New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe - Cushioned Lightweight 339

In this review of the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 running shoe, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a comfortable, lightweight road runner best for everyday miles and runners who need supportive cushioning. The shoe pairs a precision engineered Fresh Foam midsole with a breathable engineered mesh upper to create a cushioned yet responsive ride. Reviewers praise the comfort, supportive fit for higher arches, and value for money, while durability reports are mixed, so it is most appealing to runners prioritizing comfort and fit over heavy-duty longevity.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that reduces fatigue on longer easy runs.
• Engineered mesh upper: Provides breathability and a secure fit that keeps feet cool during road running.
• Synthetic overlays: Add structure and help the shoe hold its shape without adding much weight.
• Lace closure: Offers an adjustable, locked-in fit that accommodates a range of foot shapes, including wider feet.
• Designed for support: Customers report good support for higher arches, making the shoe suitable for mild stability needs.

Who It's For

The 520 V9 is aimed at recreational road runners and walkers who want a plush, comfortable daily trainer with a focus on cushioning and breathability. It is a good match for runners with normal to high arches who appreciate a lightweight feel combined with visible midsole softness.

Runners seeking maximal longevity under heavy mileage, aggressive trail use, or minimalist responsiveness should look elsewhere; durability has received mixed feedback, and the shoe is optimized for road running and everyday comfort rather than extended heavy wear.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very comfortable cushioning from the Fresh Foam midsole provides an easy, forgiving ride.
• Breathable engineered mesh keeps feet cool on warm runs.
• Lightweight construction and supportive fit suit longer easy runs and daily training.
• Considered good value by many customers for comfort and overall build quality.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed; some users noted the shoes did not hold up beyond a few months of regular use.
• The cushioning is plush rather than highly responsive, so racers or speed-focused runners may want a different model.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 520 V9
Midsole	Fresh Foam cushioning
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh with synthetic material
Closure	Lace closure
Intended use	Road running / everyday training
Drop	Approximately 10 mm (listed as 339 mm drop variance)

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a sensible buy for runners who want a cushioned, breathable daily trainer that supports higher arches and wider feet comfortably. It represents good value for those prioritizing comfort and fit, but buyers looking for rugged longevity or a race-ready responsive shoe should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes true to size?
Most customers find they fit true to size and accommodate wider feet well; try your usual running size first.

Is the cushioning suitable for long runs?
The Fresh Foam midsole offers plush cushioning good for longer easy runs, though it is geared more toward comfort than race responsiveness.

Can I use these on trails?
They are designed for road running and everyday training; for technical trails or heavy off-road use, a trail-specific shoe is recommended.