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

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes the bottom line is clear: these are a durable, comfortable choice for everyday road runners who prioritize cushioning and a lightweight feel. The shoe stands out for its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which delivers an ultra-cushioned ride without feeling overly heavy. Reviewers consistently praise the comfort, style, and perceived quality, making it a strong pick for runners and walkers who want reliable daily performance rather than a race-day specialist.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole cushioning: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that absorbs impact for daily running and longer walks.
• Breathable engineered mesh: Keeps the foot ventilated on warmer runs and reduces internal heat build-up for comfort over time.
• Synthetic material upper: Adds durability and low maintenance while keeping the shoe relatively light for regular training use.
• 10 mm drop (approximate): Offers a slightly elevated heel-to-toe offset that supports a typical road running stride without dramatic changes to gait.
• Lace closure: Allows a secure, adjustable fit so the foot can be stabilized for varied activities from short jogs to daily errands.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 520 V9 is best for women who run on roads or use running shoes for everyday fitness and walking. Runners who value cushioning and lightweight feel will appreciate the midsole and breathable mesh, making these shoes a good match for daily training, recovery runs, and active lifestyle wear.

Those who need a very wide fit, custom orthotic accommodation, or aggressive motion control should look elsewhere; customer feedback is mixed on fit and arch support, with some users finding the fit too narrow for wider feet and others noting differing levels of support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, well-cushioned ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole.
• Lightweight construction that feels easy to run in for longer sessions.
• Breathable mesh and durable synthetic upper offer a good balance of ventilation and longevity.
• Good overall value for the cushioning and perceived build quality.

Cons

• Fit and support are mixed among customers; may feel narrow for some wider feet.
• Not designed as a high-stability or custom orthotic solution for serious overpronators.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 520 V9
Target	Women, road running
Midsole	Fresh Foam cushioning
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh, synthetic material
Heel-to-toe drop	10 mm (approximate)
Closure	Lace

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a solid everyday running shoe for women who want plush cushioning, lightweight construction, and breathable materials at a fair price. It is an especially good choice for daily road miles and casual runners seeking comfort and style, though those needing wider fits or strong stability control should consider alternative models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, the Fresh Foam midsole provides enough cushioning for longer training runs, though very long or race-pace sessions may call for specialized racing footwear.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is mixed in customer feedback; many find them true to size while some with wider feet may feel they are narrow.

Can I use custom insoles?
The lace closure and internal volume accommodate aftermarket insoles for modest orthotic needs, but those needing major correction should verify fit first.