Asics Gel-Contend 9 vs New Balance 520: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Gel‑Contend 9 for tougher daily wear and firmer, dependable heel cushioning; choose the NB 520 only if you want slightly plusher foam at a lower price.
Shortlistd Editorial
Editor
Asics Gel-Contend 9 vs New Balance 520: Which Should You Buy in 2026? By Editorial Team | April 2026
Winner: Asics Gel-Contend 9 — it wins on durable, reliable daily cushioning and outsole longevity, while the NB 520 only beats it on starting price and slightly softer midsole feel.
Quick verdict
The Asics Gel-Contend 9 is the smarter buy for most casual runners who want a durable, low-fuss trainer for short runs, gym sessions and daily wear. The New Balance 520 is a good alternative if your top priority is the cheapest entry price and a softer Fresh Foam ride.
At a glance
| Asics Gel-Contend 9 | New Balance 520 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £49.07 | from ~£42 (UK retail listings) |
| Midsole foam | AMPLIFOAM (firmer, stable ride) | Fresh Foam (softer, more cushioned feel) |
| Heel GEL cushioning | GEL unit in heel | No GEL — relies on Fresh Foam cushioning |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | ~8 mm (typical for the model series) |
| Upper | Engineered mesh; ≥20% recycled | Breathable mesh |
| Best for | Short-to-medium weekly runs, gym, daily wear | Budget daily trainer with slightly plusher feel |
Where the Gel-Contend 9 wins
- Reliable heel impact protection: the visible GEL unit in the heel isolates and reduces heel-strike impact — a tangible cushioning element you won’t find in the 520.
- Durability under daily use: reinforced rubber in high-wear areas extends outsole life, so these tolerate repeated pavement and gym use better than thinner budget soles.
- Balanced stability for short runs: the AMPLIFOAM midsole gives a firmer, controlled ride that keeps gait stable during gym sessions and quick runs, rather than the softer, ‘squishier’ feel some runners dislike for mixed workouts.
Where the New Balance 520 wins
- Cheaper entry price: listings show the 520 starting around £42 in the UK, about £7 cheaper than the Gel-Contend 9 — clear savings if budget is the only factor.
- Softer midsole feel: Fresh Foam provides a more cushioned, plush sensation on easy runs, which some runners will prefer for comfort on everyday miles.
- Slightly more lightweight styling: the 520 series is marketed as a light daily trainer, which can feel less bulky on casual runs and commuting.
Who should buy the Gel-Contend 9
Buy this if you run a few times a week and want a tough, no-nonsense trainer that protects your heel, lasts without exotic care, and keeps a steady ride for gym work and short road runs.
Who should buy the New Balance 520
Buy this if you want the lowest price for a comfortable, softer-feeling daily trainer and you’re not prioritising the extra heel cushioning or reinforced outsole for heavy wear.
The verdict
The Asics Gel-Contend 9 is the better pick for the majority of everyday runners because it pairs a real, visible GEL heel unit with a reinforced outsole and a stable AMPLIFOAM midsole — tangible features that matter when the shoes see frequent use. The price difference vs the New Balance 520 is modest (roughly £7 in UK retail listings), and that extra spend buys more durable rubber and dedicated heel impact protection.
If your only priority is the lowest upfront cost and you prefer a softer Fresh Foam ride, the New Balance 520 is the cheaper, slightly plusher alternative.
Upgrade option: If you want a significant step up in energy return for faster training, consider the ASICS MEGABLAST (A‑TPU midsole) as a higher-performance alternative.
Buy the Asics Gel-Contend 9 if you want dependable heel cushioning and long-lasting wear; buy the New Balance 520 if you’re prioritising price and a softer midsole feel.
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