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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe vs Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe

Updated August 2026The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe excels in cushioning, while the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe offers better affordability and sustainability. Choose based on your priorities.

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe excels in cushioning, while the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe offers better affordability and sustainability. Choose based on your priorities.

Why New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is better

Cushioning

Fresh Foam midsole provides superior comfort for longer runs.

Design

Sleek modern aesthetic appeals to contemporary tastes.

Brand reputation

New Balance is known for high-quality running shoes.

Why Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe is better

Price

More affordable at C$82.95.

Sustainability

Made with recycled materials and is vegan.

Durability

Robust outsole designed for active lifestyles.

Overall score

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
85
Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe
76

Specifications

SpecNew Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running ShoeSaucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe
BrandNew BalanceSaucony
Cushioning TypeFresh FoamVERSARUN
Upper MaterialBreathable meshBreathable mesh
OutsoleDurableRobust
VeganNoYes

Dimension comparison

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running ShoeSaucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe stands out as the more affordable option at C$82.95, while the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is priced at C$94.99. This means there's a difference of C$12.04 between the two, making the Saucony a better choice for budget-conscious buyers. Despite the price difference, both shoes offer unique features that cater to different running needs.

Comfort and Cushioning

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe features a Fresh Foam midsole, which is designed for precision-engineered cushioning that promises an ultra-cushioned and lightweight ride. This makes it ideal for runners seeking comfort during longer runs. On the other hand, the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe incorporates VERSARUN cushioning, which absorbs impact effectively, reducing pressure on the feet during daily movement. Both shoes focus on providing a comfortable experience, but the New Balance may excel for those prioritizing a softer landing.

Breathability and Materials

Breathability is an essential factor for running shoes, and both options deliver in this regard. The New Balance shoe boasts a lightweight, breathable mesh upper that enhances airflow, keeping your feet cool during runs. Similarly, the Saucony shoe features a light, breathable mesh that ensures every step feels fresh and cool. While both shoes employ breathable materials, the choice may come down to personal preference regarding the feel and fit of the mesh used.

Durability

When it comes to durability, the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe is built with a robust outsole designed to withstand an active lifestyle. This means it is likely to last longer under the demands of regular use. Although the New Balance shoe is described as durable and versatile, specific details on its outsole durability are not provided, leaving the Saucony as the more confidently durable option based on available information.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for many consumers. The Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe is made with recycled materials and is vegan, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Meanwhile, there are no sustainability claims mentioned for the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. For buyers prioritizing eco-friendly products, the Saucony clearly has the upper hand.

Fit and Offset

The Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 features a heel-to-toe offset of 12mm, which can offer better support and alignment for runners. This offset may help with the transition from heel to toe, providing a smoother run. Conversely, the New Balance shoe doesn't provide details regarding its heel-to-toe offset, leaving potential buyers to guess about its fit and support characteristics. For those who value specific measurements in fit, the Saucony's offset provides a clear, quantifiable advantage.

Style and Aesthetics

Both shoes come with their unique aesthetic appeal. The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has a sleek design that embodies a modern running shoe aesthetic, while the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 has a more classic sporty look. The choice between these styles often comes down to personal preference, but both brands have a reputation for producing visually appealing footwear.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe and the Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe boils down to individual needs and priorities. If you are looking for the most affordable option and value sustainability, the Saucony at C$82.95 is a strong contender. However, if you prefer a shoe with enhanced cushioning for comfort during longer runs and are willing to spend a bit more, the New Balance at C$94.99 might be the better choice. Each shoe has its strengths, making them suitable for different types of runners.

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe vs Saucony Women's Cohesion 18 Running Shoe | versusfinder