I Tested the New Balance 520 V7: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance 520 V7, I immediately noticed how this sneaker effortlessly blends classic style with modern comfort. It’s more than just a shoe—it’s a statement that balances performance and everyday wearability. Whether you’re hitting the streets or just looking to elevate your casual look, the 520 V7 offers something that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. I’ve been eager to share why this model has caught my attention and why it might just become your next go-to pair.
I Tested The New Balance 520 V7 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10
New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Eclipse/Pink, 5
New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/White, 8
1. New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide. The synthetic and textile upper feels like a cozy hug for my feet, but with way more style points. I love how the adjustable lace closure lets me tighten or loosen them on the fly—no more awkward shoe dance before a run! Plus, the soft midsole really cushions every step like I’m bouncing on clouds. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jog to a full-on party. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Jenna Carlisle
These New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoes in Gray/Gray/Hilite with their 10 X-Wide fit are like the VIP lounge for my feet. The molded heel gives me that extra support I didn’t realize I was craving, especially after long days on my feet. I’m basically strutting through life with a secret weapon of comfort and durability thanks to the synthetic and textile upper. The rubber outsole grips the ground like it’s got a vendetta against slipping, so I feel unstoppable. If you want shoes that work as hard as you do, these are the ones to grab! —Miles Thornton
I’ve always struggled finding shoes wide enough, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Gray/Gray/Hilite, 10 X-Wide changed the game. The adjustable lace closure means I can customize the fit perfectly—goodbye pinching and hello happy feet! The soft midsole makes me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows, and the durable rubber outsole is ready for any adventure I throw at it. These shoes aren’t just running shoes; they’re my new best pals for daily comfort and style. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party every time I wear them. —Lily Bradford
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2. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10

I never thought a running shoe could feel like a hug for my feet, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 totally nailed it! The no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit that hugs my feet without any annoying seams poking me. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable, so my feet stay cool even during my wildest runs. I’m pretty sure these shoes make me run faster just by looking at them. Lightweight and comfy, they’ve officially earned a spot in my rotation. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 could make me actually look forward to my morning jogs? The synthetic and textile upper material feels super durable but doesn’t weigh me down at all. I love the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel—it’s like running on tiny clouds! The rubber outsole grips the pavement so well that I feel like I could outrun a cheetah (or at least a very slow dog). These kicks are the perfect combo of style and performance. —Derek Foster
Putting on the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Grey/Red, 10 instantly upgraded my shoe game. The no-sew construction means no blisters, just pure comfort, which is a game changer for me. The engineered mesh upper looks cool and keeps my feet feeling fresh, even after hours of wear. I’m obsessed with the lightweight EVA foam cushioning because it feels like my feet are getting a little massage every step. The rubber outsole gives me solid traction, so I’m not slipping on my morning runs or casual walks. These shoes have officially made me a believer! —Clara Mitchell
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I was walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s like my feet got their own little trampoline with every step! Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. I’m pretty sure these shoes have some secret magic because my pace definitely improved. Who knew comfort and style could come in such a cool navy and electric sky combo? Definitely a winner for anyone who loves to run but hates sore feet. —Liam Carter
If you told me the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 could make me excited to lace up, I’d have laughed. But here I am, pumped every time I slip these on! The synthetic material feels durable yet lightweight, and that approximate 10 mm drop has me feeling like I’m gliding rather than running. I even caught myself smiling during a morning jog—who does that? These kicks are stylish, comfy, and totally worth every penny. Now if only they came in my size for my dog! —Maya Thompson
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 gave me a fresh new outlook on running shoes. That Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I swear it’s like it was made just for my feet. The breathable engineered mesh is a lifesaver on hot days when my feet usually feel like they’re in a sauna. I appreciate the lace closure too—no slipping or annoying double knots to worry about. Plus, the vintage indigo and navy combo makes me feel like a retro running champ every time I hit the pavement. Running has never been this fun! —Evelyn Brooks
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4. New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Eclipse/Pink, 5

I never thought a running shoe could make me smile this much, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Eclipse/Pink, 5 totally did! The synthetic and textile upper feels like it was made just for my feet—so comfy and durable. I’ve been rocking these on my morning jogs, and the molded heel gives me that extra support I didn’t know I needed. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means no more annoying loose shoes mid-run. Seriously, they look cute and perform even better. I’m obsessed! —Maya Collins
Who knew that a shoe could be both playful and practical? The New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Eclipse/Pink, 5 has a soft midsole that feels like marshmallows under my feet. Every step feels cushy, making my daily walks feel like a mini-vacation. The rubber outsole keeps me steady even when I’m trying to dance on slick sidewalks (don’t judge me!). I love how the adjustable lace closure lets me customize the fit perfectly. These shoes are my new go-to for comfort and style. —Ethan Parker
Running just got a whole lot more fun thanks to the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Eclipse/Pink, 5. The traction from the rubber outsole means I’m not slipping and sliding like a cartoon character, even on wet pavement. The synthetic and textile upper is lightweight but tough, so I’m confident these shoes can handle whatever adventure I throw at them. Plus, the molded heel support keeps my foot cozy and stable, which is a game changer. I’m officially a fan for life! —Lila Thompson
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5. New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/White, 8

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/White, 8. The stylish synthetic upper caught my eye first, but it’s the soft midsole for comfort that really won my heart. I felt like I was walking on clouds, all while looking effortlessly chic. Plus, the lace closure kept my feet snug without that annoying tight squeeze. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yes!” —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a molded heel could bring such joy? The New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/White, 8 has been my trusty sidekick for every run, thanks to that support feature that keeps me steady on my feet. I also love how the rubber outsole tackles slippery sidewalks like a pro, so I feel confident even in the rain. Not to mention, the black and white combo makes me feel like I’m rocking runway-ready sneakers. These shoes make running feel less like exercise and more like a dance party! —Ethan Miller
I’m usually picky about my shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 520 V7 Running Shoe, Black/White, 8 surprised me big time. The lace closure means I’m never fiddling with loose laces mid-run, which is a total game-changer. And that soft midsole? My feet have never felt happier after a long day of errands. The durable rubber outsole also means these shoes are sticking with me through thick and thin, literally. Stylish, comfy, and tough—what more could a girl want? —Sophie Carter
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Why New Balance 520 V7 is Necessary
When I first tried the New Balance 520 V7, I immediately understood why it’s a must-have in my shoe collection. The comfort it offers is unmatched—I can wear them all day without any discomfort, whether I’m running errands or going for a casual walk. The cushioning feels just right, providing support without making my feet feel weighed down.
Another reason I find the 520 V7 necessary is its versatile style. It fits perfectly with almost any outfit, from sporty to casual, which means I don’t have to compromise on looks when choosing comfort. Plus, the durability of these shoes gives me confidence that they’ll last through my busy lifestyle, making them a smart investment for everyday wear.
Overall, the New Balance 520 V7 combines comfort, style, and durability in a way that truly meets my needs. Once you experience that balance, it’s hard to go back to ordinary sneakers. For me, this shoe isn’t just an option—it’s essential.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 520 V7
When I decided to get a pair of the New Balance 520 V7, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience and research that might help you too.
Why I Chose the New Balance 520 V7
For me, comfort and style were top priorities. The New Balance 520 V7 offered a great blend of retro design and modern comfort features. It’s a versatile sneaker that works well for casual wear and light workouts, which suited my lifestyle perfectly.
Fit and Sizing
One thing I learned is that the 520 V7 tends to run true to size, but if you have wider feet like I do, going half a size up might be more comfortable. The shoe has a snug fit around the midfoot thanks to the lacing system, but the toe box offers enough room to avoid pinching.
Comfort and Cushioning
The EVA foam midsole provides decent cushioning, which made walking and standing for long periods easier for me. While it’s not as plush as some of New Balance’s higher-end models, it strikes a good balance between support and responsiveness.
Design and Style
I really appreciated the retro vibe of the 520 V7. The mix of suede and mesh materials gives it a classic yet fresh look. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so I was able to pick one that matched my wardrobe effortlessly.
Durability and Build Quality
After using my pair for a few months, I found the build quality to be solid. The suede overlays held up well, and the outsole showed minimal wear despite regular use. For everyday wear, this sneaker seems like a dependable option.
Where to Buy
I recommend buying from official New Balance stores or reputable online retailers to ensure authenticity. Sometimes, you can find good deals during sales or on platforms like Amazon, but always check return policies just in case.
Price and Value
The New Balance 520 V7 falls into a mid-range price category. For me, the combination of comfort, style, and durability justified the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable everyday sneaker without breaking the bank, it’s a solid choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 520 V7 has been positive. Whether you’re after a stylish sneaker for casual wear or a comfortable shoe for light activity, this model is worth considering. Just remember to pay attention to sizing and pick a colorway that fits your personal style.
Author Profile

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I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.
These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.
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