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

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes, the bottom line is simple: these are a dependable, cushioned daily trainer for runners and walkers who prioritize comfort and a soft underfoot feel. The Fresh Foam midsole delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that customers repeatedly describe as feeling like walking on clouds. Built with breathable engineered mesh and a durable synthetic upper, these shoes balance support and style for road running, long training runs, and everyday wear.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Precision engineered cushioning provides a plush, responsive ride that reduces fatigue on longer runs.
• Breathable engineered mesh: Upper materials allow airflow to keep feet cooler during workouts and daily wear.
• Synthetic overlays: Durable construction adds structure and helps the shoe hold its shape over time.
• 10 mm drop: A moderate heel-to-toe offset supports a natural running gait and versatile training use.
• Lace closure: Traditional lacing gives a secure, adjustable fit for varied foot shapes during activity.

Who It's For

These shoes are best for women who need a lightweight, cushioned road running shoe for regular training, long runs, and active days on foot. Runners looking for good arch support, noticeable cushioning, and reliable traction will appreciate the Fresh Foam midsole and the supportive engineered mesh.

Those with very wide feet or who require a highly specialized racing flat or trail shoe should look elsewhere: customer feedback notes mixed fit impressions, with some wearers finding the standard width too narrow. If minimal weight or extreme responsiveness for race day is the priority, a lighter racer would be a better choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable Fresh Foam cushioning that many describe as cloud-like for long runs and walking.
• Good arch support and overall build quality that feel durable and well made.
• Breathable mesh upper and tidy styling that work for workouts and casual wear.

Cons

• Fit can be mixed for some customers; the standard width may feel narrow for wider feet.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a solid choice for runners and everyday walkers who want plush cushioning, breathable construction, and dependable support at a fair value. It excels as a daily trainer for road running and long periods on foot, though shoppers with wide feet should try them on to ensure the fit suits them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes; customers praise the Fresh Foam cushioning and support for making longer runs more comfortable.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is mixed in reports: many find the length and support good, while some with wider feet find the standard width too narrow.

What surface are they best for?
They are designed for road running and everyday pavement use, offering good traction for those surfaces.