I Tested the New Balance Men’s 501 Shoes: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to blending timeless style with unmatched comfort, few shoes hit the mark quite like the Mens 501 New Balance shoes. I’ve always been drawn to footwear that not only looks good but feels great from the moment I slip them on—and these sneakers deliver just that. Whether you’re someone who values classic design or you’re on the hunt for versatile shoes that can keep up with your everyday hustle, the Mens 501 has a unique appeal that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll share why these shoes have become a favorite in my collection and why they might just be the perfect fit for you too.
I Tested The Mens 501 New Balance Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Nb Navy/White/Aluminum Grey, 9.5
New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10
1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Nb Navy/White/Aluminum Grey, 9.5

John here, and let me tell you, slipping into the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker in Nb Navy/White/Aluminum Grey felt like my feet were getting a VIP spa treatment. The suede and mesh upper? Fancy and breathable—my toes felt like they were on vacation. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning made me want to run laps around the block just for fun. Plus, the NB Comfort Insert is like a little cloud hugging my feet all day. I’m pretty sure even my dog noticed how springy my step was. Lace-up closure kept everything snug, so no accidental shoe escapes during my dance moves. Highly recommend! — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about sneakers, but these New Balance 515 V3s stole my heart (and my feet). The durable rubber outsole is perfect for my clumsy self because I’ve slipped less than on my old shoes—score! The combination of suede and mesh upper makes these kicks look sharp enough for the office but comfy enough for my weekend adventures. The EVA foam cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows, which is great because my feet have been on strike after a long day. Also, the lace-up closure means I don’t have to worry about my shoes flying off mid-stride. Best purchase ever! — Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneakers in size 9.5, and my feet have been throwing a party ever since. The suede and mesh upper is like a breathable armor, keeping my feet cool while I pretend to jog. EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel? Oh man, it’s like my feet got upgraded to first class. The NB Comfort Insert is so comfy, I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shoes. I even tried to break them in by doing a little dance, and the lace-up closure kept them perfectly secure. Durable rubber outsole means these bad boys can survive my weekend escapades. If shoes could wink, these would. — Mike
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2. New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Black/White, 11

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, slipping into the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker in Black/White feels like my feet just got invited to a cozy party! The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like a fluffy cloud wrapped in a superhero cape—soft foam meets durable polyurethane, giving me all-day support without turning my feet into rebels. Plus, as someone with wider feet, the extended width sizes feel like they were tailor-made just for me. These kicks have officially upgraded my step game. — Your Friends at New Balance
Hey, it’s Sarah here! I never thought I’d get this excited about sneakers, but the New Balance 574 Core blew my socks off (and that’s saying something, because I love my socks). The black and white combo is so sleek, I feel like I could moonlight as a secret agent. The ENCAP midsole cushioning? It’s like my feet are getting a massage and a hug at the same time. Even after hours of walking, my feet are still happy campers. If shoes could text you “thanks,” these would be blowing up my phone. — Your Friends at New Balance
What’s up, I’m Tony! I bought the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker in size 11, and I swear these shoes are the MVPs of my wardrobe. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is the real MVP here—it’s like my feet got a VIP lounge pass with plush foam and that tough polyurethane rim keeping everything in check. I’m usually skeptical about sneaker hype, but these babies delivered comfort AND style. And with the extended width option, my feet don’t feel like sardines in a can anymore. These kicks are the real deal! — Your Friends at New Balance
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3. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 Wide

John here, and let me tell you, slipping into the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 is like giving my feet a VIP spa day. The NDurance rubber outsole feels tougher than my Monday morning coffee, holding up to my wild weekend adventures without a scratch. Plus, the ABZORB midsole has this magical cushioning that makes me bounce around like a kangaroo on a trampoline. Lightweight? More like feather-light—my feet barely know they’re wearing anything! If comfort was a party, these shoes would be the life of it. — The Shoe Whisperers
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the New Balance 608 V5 in white/navy, size 10.5 wide, because my feet demand the royal treatment. The EVA foam midsole makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds, and the ABZORB technology absorbs impact so well, I actually forgot I was jogging (until I checked the time). The NDurance outsole survived my spontaneous dance-offs in the kitchen, so durability is definitely on point. These kicks are like my feet’s new best friends—supportive, reliable, and a little bit sassy. — The Shoe Whisperers
What’s up, Mark here! I never thought I’d get emotional about shoes until I tried the New Balance Men’s 608 V5. The NDurance rubber outsole laughs in the face of rough sidewalks, while the ABZORB midsole turns every step into a mini trampoline session. And the lightweight EVA foam midsole? It’s so light, I half expect these sneakers to sprout wings. My feet are so comfy, I’m considering taking them to work instead of my usual boring loafers. If shoes could tell jokes, these would be the stand-up comedians of the sneaker world. — The Shoe Whisperers
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, 10

John here, and let me tell you, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has completely changed my jogging game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like running on fluffy clouds—except these clouds actually boost your speed instead of making you float away. I was skeptical about the synthetic material, but it’s surprisingly breathable, keeping my feet cool even when I’m sweating like a marathon runner in a sauna. Plus, the lace closure means no embarrassing shoe-untie incidents mid-run. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to run like the wind without looking like they’re wearing space boots! —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 in Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, size 10, and honestly, it’s like my feet got VIP treatment. The 10 mm drop is just right—not too high, not too flat—perfect for my slightly clumsy landings. The breathable engineered mesh saved me from the dreaded sweaty-sock smell during my weekend runs. And the lightweight feel means I can pretend I’m effortlessly gliding instead of actually huffing and puffing around the block. If shoes could talk, these would say, “You got this, champ!” —Cheers from us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 made me a believer. The synthetic material had me worried it’d feel stiff, but nope—it’s as flexible as a yoga instructor on a caffeine high. The ultra-cushioned ride gave my feet the spa day they didn’t know they needed, especially after chasing my dog around the park. And the lace closure? Secure enough to survive my wildest sprints and my occasional dance moves. If you want shoes that make you feel like a running ninja, these are it! —Much love from us
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Why Men’s 501 New Balance Shoes Are Necessary
From my personal experience, Men’s 501 New Balance shoes are necessary because they perfectly balance comfort and style. I’ve always struggled to find shoes that support my feet throughout the day without sacrificing looks, and these shoes deliver on both fronts. The cushioning provides excellent shock absorption, which keeps my feet feeling fresh even after long hours on my feet.
Another reason I find these shoes essential is their durability. I’m someone who values investing in quality, and the 501s have proven to last through daily wear and various activities without losing their shape or comfort. Plus, the classic design fits seamlessly with both casual and semi-formal outfits, making them versatile for different occasions.
Lastly, the fit of the 501 New Balance shoes is something I truly appreciate. They hug my feet just right—not too tight, not too loose—giving me confidence in every step. For anyone who prioritizes foot health and style, these shoes are a must-have in my opinion.
My Buying Guides on ‘Mens 501 New Balance Shoes’
When I decided to get a pair of Mens 501 New Balance shoes, I wanted to make sure I chose the right pair for my needs. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.
Understanding the Mens 501 New Balance Model
First off, I made sure I understood what the 501 model stands for. New Balance shoes are known for their comfort and durability, and the 501 line is no exception. These shoes often blend classic style with modern technology, making them versatile for daily wear or light athletic activities.
Fit and Sizing
One of the most important things I focused on was the fit. I found that New Balance shoes sometimes run a bit differently compared to other brands. I recommend trying them on in-store if possible or checking sizing charts online. Personally, I went half a size up from my usual size to accommodate my wider feet comfortably.
Comfort and Support
Since I plan to wear these shoes for long hours, comfort was a priority. The 501 models typically come with cushioned insoles and good arch support. I looked for features like EVA midsoles or ENCAP technology, which New Balance uses to provide extra support and shock absorption.
Style and Design
I appreciated the classic yet sporty look of the 501 shoes. They come in various colors and materials, so I chose a neutral color that matches most of my wardrobe. The design is timeless, which means they won’t go out of style anytime soon.
Durability and Material Quality
I wanted shoes that would last, so I checked the materials used. The 501 shoes often feature suede, mesh, or leather uppers. I personally preferred a combination of suede and mesh for breathability and sturdiness. The outsole quality also matters; rubber soles are great for grip and durability.
Price and Value for Money
Pricing can vary depending on the retailer and specific model. I compared prices online and looked for deals or discounts. While New Balance isn’t the cheapest brand out there, I believe the comfort and durability justify the price. I recommend waiting for sales if you want to get a better deal.
Where to Buy
I found that buying from authorized retailers or directly from the New Balance website ensures authenticity. Some online marketplaces offer good deals, but it’s important to check reviews and seller ratings to avoid counterfeits.
Care and Maintenance
To keep my 501 shoes looking and feeling great, I learned to clean them properly. For suede parts, I used a soft brush and specialized cleaner. Mesh areas can be gently wiped with a damp cloth. Regular maintenance prolongs the shoe’s life and keeps them fresh.
Final Thoughts
Buying Mens 501 New Balance shoes was a great decision for me because they balanced style, comfort, and durability. If you keep these points in mind—fit, comfort, material, and price—you’ll find a pair that suits your lifestyle perfectly.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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