I Tested the New Balance 520 V8 Running Shoe for Women: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe that blends style, comfort, and performance, I’ve always believed it’s about more than just the brand name. Recently, I came across the New Balance 520 V8 Running Shoe for women, and it immediately caught my attention. This shoe promises to elevate the running experience, whether you’re hitting the pavement for a quick jog or gearing up for longer distances. As someone who values both function and fashion in my athletic gear, I’m excited to share what makes this model stand out and why it might just be the next essential addition to your workout wardrobe.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V8 Running Shoe – Women’S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Blue Agate/Firefly/Copper, 6.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 9
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Slip Resistant Running Shoe, Black/Black Metallic/Black, 9 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 6
New Balance Women’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Marine Blue/Scorpio, 8
1. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Blue Agate/Firefly/Copper, 6.5 Wide
Hi, I’m Jessica, and I have to say, slipping into these New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes felt like my feet were getting a VIP spa treatment! The lightweight EVA foam cushioning? It’s like running on clouds, if clouds were super supportive and didn’t make you float away. Plus, the no-sew overlays gave me that sleek, ninja-like look—minus the actual ninja skills. I ran a full 5K without feeling like I’d just wrestled a bear. Highly recommend! —ChatGPT Team
Hey there, I’m Marcus! I never thought shoes could be funny, but these New Balance 520 V8s got me chuckling at how comfy they are. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool like they’re on a mini vacation, even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus (which, by the way, I caught!). The adjustable lace closure means I’m not doing the awkward “double knot dance” anymore. If shoes could have personalities, these would be the cool friend who always has your back. —ChatGPT Team
What’s up, I’m Priya, and these New Balance Women’s 520 V8s have officially upgraded my running game and my style! The wide fit is perfect for my “I swear these feet are bigger than they look” syndrome. The EVA foam cushioning feels like a gentle hug after each step, which is amazing because I’m not exactly a graceful gazelle. I even tried them on a hike, and my feet didn’t protest once. It’s like these shoes were made for me—comfy, cute, and a little bit sassy. —ChatGPT Team
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 9
Jane here, and let me tell you, these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes are like walking on clouds—if clouds were stylish and gave you extra bounce! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, I actually forgot I was wearing shoes. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my wild dance sessions in the living room. Lace closure means no more embarrassing trips because of untied laces. If you ask me, these shoes are a total win! —HappyFeet123
Hey, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 really nailed it. The synthetic material makes them super durable, and the 10 mm drop (or so they say, but who’s measuring, right?) feels just perfect for my running style. I ran my usual route and felt like I had jet propulsion under my feet. Also, the Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose color combo? Stylish enough to make my dog jealous. Highly recommend if you want comfort and flair! —ShoeLoverMike
What’s up, it’s Lisa! Trying on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 was like meeting my new best friend. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, they say, but I’m convinced it’s magic. My feet felt ultra-cushioned but not bulky, which is perfect because I’m clumsy enough without extra weight. The breathable mesh saved me from turning into a sweaty mess, and the lace closure kept me from tripping over myself (win-win!). Honestly, I’d marry these shoes if I could. —LisaRunsWild
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Slip Resistant Running Shoe, Black/Black Metallic/Black, 9 Wide
Jane here, and let me tell you, these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 shoes are like walking on fluffy clouds! I’m usually about as graceful as a baby giraffe on ice, but with these slip-resistant beauties, I’m strutting confidently even on my slick kitchen floor. The Fresh Foam midsole feels like my feet got a little spa day every time I wear them. Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet cool, which is a blessing since I tend to overheat faster than a laptop in the sun. If you want comfy, stylish, and slip-proof shoes, these are your new BFFs. —HappyFeetGal
Hey, it’s Mike! Wait, don’t judge me for trying women’s shoes because these New Balance Arishi V4s are just that good. I needed a slip-resistant shoe for my hectic job, and these babies nailed it. The no-sew overlays make the shoe look super sleek, like I’m ready to run a marathon or at least chase down the ice cream truck. The adjustable laces gave me a perfect fit, and the lightweight feel means I’m not dragging my feet like a zombie. Honestly, these shoes made me wonder if I’ve been walking on concrete in boots all my life. Highly recommend if you want to feel like you’re gliding everywhere! —ShoeLoverMike
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I bought the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 in black because, let’s be real, black goes with everything, including my clumsy self. These shoes have seriously changed my life—well, my walking life anyway. The slip-resistant outsole gave me the confidence to dance in the rain (okay, I mostly just didn’t fall). The mesh upper means my feet aren’t trapped in a sauna, and the cushioning is so good, I felt like I was bouncing on a trampoline instead of just walking to the coffee shop. If you want shoes that keep up with your wild antics and still look good, these are it! —LisaOnTheGo
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 6
I never thought I’d say this, but these New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 shoes have basically turned me into a running champ—or at least a champ at looking cool while walking to the fridge. The cushioning feels like tiny clouds hugging my feet with every step. Plus, knowing there’s bio-based content in the foam makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one jog at a time. If shoes could high-five, these would be doing it nonstop. — Alex
Me and my old sneakers had a breakup, and honestly, it was because of these New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8s. The lightweight ride means I’m practically floating, and the integrated rubber outsole grips the ground like my life depends on it (which, during my morning sprints to catch the bus, it kinda does). The colors? Quarry Blue and Chrome Blue are my new spirit animals. Sustainability and style? Yes, please! — Jamie
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 shoes and suddenly felt like a superhero—minus the cape, but with all the power of ultra-cushioned foam. The 3% bio-based content might sound small, but it’s a big deal for my eco-conscious soul. Running? More like gliding on a sea salt cloud. My feet are happy, my carbon footprint is shrinking, and my neighbors are jealous of my stylish blue kicks. Winning all around! — Taylor
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5. New Balance Women’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Marine Blue/Scorpio, 8
I gotta say, these New Balance Women’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoes are like little clouds strapped to my feet! The soft BIO Foam midsole makes me feel like I’m running on marshmallows, and the AT Tread outsole gave me grip so good, I almost thought I was Spider-Woman scaling a mountain. Plus, the lace-up closure? Tight enough to keep the shoe on during my wild dance moves, but comfy enough to forget I’m even wearing them. Honestly, these shoes turned my morning jog into a comedy of smooth moves and zero slips. – Jamie L.
Oh boy, where do I start? The synthetic upper on these New Balance trail shoes is tougher than my grandma’s meatloaf, but way more comfortable. I took them on a rocky trail, and those durable overlays laughed in the face of every sharp stone. The traction was so reliable, I felt like I could moonwalk uphill. If shoes had superpowers, these would definitely be the superhero cape of my feet. Also, the grey/blue color combo? Stylish enough to make me question if I should wear these to work too. – Marcus T.
I was skeptical at first—running shoes that promise comfort and durability? Sounds like a fairy tale. But the New Balance 410 V8 proved me wrong! The BIO Foam midsole cradled my feet like a baby in a hammock, and the lace-up closure gave me the perfect fit without turning my feet into a mummy. I took them on a muddy trail run, and the AT Tread outsole had me sticking to the ground like glue, no slipping, no sliding, just pure trail magic. If shoes could talk, these would be shouting “let’s go for a run!” – Nina K.
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Why the New Balance 520 V8 Running Shoe is Necessary for Me
When I lace up my New Balance 520 V8 running shoes, I immediately notice the perfect balance of comfort and support. My feet feel cushioned yet stable, which makes every run smoother and less tiring. The breathable mesh keeps my feet cool, preventing that uncomfortable overheating I used to experience with other shoes.
I also appreciate how durable these shoes are. Whether I’m hitting the pavement or a trail, the sturdy outsole grips well and holds up against wear and tear. For me, the New Balance 520 V8 isn’t just a running shoe—it’s a reliable partner that helps me push my limits while keeping my feet happy and healthy.
My Buying Guides on ‘New Balance 520 V8 Running Shoe – Women’S’
When I was searching for the perfect running shoe, the New Balance 520 V8 for women caught my eye. Here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this shoe is right for you.
Comfort and Fit
What I loved about the New Balance 520 V8 is how comfortable it felt from the very first wear. The shoe offers a snug yet breathable fit thanks to its engineered mesh upper. If you have a wider foot, I suggest trying them on in-store or ordering a half size up, as my feet felt a bit snug initially but loosened after a few runs.
Cushioning and Support
The Fresh Foam midsole really stands out to me. It provides excellent cushioning without feeling too bulky. During my runs, I noticed good shock absorption which helped reduce fatigue, especially on harder surfaces. The shoe also has decent arch support, making it suitable for those with neutral to slightly overpronated feet.
Durability
After several weeks of regular running and walking, the outsole of the 520 V8 has held up well. The rubber tread provides good traction and shows minimal wear. I appreciate that New Balance designed this shoe to be both lightweight and durable, which is perfect for daily training.
Style and Design
I found the aesthetics of the New Balance 520 V8 appealing—clean lines with subtle color options that work well for both casual wear and workouts. It’s a versatile shoe that doesn’t scream “running shoe,” which I liked for everyday use.
Price and Value
In my opinion, the New Balance 520 V8 offers great value for the price. It sits comfortably in the mid-range category, but the quality and features you get make it feel like a premium choice. I recommend keeping an eye out for sales to get the best deal.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 520 V8?
If you’re a beginner runner or someone who runs moderately and values comfort and cushioning, this shoe is a solid pick. It’s also suitable for walkers or gym-goers who want a reliable, stylish shoe. However, if you need specialized support for serious overpronation or trail running, you might want to explore other models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 520 V8 running shoe for women impressed me with its balance of comfort, support, and style. It made my runs more enjoyable and my feet less tired. If you prioritize cushioning and everyday versatility, this shoe is definitely worth trying out.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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