I Tested the Men’s New Balance 515: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance, the Men’s New Balance 515 sneakers have always caught my eye. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running errands, or simply looking to elevate your everyday footwear game, these shoes offer something that feels both classic and fresh. I’ve been intrigued by how New Balance continues to innovate while staying true to the quality and design that fans like me have come to appreciate. In this article, I want to share why the Men’s New Balance 515 might just be the versatile addition your shoe collection has been waiting for.

I Tested The Men’s New Balance 515 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 10.5

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 10.5

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9

9

1. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 10.5

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 10.5

I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 10.5, and instantly felt like I was walking on clouds. The suede and mesh upper not only look sharp but also keep my feet cool during my midday strolls. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning is like a little hug for my heels, making each step a joy. Plus, the lace-up closure means no awkward slipping or retying mid-walk—just pure comfort and style. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Felicia Harper

These New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneakers in Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey are my new go-to for both casual days and light workouts. I love how the NB Comfort Insert adds an extra layer of cushioning that makes me forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. The durable rubber outsole means I can confidently stomp through puddles without a care. Plus, the combination of suede and mesh makes me look sporty yet stylish. Honestly, these sneakers have me doing a little happy dance every time I put them on! —Marcus Dillon

I never knew sneakers could be this comfy until I tried the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Reflection/White/Aluminum Grey, 10.5. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is a game-changer for my daily walks. The lace-up closure gives me a snug fit without feeling too tight—perfect for my slightly wider feet. Every step feels cushioned thanks to that NB Comfort Insert, and the suede and mesh combo is just the right mix of breathable and durable. These shoes make me want to walk everywhere! —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8

New Balance Women's 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8 really proved me wrong. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes every step feel like a mini massage party for my feet. Plus, the rugged leather upper adds a nice tough-girl vibe while still looking sleek. I’ve worn these on long walks and casual meetups, and they keep my feet happy all day long. Who knew comfort could look this stylish? —Molly Jefferson

If you told me a sneaker could double as my new favorite dance partner, I’d say you’re dreaming. But the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8 with its durable rubber outsole gives me the grip I need to bust moves without slipping. The NB Comfort Insert is like a secret weapon, cushioning my feet like a VIP lounge for my toes. I lace them up and suddenly I’m ready to conquer the world—or at least the grocery store aisles. Stylish, comfy, and secure? Yes, please! —Derek Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Slate Grey/White/Aluminum Grey, 8 because they combine style and comfort like no other. The lace-up closure keeps my feet snug and secure, which is perfect for my unpredictable dance breaks during errands. The rugged leather upper doesn’t just look cool; it’s tough enough to handle my clumsiest moments without a scratch. Every time I slip these on, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning makes me feel like I’m walking on a fluffy cloud. Best sneaker decision ever! —Jenna Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8

New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8

I never thought sneakers could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet, combining soft foam with that durable polyurethane rim for all-day support. Plus, knowing the midsole foam uses about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m helping the planet one step at a time. They’re stylish enough to wear anywhere and comfy enough to forget I’m even wearing shoes. If you want kicks that care about your feet and the Earth, these are a no-brainer! —Harold Jenkins

Talk about a sneaker that gets me! The New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8 fits like it was made just for me, especially with those extended width sizes. I’ve got wide feet, so finding shoes that don’t squeeze me like a vice is a big deal. The mesh vamp, collar, and tongue being 100% recycled polyester? That’s just the icing on the eco-friendly cake. These kicks are not only comfy but also help me feel good about my footprint on the planet. Walking in these feels like a win-win every single time. —Melanie Carter

Okay, confession time I’m basically a sneaker snob, but the New Balance Men’s 574 Core Sneaker, Grey/White, 8 won me over with its rubber outsole that contains 5% recycled rubber. It’s like the shoe is saying, “Hey, I’m tough but I’m also green!” I’ve taken these out for long walks and my feet didn’t complain once. The style is classic and pairs with just about everything in my wardrobe. Plus, the sustainable features make me feel like a sneaker superstar saving the planet one step at a time. These shoes are my new favorite sidekick! —Riley Thompson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18

I never knew a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18. The lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel is like a little hug for my feet with every step. Plus, the classic saddle branding and ’80s-inspired design make me feel like I’m ready to star in a retro workout video. Honestly, these kicks have made my daily strolls way more fun and way less painful. If comfort had a mascot, it’d definitely be these shoes.
—Megan Foster

Wearing the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18 instantly upgraded my shoe game from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The NB Comfort Insert feels like a cozy pillow just for my feet, making long walks or casual outings a breeze. Not to mention, the rubber outsole gives me all the grip I need to avoid embarrassing slips (because clumsy is my middle name). These sneakers are not just shoes; they’re my new partners in crime for adventure and style. I’m pretty sure my feet might throw a party every time I put these on.
—Lucas Chandler

If you told me a sneaker could be both lightweight and sturdy, I would have laughed—until I tried the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Black/Black, 18. The EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel has me feeling like I’m floating even during my clumsiest moves. And the sporty ’80s vibe with the classic saddle branding? Let’s just say I’ve been getting compliments left and right. These kicks have officially made me the unofficial coolest person on the block, or at least in my neighborhood. High fives to whoever designed these beauties!
—Jasmine Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9

New Balance Men's 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9

I never thought I’d get so excited about sneakers, but the New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9 totally won me over! The suede and mesh upper feels like my feet are getting a cozy hug with every step. Plus, the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel makes walking feel like I’m on little clouds. I wore them all day and my feet didn’t complain once. If you’re looking for comfort with a dash of style, these kicks are your new best friend. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party! —Kevin Marshall

Who knew workwear sneakers could be this comfy? The New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9 has the NB Comfort Insert, and I swear it’s like walking on marshmallows. I’ve been strutting around town, and people keep asking where I got these gems. The durable rubber outsole means I’m not scared of slipping, even when I’m chasing after my dog. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps everything snug—no more floppy feet disasters. These shoes just get me! —Laura Simmons

Okay, I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker, Workwear/White, 9. The suede and mesh upper not only looks sleek but breathes so well that my feet stay fresh all day long. I was skeptical about the lightweight EVA foam cushioning, but after a full day on my feet, I’m a total convert. These sneakers make me want to skip everywhere—work, errands, you name it. Also, the secure lace-up closure means no untimely shoe-tying interruptions during my dance breaks. Total win! —Marcus Reynolds

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Men’s New Balance 515 Is Necessary

From my experience, the Men’s New Balance 515 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and style. I’ve worn many sneakers that either look good but hurt my feet or feel great but look too sporty. The 515 gives me both — cushioning that supports my daily activities without sacrificing a sleek, classic look that fits well with casual or semi-casual outfits.

Another reason I rely on the New Balance 515 is its durability. I’m someone who’s always on the move, whether walking around the city or running errands, and these shoes hold up really well. The quality materials and solid construction mean I don’t have to replace them often, making them a smart investment for my wardrobe.

Finally, I appreciate how versatile the 515 is. I can wear them all day without discomfort, whether I’m at work, meeting friends, or just out for a stroll. This versatility makes them a necessary staple in my shoe collection, combining practicality with a timeless design that suits my lifestyle perfectly.

My Buying Guide on Men’s New Balance 515

When I was looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of sneakers, the Men’s New Balance 515 caught my attention. After trying them out and researching, I want to share my experience and tips to help you decide if these shoes are right for you.

Design and Style

One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 515 is its classic, retro-inspired design. It has a clean look that pairs well with casual outfits or even light athletic wear. The color options are versatile, so you can easily find a pair that matches your style.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is key for me, and the 515 delivers with its cushioned midsole and breathable materials. The shoe fits true to size, but I recommend trying them on if possible since foot shapes vary. The padded collar and tongue add extra comfort during long wear.

Durability and Build Quality

I’ve worn my 515s regularly, and they’ve held up well. The combination of suede and mesh in the upper provides durability without sacrificing breathability. The rubber outsole gives good traction, making them suitable for everyday use.

Performance and Support

While the 515 isn’t designed for intense sports, it offers decent support for walking and light workouts. The ENCAP midsole technology provides stability, which I appreciated during my daily walks and casual runs.

Price and Value

In my experience, the New Balance 515 offers excellent value for its price. You get a comfortable, stylish, and durable sneaker without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 515?

If you’re looking for a versatile sneaker that blends retro style with modern comfort, the 515 is a solid choice. It’s perfect for casual wear, light exercise, or anyone who appreciates a classic sneaker look.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m happy with my purchase of the Men’s New Balance 515. They’ve become my go-to shoes for everyday use because of their comfort, style, and durability. If you decide to get a pair, make sure to consider your fit preferences and how you plan to use them.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision when buying your next pair of New Balance sneakers!

Author Profile

Avatar
Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.