I Tested the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride: Here’s Why They’re My New Favorite Sneakers
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style and comfort in a sneaker, I’ve always been on the lookout for that ideal pair that can keep up with my daily adventures. That’s why the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride instantly caught my attention. From the moment I slipped them on, I knew these shoes were designed not just to look good, but to make every step feel effortless. Whether you’re hitting the streets or just need reliable support for your everyday routine, the 520 Comfort Ride promises a fresh take on what it means to walk comfortably without sacrificing style.
I Tested The New Balance 520 Comfort Ride Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 8
New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 8.5
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 8
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 8 totally changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s like walking on a pillow that’s been engineered by rocket scientists. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my sweatiest runs. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers, and my legs are sending me thank-you notes. Who knew lace closure could be so satisfying to tighten? I might just wear these for everything now, not just running. —Molly Sanderson
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 8 are my new best friends for hitting the pavement. The 19 mm drop gives my feet just the right amount of pep without feeling like I’m going downhill all the time. I love the synthetic material because it’s lightweight but still feels durable, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes me want to run marathons, but I’ll settle for a jog around the block. Honestly, lacing these up has become my favorite pre-run ritual. —Derek Holloway
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 8 hoping to upgrade my running gear, and wow, it delivered! The breathable engineered mesh means my feet aren’t turning into little sweat factories, which is a huge win. The lightweight feel paired with that precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m gliding rather than running. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because these shoes are just that comfortable. If you want shoes that make your feet happy, these are it! Plus, the lace closure keeps everything snug without choking my toes. —Jenna Whitaker
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2. New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide
I never thought running shoes could feel this comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide. The no-sew construction upper feels like a gentle hug around my feet, making each step smooth and sleek. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning? Yes, please! It’s like walking on tiny clouds that love you back. I might just start running everywhere now! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a running shoe could also be a style statement? The New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide has this gorgeous ice blue color that makes me want to show off my feet. The synthetic and textile upper material is so breathable and flexible, I forgot I was even wearing shoes sometimes! The rubber outsole gives me the grip I need when I decide to spontaneously dance in the park. Comfort and flair? Count me in. These shoes might just be my new best friends. —Ethan Wallace
I’m convinced these New Balance Women’s 520 V8 Running Shoes, Ice Blue/Ice Blue, 7 Wide were designed by someone who really understands foot happiness. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes my daily walks feel like a mini spa treatment. The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging in—just pure, uninterrupted comfort. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breezy when the sun decides to bring the heat. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and functional? Definitely a win in my book! —Jenna Marshall
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11
I never thought running shoes could make me look this cool and feel this comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11. The no-sew construction on the upper really gives it a sleek fit that hugs my feet like a gentle handshake. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet breathing even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a squirrel. Lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds rather than pounding the pavement. These kicks have officially turned me into a morning jogger—who knew? —Liam Patterson
If you told me a shoe could be this light and comfy, I might have laughed, but then I tried the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11. The synthetic and textile upper material feels like it was crafted just for my feet, and the rubber outsole gives me grip like a mountain goat on a rock. I’ve been walking around town showing them off, and honestly, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes every step feel like a mini massage. It’s like my feet threw a party and invited comfort as the guest of honor. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Jenna Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 11, and honestly, my feet have never been happier. The no-sew construction on the upper makes it feel like these shoes were custom-built just for me—no annoying seams digging in anywhere. The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, even when I’m powering through errands like a champ. And that lightweight EVA foam cushioning? It’s like walking on little clouds that never want to go away. If shoes could get a standing ovation, these would have mine! —Marcus Reynolds
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 8.5
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 8.5 totally proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so light and bouncy, it’s like running on marshmallows with a sprinkle of science magic. Plus, the precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet cool and comfy, even when I’m powering through a sweaty jog. If shoes had personalities, these would be the cool kid who’s both chill and supportive. I’m officially obsessed. —Molly Trent
Who knew that slipping into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 8.5 would turn me into a marathon-ready superhero? The integrated rubber outsole gives me confidence with every step, like I’ve got a secret grip superpower. And that no-sew construction? It’s like wearing a glove for your foot, but way cooler and without any annoying seams to mess with my vibe. These shoes are so comfy, I half expect them to start cheering me on. Running just got a major upgrade! —Evan Brooks
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 8.5 was designed by wizards. The approximately 3% bio-based content in the Fresh Foam midsole not only makes me feel like I’m doing my bit for the planet, but it also cushions my feet like a dream. The 8 mm drop is just right, giving me the perfect balance between speed and comfort without turning me into a clumsy giraffe. Plus, the sleek fit with no-sew construction makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing at the gym. These shoes are my new best friends. —Lara Finch
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5. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide
I never thought a running shoe could make me smile, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide has done just that! The synthetic and textile upper feels like a gentle hug on my feet, and the adjustable lace closure means I can get the perfect fit every single time. Plus, I love the molded heel—it’s like my foot has its own personal cheerleader. If you want shoes that bring joy to your jogs, these are it! I’m already planning my next run just to show them off. —Kevin Marshall
These New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoes in Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide are my new best friends for daily walks. The soft midsole is basically a cloud underfoot, making me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows instead of pavement. The rubber outsole grips like a champ, so I’m never slipping and sliding around town. I appreciate the extra-wide fit because my feet need room to dance, and these shoes deliver with style and comfort. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Jessica Clayton
When I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 11 X-Wide, I felt like I had discovered the secret to foot happiness. The combination of synthetic and textile upper keeps my feet comfy and durable during my weekend hikes. The molded heel provides the support my feet crave after a long day of chasing after my dog. The adjustable lace closure lets me tighten or loosen the fit depending on my mood, which is pretty cool. These shoes have officially upgraded my step game! —Derek Thompson
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Why New Balance 520 Comfort Ride is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and support for everyday wear. I’ve tried many shoes that either felt too stiff or lacked cushioning, but this model provides just the right amount of softness underfoot without sacrificing stability. Whether I’m walking around town or standing for long hours, my feet stay comfortable and fatigue-free.
Another reason I find the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride essential is its durable design. I’ve put them through all kinds of weather and terrains, and they hold up remarkably well. The breathable materials keep my feet cool, while the sturdy sole offers excellent traction, making me feel confident no matter where I go. For me, this shoe isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for daily comfort and lasting support.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 520 Comfort Ride
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride caught my eye. After trying them out, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through what makes these shoes stand out, so you can decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Comfort and Cushioning
From the moment I slipped on the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride, I noticed how plush the cushioning felt. The Comfort Ride midsole technology provides excellent shock absorption, which made my runs feel smoother and less tiring. If you’re someone who prioritizes comfort for daily walks or long runs, these shoes deliver consistently.
Fit and Sizing
I recommend going with your true size for the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride. They have a standard width, but if you have wider feet, New Balance also offers wider options in this model. The shoe hugs my foot well without feeling too tight, offering a secure yet comfortable fit.
Design and Style
The design of the 520 Comfort Ride is classic but modern, with a sleek silhouette that works well both for workouts and casual wear. I appreciated the variety of color options, which allowed me to pick a pair that matched my style.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of use, I found the build quality to be solid. The outsole provides good traction on multiple surfaces, and the upper materials held up well without signs of wear. This shoe feels like it can handle regular training without falling apart.
Performance
Whether I was jogging around the neighborhood or hitting the gym, the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride performed reliably. It offers good responsiveness and support, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate runners alike. I also noticed reduced foot fatigue, which was a big plus.
Price and Value
For the quality and comfort you get, the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride is reasonably priced. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, I believe the durability and comfort justify the investment. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride?
If you’re looking for a comfortable, supportive, and versatile running shoe that can double as an everyday sneaker, this model is a great choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want reliable cushioning and a secure fit without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Buying the New Balance 520 Comfort Ride was a solid decision for me. The balance of comfort, style, and performance made it a go-to shoe for my workouts and casual days. I hope this guide helps you make an informed choice and enjoy the same benefits I did.
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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