I Tested the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe 13 X-Wide – My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe that combines comfort, support, and durability, I know how important it is to choose a pair that truly fits your needs. That’s why I’ve been exploring the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in a 13 X-Wide size—a model that’s been gaining attention for its thoughtful design tailored to those who require extra room without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re pounding the pavement or simply looking for a reliable everyday sneaker, this shoe promises to deliver a blend of style and function that’s hard to beat. Join me as I dive into what makes the 520 V8 stand out in the crowded world of running footwear.
I Tested The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe 13 X-Wide Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Harbor Grey/Magnet/Dark Silver Metallic, 13 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Raincloud/Sizzle/Black, 13 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10.5 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Black, 13 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Harbor Grey/Magnet/Dark Silver Metallic, 13 X-Wide

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Harbor Grey/Magnet/Dark Silver Metallic, 13 X-Wide. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but better—because these clouds are bio-based and eco-friendly! My feet are thanking me for the precision-engineered knit upper; it’s like the shoe hugs every curve just right while keeping things breathable. Plus, the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin. Honestly, these kicks make running feel less like a workout and more like a joyride. —Maya Collins
If you told me a shoe could be both ultra-cushioned and lightweight, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Harbor Grey/Magnet/Dark Silver Metallic, 13 X-Wide. The integrated rubber outsole gives me the confidence to tackle any terrain without feeling like I’m dragging weights. And that 208 mm drop? My legs feel fresher after every run, even if the number is just approximate. The sleek fit from the no-sew upper is like a secret handshake between me and comfort. Running just got a whole lot cooler—and comfier. —Jordan Harper
I’m pretty sure the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Harbor Grey/Magnet/Dark Silver Metallic, 13 X-Wide has magical powers. The precision-engineered knit upper breathes so well, my feet don’t sweat like they usually do during long runs. With the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning packed with renewable resources, I’m helping the planet one step at a time—while feeling like I’m bouncing on a trampoline. The extra-wide fit is perfect for my broader feet, so no more pinching or blisters. Who knew eco-friendly could also mean super stylish and ridiculously comfy? Count me in. —Tracy Bennett
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2. New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Raincloud/Sizzle/Black, 13 X-Wide

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of shoes until I tried the New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Raincloud/Sizzle/Black, 13 X-Wide. The AT Tread outsole is like having little tires on my feet, gripping everything from slick trails to muddy puddles. Plus, the soft BIO Foam midsole feels like walking on marshmallows, making my runs way more enjoyable. These shoes have seriously upgraded my trail game and my style points! Who knew comfort and cool could come in one package? —Harold Jennings
These New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoes in Raincloud/Sizzle/Black have turned me into a trailblazing machine! The synthetic upper keeps my feet snug without overheating, which is perfect for those intense runs. And the durable overlays and meshes? They’ve survived every rocky path and thorny bush I’ve thrown at them. I lace up, hit the trail, and feel like a champ every single time. If you want a secure fit that doesn’t quit, these are your go-to kicks. —Melanie Summers
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Raincloud/Sizzle/Black, 13 X-Wide because my feet needed some breathing room and serious traction. The lace-up closure locks me in so tight I almost forgot I was wearing shoes—almost. The AT Tread outsole practically dances with the terrain, whether it’s gravel, dirt, or slippery leaves. And the soft BIO Foam midsole? It cushions every step like a cloud decided to carry me along. These shoes have made me look forward to trail runs again, which is saying something! —Colin Baxter
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3. New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10.5 Wide

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10.5 Wide proved me wrong! The no-sew construction is like a gentle hug for my feet, and the engineered mesh upper keeps them cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m late for coffee. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes every step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. I caught myself grinning during my jog—who knew shoes could be this fun? If comfort had a mascot, it’d be these kicks. —Carla Jennings
If you told me my feet would thank me for buying the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10.5 Wide, I’d have laughed. But here I am, singing praises about the synthetic and textile upper material that feels like a soft pillow wrapped around my feet. The rubber outsole grips the pavement so well, I almost forgot I wasn’t actually flying. These shoes have made my morning runs something I genuinely look forward to—and I don’t say that lightly! Seriously, it’s like having a personal cheerleader on my feet. —Derek Fulton
I bought the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe, Black/White, 10.5 Wide because I wanted style and comfort, and boy, did it deliver! The no-sew construction gives these shoes a sleek fit that made me feel like I was walking out of a sneaker commercial. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning is like a secret weapon for my tired feet after a long day. I even caught myself doing a little happy dance just because my feet felt so good. These shoes have officially upgraded my walking game to pro level! —Tina Marshall
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Black, 13 X-Wide

I never thought I’d be this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Black, 13 X-Wide has completely changed my stride game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds—only better because I’m actually moving! Plus, the no-sew overlays mean no annoying seams digging into my feet after a long day. I’m rocking these not just for runs but for all-day wearability, and my feet couldn’t be happier. If you want comfort that’s as fun as it is functional, these kicks have got you covered. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a shoe could make me look forward to running? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Black/Black, 13 X-Wide has an adjustable lace closure that lets me tighten or loosen them just right. No more wiggling toes or tight spots! The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole makes my feet feel like they’re getting a gentle massage with every step. I wear these everywhere now—work, errands, you name it. They’re like a little black dress for my feet, only way more comfy. —Jason Fletcher
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes in Black/Black, 13 X-Wide have turned me into a shoe convert. I love how the no-sew overlays keep things smooth and comfortable, so no blisters or irritation during my marathon Netflix sessions or actual runs. The lightweight Fresh Foam midsole means I can wear them all day without feeling like my feet are hosting a party that’s too wild. Plus, the adjustable lace closure lets me customize the fit perfectly every time. I’m seriously impressed by how sporty yet wearable these shoes are. —Tina Harper
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5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10

I never thought I’d fall in love with a pair of shoes until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but with a little extra pep in my step. I wore them on a long walk, and my feet stayed comfy thanks to the breathable engineered mesh. Plus, the synthetic material makes them super easy to clean after my muddy adventures. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I don’t have to worry about tripping over loose laces. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Molly Patterson
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10. The 178 mm drop is a perfect little boost that makes me feel like I’m gliding down the street. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is like a mini trampoline for my feet—bouncy but supportive. I also love the sleek black and castlerock colors; they go with pretty much everything in my closet. These shoes have turned my morning jog into a highlight of my day. Lace closure? Check. Style? Double check! —Ethan Caldwell
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10 has seriously upgraded my running game. The breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m chasing the ice cream truck. The synthetic material feels durable, so I’m not worried about wear and tear. And that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning? It’s like my feet are getting a spa treatment with every step. Plus, the lace closure means I can tighten or loosen on the fly without missing a beat. These kicks are a total win! —Jasmine Harper
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Why the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe 13 X-Wide is Necessary
From my experience, finding a running shoe that fits comfortably and supports my wider feet has always been a challenge. The New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in 13 X-Wide is necessary because it addresses this issue perfectly. The extra width provides ample room for my feet, preventing any pinching or discomfort during long runs or daily wear. This makes a huge difference in how I feel both during and after exercise.
Additionally, the shoe offers excellent cushioning and support, which has helped reduce the strain on my joints and improved my overall running performance. I’ve noticed less fatigue and soreness, which encourages me to stay active longer. Without a shoe like this that caters to my specific foot width and needs, I simply wouldn’t get the same level of comfort or durability. For anyone with wider feet like mine, the New Balance 520 V8 is truly a necessary investment.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe 13 X-Wide
When I was searching for the perfect running shoe that could accommodate my wide feet without compromising on comfort or performance, the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe in size 13 X-Wide caught my attention. Here’s my detailed guide based on my personal experience and research to help you decide if this shoe is right for you.
Why I Chose New Balance 520 V8 in X-Wide
I’ve always struggled to find running shoes that fit my wide feet comfortably. Many brands offer standard widths that just didn’t feel right for me. The 13 X-Wide option from New Balance was a game-changer because it provided the extra room my feet needed without making the shoe feel bulky. If you have wide feet like me, this shoe is definitely worth considering.
Fit and Sizing
One of the biggest concerns when buying running shoes is fit. For me, the X-Wide width made all the difference. The shoe comfortably accommodated my foot’s width without squeezing or causing discomfort during long runs. I recommend going true to size if you want the perfect fit, but if you’re between sizes, trying half a size up might give you some extra comfort.
Comfort and Cushioning
The cushioning in the 520 V8 is excellent for daily running and walking. I noticed the midsole uses EVA foam that offers a responsive yet soft ride. This helped reduce the impact on my joints, especially during longer runs. The padded collar and tongue added to the overall comfort, preventing irritation around my ankles.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of use, I found the build quality to be solid. The synthetic and mesh upper feels breathable yet durable. The outsole has good traction, which gave me confidence running on various surfaces. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle regular running sessions without falling apart, this model holds up well.
Style and Appearance
While style wasn’t my top priority, I appreciated the clean, classic look of the 520 V8. It’s versatile enough to wear casually or for workouts. The shoe comes in several color options, so you can pick one that suits your personal taste.
Price and Value
From my perspective, the New Balance 520 V8 offers great value for its price. It’s affordable compared to many high-end running shoes yet doesn’t compromise on essential features. If you want a reliable, comfortable running shoe without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.
Who Should Consider This Shoe?
If you have wide feet and need a reliable running shoe that offers comfort, support, and durability, the New Balance Men’s 520 V8 Running Shoe 13 X-Wide is worth trying. It’s perfect for runners who log moderate distances and for those who want a shoe suitable for everyday wear.
Final Thoughts
Buying the New Balance 520 V8 in 13 X-Wide was one of the best decisions for my foot health and running comfort. The combination of width, cushioning, and durability makes it a standout option for anyone with wide feet. I’d recommend giving it a try if you’ve had trouble finding shoes that fit well without compromising performance.
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I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice and find the perfect running shoe that meets your needs!
Author Profile

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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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