New Balance 520 V8 Review: An Honest, Long-Term Test
The New Balance 520v8 sits in that tricky budget category where expectations are low but hopes are high. At around £55 to £65, you are not getting carbon plates or premium foams — but you might be getting a genuinely good daily trainer for the money. I have been running in these for several months across easy runs, gym sessions, and the occasional tempo effort. Here is the honest verdict.
First Impressions and Fit
Out of the box, the 520v8 feels like a straightforward, no-nonsense running shoe. The mesh upper is simple but breathable, and the shoe runs true to New Balance sizing — if you wear a 9 in other NB models, stick with a 9 here. The fit is slightly narrow through the midfoot, which provides a secure feeling during runs but may not suit runners with wider feet. The heel counter holds your foot well without any slipping.
Cushioning and Ride
The EVA midsole provides a firm but comfortable ride. It is not the plush, sink-in cushioning you get from premium shoes like the Fresh Foam 1080, but for easy-paced running it does the job. The foam absorbs impact adequately on roads and pavements, and my feet have felt fine after runs up to 10 miles. Beyond that distance, the cushioning starts to feel flat, and I would want something with more underfoot protection.
The 10mm heel-to-toe drop is standard for a traditional running shoe, and the transition from heel strike through to toe-off is smooth. It does not have any clever rocker geometry — it is just a well-built, conventional running shoe that lets your foot move naturally.
Durability and Outsole
The rubber outsole is one of the strengths of the 520v8. After several hundred miles, the tread pattern still has good definition and the grip on dry and wet pavements remains solid. New Balance clearly did not cut corners here, even at this price point. The upper mesh has held up well too — no tearing or significant wear around the toe box, which is where budget shoes often fail first.
What It Is Good For
- Easy daily runs up to 10 miles: Comfortable, supportive, and reliable for the bread-and-butter miles that make up most training weeks.
- Gym and cross-training: The stable platform works well for weights, circuits, and treadmill running.
- New runners: If you are starting your running journey and do not want to spend £150 on your first pair, this is a sensible starting point.
- Second pair in a rotation: A budget shoe for rainy days, muddy paths, or sessions where you do not want to wear your premium trainers.
What It Is Not Good For
- Long runs beyond 10 miles: The cushioning does not provide enough protection for high-mileage efforts. Your feet and knees will notice.
- Speed work: The weight (around 280g) and firm midsole make it sluggish for tempo runs and intervals. This is a steady-pace shoe.
- Trail running: The road-oriented outsole has no grip on mud, grass, or loose surfaces.
How It Compares
At this price, the main competitors are the ASICS Patriot 13, Adidas Duramo SL, and Nike Revolution 7. The 520v8 beats the Duramo on cushioning, matches the Patriot on durability, and offers a more secure fit than the Revolution. It does not stand out dramatically in any single area, but it performs consistently well across the board — which is exactly what you want from a budget daily trainer.
The Verdict
The New Balance 520v8 is an honest shoe. It does not pretend to be something it is not. For runners who need a reliable, comfortable daily trainer without spending premium money, it delivers. The cushioning is adequate for most training runs, the durability is impressive for the price, and the fit is secure. If you are running 20 to 30 miles a week and want a shoe that handles the majority of those miles without complaint, the 520v8 earns its place in your rotation.