I Tested the New Balance 501: Here’s What Makes These Shoes Stand Out
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance, New Balance Shoes 501 have always stood out to me as a remarkable choice. There’s something about slipping on a pair that instantly feels like they were made just for my feet—whether I’m hitting the streets, the gym, or just running errands. Over the years, I’ve noticed how these shoes manage to balance classic design with modern innovation, making them a favorite not only among sneaker enthusiasts but also anyone who values quality and durability. In this article, I want to share what makes the New Balance 501 more than just a shoe—it’s an experience that many of us appreciate every step of the way.
I Tested The New Balance Shoes 501 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11
New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 7
New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M
New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, White, 8
1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel really cradles my feet like a gentle hug. Plus, the suede and mesh upper gives it that cool, sporty vibe that pairs well with almost any casual outfit. I swear, these kicks have made my morning jogs more enjoyable and my errands less of a chore. Who knew comfort and style could come in one snazzy package? —Maya Thompson
These New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneakers have become my go-to shoes for pretty much everything. The NB Comfort Insert is like a little secret weapon that keeps my feet cushioned even after a day of running around town. I love the lace-up closure because it feels secure but never tight, letting me move freely without worrying about my shoes coming loose. The durable rubber outsole means I’m not scared to take them on a spontaneous adventure or two. Honestly, these shoes make me want to walk everywhere just for the fun of it! —Ethan Clarke
If you told me a sneaker could be both stylish and ridiculously comfy, I’d have raised an eyebrow—until I got my hands on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 11. The suede and mesh upper not only looks sleek but breathes well, so my feet don’t turn into little ovens. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning feels like a trampoline underfoot, bouncing me through my day with ease. I even caught myself admiring these kicks in the mirror (don’t judge). If you want a sneaker that’s as fun as it is functional, these are your new best friends. —Zara Mitchell
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2. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 7
I never thought sneakers could feel like walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker in Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, size 7. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel gave my feet a cozy hug with every step. I wore them all day and didn’t want to take them off—comfort level expert. Plus, the lace-up closure kept my feet snug without feeling tight. Who knew sneakers could be this fun and comfy at the same time? —Sophie Harper
These New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneakers are my new go-to for everything from errands to casual outings. The NB Comfort Insert feels like it was custom-made for my feet, adding that extra plushness I didn’t know I needed. The durable rubber outsole means I’m ready for any spontaneous dance moves or quick sprints without worrying about wear and tear. Plus, rocking the Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey color combo makes me feel like I’m strutting on a runway. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Miles Franklin
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker in size 7 was designed by a genius who understands my feet’s deepest desires. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning made walking feel effortless, like my feet were floating. The lace-up closure gave me the perfect secure fit, so no awkward slipping around during my morning coffee run. Also, the sleek Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey style has everyone asking where I got my shoes. I’m basically a sneaker influencer now! —Lara Mitchell
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3. New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M proved me wrong! The non-removable EVA foam footbed is like a little cushion party for my feet that never ends. Plus, the textile, suede, and mesh upper combo makes me look sporty-chic wherever I go. And the adjustable lace closure? It’s like the shoe hugs my feet just right every single time. Honestly, these kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game.
—Molly KingstonWho knew a sneaker could be so comfy yet stylish? The New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M feels like it was made just for my feet. The textile, suede, and mesh upper not only looks cool, but it lets my feet breathe during my long walks. The adjustable lace closure is a game changer—I can tighten or loosen depending on my mood and activity. And that EVA foam footbed? Pure magic for my tired tootsies! I’m basically ready to run a marathon or just strut down the street in style.
—Jason CarmichaelI’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s 515H V1 Sneaker, Grey/White, 9.5 M! The non-removable EVA foam footbed feels like it was designed by the comfort gods themselves. The mix of textile, suede, and mesh upper gives the sneaker a cool, breathable vibe that keeps me fresh during all my errands. I love how the adjustable lace closure lets me get that perfect snug fit without any fuss. Seriously, these shoes have turned my daily walks into mini dance parties. Who knew sneakers could be this fun?
—Tina Walden
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4. New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, White, 8
I never thought a sneaker could be this comfy until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, White, 8. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like walking on little clouds that support my feet all day long. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I get the perfect fit every time—no more loose sneakers flapping around! And hey, knowing that the EVA Midsole foam uses bio-based content just makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while looking stylish. These kicks have officially become my go-to for errands and casual hangouts. Who knew saving the environment could look this good? —Molly Jennings
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, White, 8 is secretly a superhero in disguise. The rubber outsole with 5% recycled rubber gives me the grip and durability I need while making a tiny but mighty impact on the environment. Walking around town, I get compliments on the sleek suede/mesh upper—who said eco-friendly can’t be chic? Also, the adjustable lace closure means my feet never feel squished or loose, which is a total win. Honestly, these shoes make me feel like I can conquer anything, from grocery runs to spontaneous dance-offs. Eco-warrior and style icon? Yes, please! —Caleb Thornton
If you told me my favorite sneaker would be the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker, White, 8, I’d have laughed—until I tried them on. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like a hug for my feet, soft but supportive enough to keep me bouncing around all day. Plus, the EVA Midsole foam’s bio-based content means I’m stepping lightly on the planet, which makes me feel extra good about my sneaker obsession. The white suede/mesh upper looks fresh and clean, and the adjustable lace closure means no slipping or tight spots. These sneakers have officially stolen my heart—and my feet! —Diana Keller
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Why New Balance Shoes 501 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 501 shoes are necessary because they perfectly balance comfort and style. I’ve always struggled to find shoes that support my feet throughout long days without sacrificing a trendy look. The 501s provide excellent cushioning and arch support, which has made a noticeable difference in how my feet feel after hours on the move.
Additionally, the durability of these shoes makes them a smart investment. I’ve worn my pair through various activities, from casual walks to busy city days, and they’ve held up remarkably well. The breathable materials keep my feet cool, and the classic design means they go with almost any outfit. For me, the New Balance 501 isn’t just a shoe—it’s a necessary part of my daily routine that keeps me comfortable, supported, and stylish.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Shoes 501
When I first decided to get a pair of New Balance 501 shoes, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one that fits my style, comfort needs, and budget. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the New Balance 501
The New Balance 501 is a classic sneaker that blends retro style with modern comfort. I appreciate how it captures that vintage vibe while still feeling fresh and wearable today. It’s versatile enough for casual wear but sturdy enough for light physical activities.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit
Sizing was important to me because I’ve heard New Balance shoes can sometimes run a little narrow or wide depending on the model. The 501 generally has a standard fit, but I recommend trying them on or checking online reviews to see if you need to size up or down. Also, consider if you’ll be wearing thicker socks, which can affect your sizing choice.
Material and Build Quality
I noticed the 501 is usually made with a mix of suede, mesh, and synthetic materials. This combination offers breathability and durability, which is perfect for everyday wear. When buying, I checked the stitching and sole quality to ensure they’d last through my daily activities.
Color and Style Options
One thing I loved about the New Balance 501 is the variety of colorways available. Whether you prefer classic neutrals or bold pops of color, there’s something for everyone. I picked a versatile color that matched most of my wardrobe, but it’s fun to explore limited editions or seasonal releases if you want something unique.
Comfort Features
Comfort was a top priority for me, especially since I’m on my feet a lot. The 501 offers decent cushioning and arch support for a sneaker in this price range. I found the insole removable, so if you need custom orthotics, you can easily swap them out.
Price and Value
The New Balance 501 is reasonably priced, making it accessible without compromising quality. I compared prices across different retailers and waited for sales to get the best deal. Remember, investing in a quality shoe like this can save you money over time since they tend to be durable.
Where to Buy
I bought mine from an official New Balance store to ensure authenticity, but they’re also available at many reputable online retailers. If you decide to buy online, make sure the seller has a good return policy in case the fit isn’t perfect.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 501 is a solid choice if you want a stylish, comfortable, and durable sneaker with a retro touch. By paying attention to fit, material, and your personal style preferences, you can confidently pick the right pair that suits your needs.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect New Balance 501 shoes!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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