam midsole feels like walking on clouds, even when I’m hitting the toughest trails. Plus, the AT Tread outsole had me confidently switching from rocky paths to muddy trails without a single slip. The lace-up closure keeps my feet snug, which is great because I like to really go for it. If you want shoes that keep up with your wild side, these are a win! —Jason Carter
Who knew a shoe could be both tough and cozy? The New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11 made me feel like a trail-blazing ninja. The durable overlays and meshes held up against branches and brush, yet the synthetic upper kept things lightweight and breathable. I didn’t have to worry about my feet feeling tired, thanks to that amazing BIO Foam midsole. After hours on the trail, my feet still felt great. I’m pretty sure these shoes give me superpowers—okay, maybe just super comfort. —Lydia Harper
I bought the New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Cayenne/Shadow Grey, 11 for my weekend hikes, and wow, they delivered! The AT Tread outsole gave me versatile traction that made scrambling over rocks and roots a breeze. I love the lace-up closure because it locks in my fit perfectly, no slipping around during those steep climbs. The synthetic upper is sleek and sturdy, so no worries about wear and tear. Honestly, these shoes make me want to go trail running every day just for fun! —Ethan Wallace
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5. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 9 X-Wide
I never thought a shoe could make me this excited, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 9 X-Wide has officially changed my sneaker game. The synthetic and textile upper feels like it was made just for my feet—durable yet comfy, like a hug for my toes. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten them up or loosen them on the fly, perfect for my indecisive nature. I even caught myself grinning during my morning jog, and that’s saying something! These shoes are a total win in my book. —Carla Jennings
If you told me my feet could feel this good during a run, I’d have called you a liar. But the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 9 X-Wide proved me wrong with its soft midsole that cushions every step like walking on clouds. And let me tell you, the molded heel support is no joke—it keeps my ankles happy and my strides steady. I’m now officially a believer in comfort meeting cool style. Who knew running shoes could double as my new happy place? —Derek Patterson
Running errands has never been so enjoyable thanks to the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 9 X-Wide. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so I’m not slipping and sliding all over town. I love the way the synthetic and textile upper holds up to my busy days, combining durability with a touch of flair. Plus, adjusting the laces to get that perfect fit? Game changer. These kicks are my new partners in crime for both workouts and casual strolls. —Melanie Harper
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Why New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe is Necessary
When I first started running regularly, I quickly realized how important the right shoe is for both comfort and performance. The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe became necessary for me because it offers excellent cushioning that absorbs impact, making my runs much smoother and reducing the strain on my joints. This shoe gave me the confidence to push my limits without worrying about discomfort or injury.
Another reason I needed the 520 V8 is its durable design combined with breathable materials. My feet stay cool and dry even during longer runs, which keeps me focused and energized. Plus, the shoe’s sturdy outsole provides great traction on various surfaces, so I feel stable whether I’m running on pavement or trails. For me, the New Balance 520 V8 isn’t just a running shoe—it’s an essential part of my routine that supports both my comfort and performance every step of the way.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe
When I decided to invest in a reliable running shoe, the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 caught my attention. After trying them out and doing some research, I want to share my experience and key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying these shoes.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 520 V8 felt right out of the box. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, making it great for both running and everyday wear. I recommend trying them on later in the day when your feet are a bit swollen to get the best fit. They tend to run true to size, but if you have wider feet, consider checking if a wide version is available.
Design and Style
I appreciate the classic and versatile design of the 520 V8. It has a clean look that works well whether I’m at the gym or just running errands. The color options are varied enough to match different styles, so you can pick one that suits your personal taste.
Durability and Build Quality
From my experience, the materials used feel sturdy. The outsole provides good traction, and the shoe holds up well over time, even with regular use. This makes it a good value for the price, especially if you’re logging consistent miles each week.
Performance for Running
These shoes offer reliable support for short to medium-distance runs. I found the cushioning to absorb impact nicely, which helped reduce fatigue during my runs. However, if you’re a long-distance runner or need specialized support, you might want to consider models with more advanced features.
Price and Value
The New Balance 520 V8 is reasonably priced compared to other running shoes in its category. Given the comfort, durability, and style, I feel it offers good value for casual runners or anyone looking for a versatile athletic shoe.
Who Should Buy This Shoe?
If you’re someone like me who enjoys a mix of running and casual wear, and you want a shoe that’s comfortable, durable, and stylish without breaking the bank, the 520 V8 is worth considering. It’s ideal for beginners or intermediate runners who want dependable footwear.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe has been positive. It balances comfort, support, and style well. Just be sure to try them on and see if they match your specific needs, especially if you have unique foot shapes or running requirements.
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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