New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes - Cushioned

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes the bottom line is simple: these are a durable, well-cushioned everyday road runner best suited to women who prioritize comfort and lightweight feel over highly technical racing performance. The standout reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which delivers a plush, responsive ride that makes daily miles and long walks noticeably easier on the legs. Built with breathable engineered mesh and a secure lace closure, they balance comfort, style and value.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight impact protection that smooths out road chatter during runs and long walks.
• Engineered mesh upper: Keeps the foot ventilated to reduce heat buildup on warm days and during extended activity.
• 10 mm drop (approximate): Offers a moderate heel-to-toe offset that suits everyday runners who prefer a slightly elevated heel without extreme pitching.
• Synthetic overlays: Add durability and structure so the shoe holds its shape through repeated wear and varied conditions.
• Lace closure: Delivers a secure, adjustable fit for everyday use and short to medium distance training runs.

Who It's For

These shoes are best for recreational runners, walkers, and anyone who wants a reliable, cushioned daily trainer for road use. The combination of lightweight cushioning and breathable mesh makes them a strong pick for commuters, gym-goers, and those returning to running who value comfort and value for money.

Those who need a very wide last, maximum motion control, or specialized racing flats should look elsewhere. Customers with particularly wide feet or who require custom orthotics may find the fit mixed, so trying them on or checking return options is recommended.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, plush Fresh Foam cushioning that reduces fatigue on daily runs.
• Breathable engineered mesh keeps feet cooler on warm days.
• Lightweight construction and clean styling make them versatile for casual wear.

Cons

• Fit can be inconsistent for very wide feet, with some users finding the shoe too narrow.
• Not a performance racing shoe; runners seeking a highly responsive race option may prefer a different model.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 520 V9 (Women's)
Midsole	Fresh Foam cushioning
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh with synthetic material
Heel-to-toe drop	10 mm (approximate)
Closure	Lace closure

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a solid, value-minded road running shoe for everyday use; its cushioned midsole and breathable upper make it especially good for casual runners and walkers who want comfort and durability without premium race features. Buy it if you want dependable, lightweight cushioning at a fair price, but consider other options if you need extra width or a race-focused shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, the Fresh Foam midsole offers cushioning suitable for long, steady easy runs and daily mileage, though not intended as a dedicated race shoe.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is mixed: many find them true to size, but users with very wide feet may feel they run narrow.

Can I use custom insoles with these?
Yes, the lace closure and internal volume typically allow room for thin custom insoles, though very thick orthotics may affect fit.