New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes (Style LT2H)

Our review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 finds it to be a dependable, value-oriented running shoe for everyday road miles; the single biggest reason to buy is the plush yet lightweight Fresh Foam cushioning that keeps runs comfortable without adding bulk. Built from breathable engineered mesh with a synthetic overlay and a secure lace closure, this shoe aims to balance comfort, durability, and cost for runners who want a reliable daily trainer rather than a race-day spike.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Delivers a soft, cushioned ride that absorbs impact and makes easy miles feel less fatiguing.
• Breathable engineered mesh: Keeps the foot ventilated on warmer runs while maintaining a lightweight overall feel.
• Synthetic material overlays: Add structure and durability to high-wear areas without significantly increasing weight.
• 10 mm drop (approximate): Provides a moderate heel-to-toe slope that suits neutral runners and everyday training sessions.
• Lace closure: Allows a traditional, secure fit that can be adjusted across the forefoot for comfort and lockdown.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 520 V9 is best suited to recreational and fitness runners who log regular road miles and prioritize cushioning and comfort over lightweight racing performance. It is also a good choice for walkers or anyone who wants a cushioned shoe for daily wear and variety of activities.

Runners with very wide feet or those needing aggressive arch support should look elsewhere; customer feedback is mixed on fit and support, with some finding the width comfortable and others reporting a tighter fit and less pronounced arch support than specialty stability models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent comfort from the Fresh Foam midsole that suits longer training sessions.
• Lightweight construction and breathable mesh help reduce hot spots on warm runs.
• Good perceived value for money given quality materials and cushioning.
• Durable synthetic overlays that extend the shoe's usable life for regular road use.

Cons

• Fit and support are mixed in customer reports, so wide-footed runners may find them too narrow.
• Support is moderate rather than robust, so those requiring strong stability should consider dedicated stability models.

Specifications

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

Our Verdict

The Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a solid, budget-friendly daily trainer that shines for runners who want plush cushioning and breathable construction without a racing focus. It represents good value for recreational runners and walkers, though those with wide feet or needing stronger support should try before they buy or opt for a stability-specific shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, the Fresh Foam midsole provides cushioning suitable for longer training runs, though the level of arch support is moderate.

Do they run true to size?
Most users report standard sizing, but feedback on width is mixed, so anyone with wide feet may want to size up or try them on.

Is the mesh breathable enough for hot weather?
The engineered mesh upper offers good ventilation and keeps the shoe feeling light in warm conditions.