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

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes the bottom line is simple: these are a durable, everyday road-running shoe for runners who want plush cushioning without excess weight. The shoe's standout feature is the Fresh Foam midsole, which delivers an unexpectedly soft, responsive ride while keeping the overall shoe light. The breathable engineered mesh and synthetic overlays make it versatile for daily runs, gym miles, and casual wear, though those with very wide feet or who need rigid arch support should evaluate fit carefully.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Precision engineered cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned yet lightweight ride that soaks up road impact on longer runs.
• Engineered mesh upper: Breathable mesh keeps feet cool during warm weather runs and helps reduce overall shoe weight.
• Synthetic material overlays: Strategic overlays add durability and a secure fit in higher-wear areas to extend the shoe's life.
• 10 mm drop: A moderate heel-to-toe offset encourages a balanced stride; note the 10 mm figure is approximate due to manufacturing variances.
• Lace closure: Traditional lacing allows for a customizable, locked-in fit for road running and everyday activities.

Who It's For

These shoes suit runners and active walkers looking for a comfortable, cushioned trainer for road running and daily training. The combination of lightweight cushioning and breathable mesh makes them especially good for runners who log frequent mid-distance miles or want a versatile shoe for gym work and errands.

Shoppers who need a very wide toe box, a highly structured support system, or specialized motion control should look elsewhere; customer feedback shows mixed results on fit and arch support, with some users finding the shoe narrow or not supportive enough for high-arch or overpronation needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, plush cushioning that performs well on road surfaces.
• Lightweight construction and breathable mesh make for an airy, low-fatigue feel.
• Good overall quality and value for money compared with similar daily trainers.

Cons

• Fit can be inconsistent for wider feet, with some users finding the shoe too narrow in the toe box.
• Support is mixed; runners needing strong arch or motion control may find it lacking.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 520 V9
Midsole	Fresh Foam ultra-cushioned midsole
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh with synthetic overlays
Heel-to-toe drop	Approximately 10 mm
Closure	Lace closure
Use	Road running / everyday training

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a sensible pick for runners who want plush, lightweight cushioning and reliable daily performance at a fair price. It is best for neutral runners and those who prioritize comfort and breathability; shoppers needing a very wide fit or aggressive support should test fit or consider a more supportive model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, the Fresh Foam midsole provides durable cushioning suitable for mid-distance road runs, though very long-distance runners may prefer a higher-mileage trainer.

Do they run true to size?
Fit varies; many find them true to size, but some with wider feet report a narrow feel, so trying them on or ordering multiple sizes is wise.

Is the mesh breathable enough for summer?
Yes, the engineered mesh upper offers good airflow and keeps weight down for warm-weather training.