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

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 running shoes, the bottom line is simple: these are a versatile, everyday road running shoe for women who prioritize a lightweight, cushioned ride without extra frills. The reviewer found the defining strength to be the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which delivers a noticeably soft and responsive feel underfoot while keeping the shoe light for longer runs and daily training. Fit and support can vary by foot shape, so prospective buyers should weigh cushioning and breathability above a perfect bespoke fit.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned yet lightweight ride that absorbs impact on road runs and longer training sessions.
• Breathable engineered mesh: Keeps the foot ventilated during warm-weather runs and reduces interior moisture build-up.
• Synthetic upper: Adds structure and durability while keeping the overall weight down for everyday use.
• 10 mm drop: Offers a balanced heel-to-toe transition suited to neutral runners, with the note that the 10 mm measure is approximate due to manufacturing variances.
• Lace closure: Allows secure adjustment for a locked-in feel on varied paces and surfaces.

Who It's For

The 520 V9 is best for recreational road runners and fitness walkers who want reliable cushioning and a low-weight shoe for daily training, treadmill sessions, or weekend runs. Its breathable mesh and plush midsole make it appealing to runners who value comfort and a soft underfoot feel more than racing-level responsiveness.

Those who need a very wide fit, pronounced arch support, or specialized stability features should consider other models. Customers with particularly wide feet reported tighter fit in some cases, so anyone requiring extra room or orthotic-specific volume might look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable and well-cushioned midsole that reduces fatigue on longer runs.
• Lightweight construction that helps maintain speed without feeling bulky.
• Breathable mesh upper keeps the foot cool during workouts.
• Good value for money given the materials and overall performance.

Cons

• Fit and support are mixed; some users find the shoe too narrow for wide feet.
• Not designed as a stability or motion-control shoe for severe overpronation.

Specifications

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

Our Verdict

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a solid choice for runners seeking lightweight cushioning and breathable construction at a reasonable price. It works well for everyday road running and fitness training, offering comfortable cushioning and good durability, but those needing extra width or specific support should test fit carefully or consider alternate models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
The Fresh Foam midsole offers cushioned comfort suitable for longer road runs, though runners seeking maximum support for long ultras may prefer a more supportive model.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is generally true to size for many, but some users with wide feet find them narrow, so trying them on or ordering from a retailer with an easy return policy is recommended.

Can I use orthotics with these?
The shoe accepts standard low- to medium-height insoles, but those needing high-volume orthotics should confirm fit as the upper can feel snug for some feet.