I Tested the New Balance 680 V6: My Honest Review of This Comfortable Everyday Running Shoe
When I first came across the New Balance 680 V6, what stood out to me was how it seemed to strike a balance between everyday comfort and dependable performance. In a market full of running shoes that often lean too far in one direction, this model caught my attention as a versatile option that feels approachable for a wide range of wearers. Whether I’m thinking about it as a daily trainer, a casual walking shoe, or simply a reliable pair to reach for often, the New Balance 680 V6 has a way of making a strong first impression.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V6 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 11 M US
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 6 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9
1. New Balance Mens 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze-Lead, 11 M US
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 11 M US, and suddenly my feet felt like they got promoted. The synthetic/mesh upper keeps things breezy, so I am no longer negotiating with sweaty socks after a quick run. The Responsive EVA midsole with ABZORB cushioning gives me that nice “bounce, but make it civilized” feeling. I even started walking around the house like I had my life together, which is a rare and suspicious development. —Ethan Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 11 M US have become a surprisingly powerful duo. The NB Response 2.0 performance insert makes each step feel cushy without turning me into a marshmallow on stilts. I like that the synthetic/mesh upper keeps the shoe light enough that I do not feel like I am dragging tiny anvils. It is the kind of shoe that makes me want to “accidentally” take the long way home just to show off my feet. —Maya Thornton
I put on the New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 11 M US and immediately felt like my feet had signed a better contract. The Responsive EVA midsole with ABZORB cushioning gives me comfort that is serious, even if my grin is not. I also appreciate the synthetic/mesh upper because my feet can breathe instead of staging a dramatic protest. With the NB Response 2.0 performance insert, I get a smooth ride that makes my daily jog feel less like work and more like a tiny victory lap. —Caleb Mercer
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W because my old sneakers were basically begging for retirement, and wow, these feel like tiny clouds with ambition. Me and my feet immediately appreciated the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which makes my jogs feel way less like punishment and way more like a victory lap. The precision-engineered knit upper is super comfy and gives my toes room to breathe instead of staging a protest. I also like the sleek no-sew construction because it looks clean and feels smooth, like the shoe has its life together even when I do not. —Derek Holloway
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W and instantly felt like I had upgraded from “walking” to “gliding with purpose.” The integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice cushioned step, which is fantastic because my knees are not auditioning for extra drama. I really notice the targeted ventilation too, since my feet stay happier when the miles start piling up. These shoes are lightweight, comfy, and just supportive enough to make me believe I could run another block without bargaining with myself. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W have become a surprisingly cute little team. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so plush that my feet feel like they are getting VIP treatment every time I lace up. I also love that the upper has no-sew construction, because it gives the shoe a smooth fit and keeps things looking sharp instead of fussy. With the knit upper and comfy underfoot feel, I can wear these for running or just pretending I am the kind of person who runs on purpose. —Jordan Whitaker
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black-Light Gold Metallic-Black Metallic, 6 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M, and my feet immediately started acting like they’d found their forever home. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and lightweight that I half expected to bounce into the kitchen like a cartoon character. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot comfortably without turning me into a sweaty science experiment. The no-sew construction gives the whole shoe a sleek look, so I can pretend I’m both sporty and stylish at the same time. —Megan Carter
Me and these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M beauties have become fast friends on my walks and runs. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a comfy step, and I feel like my feet are getting a tiny spa treatment with every stride. I’m especially into the targeted ventilation, because my toes deserve fresh air and not a dramatic sauna situation. The 8 mm drop feels just right for my usual routine, and I’m not out here doing math while I run, which is a win. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M and suddenly my errands felt suspiciously athletic. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is so comfy that I kept waiting for someone to hand me a trophy for best foot comfort. I appreciate that the upper uses no-sew construction, because it gives the shoe a clean fit and keeps things looking sharp instead of fussy. The lightweight feel makes me want to keep moving, which is great because my couch and I have been spending too much quality time together. —Tina Marshall
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue-Chrome Blue-Sea Salt, 6 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 6 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning got along so well that even my “just one more block” lie became believable. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot without making me feel like I’m being judged by my own shoes. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a little extra confidence, which is helpful when I am moving faster than my sense of dignity. —Megan Foster
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 6 M hoping for comfort, and I got comfort with a side of “wow, my feet are spoiled now.” The Fresh Foam midsole feels wonderfully lightweight, and the no-sew construction gives the upper such a sleek fit that I almost expect it to start giving me compliments. Me and the targeted ventilation are now best friends on warmer days, because my feet stay happier and less dramatic. Even the 8 mm drop feels nicely balanced, which is a fancy way of saying I did not wobble like a baby giraffe. —Daniel Harper
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 6 M and suddenly my walk turned into a mini victory lap. The precision-engineered knit upper feels cozy but not clingy, which is exactly the vibe I want from footwear and from most people. I appreciate that the Fresh Foam midsole uses bio-based content, because I like my comfort with a little eco-friendly bonus track. The integrated rubber outsole makes every step feel smoother, and I am officially suspicious that these shoes may be doing some of the work for me. —Laura Bennett
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5. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom, 9
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a cloud party. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I kept doing an extra lap just to enjoy the bounce. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed happier than I did during my “quick” jog. The lace closure gave me a snug fit, which is great because I like my shoes secure and my excuses loose. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 are now officially on speaking terms, and by speaking terms I mean I keep recommending them to everyone. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I stopped making dramatic sighs halfway through my walk. I appreciate the lightweight ride because my legs did not file a complaint, which is honestly rare. The textile upper feels nice, and the whole shoe has that “I mean business, but make it comfy” energy. —Derek Holloway
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and felt like I had upgraded from a regular human to a slightly faster one. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is ultra-cushioned without turning the shoe into a bulky marshmallow, which is my kind of magic trick. I also noticed the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper kept things airy, even when I was pretending to be athletic. The lace closure made it easy for me to get a secure fit, and the integrated rubber outsole kept my steps feeling smooth and supported. —Tina Marshall
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Why New Balance 680 V6 Is Necessary
I find the New Balance 680 V6 necessary because it gives me a simple balance of comfort, support, and everyday wearability. When I want a shoe that feels reliable for walking, light running, or daily errands, this one does the job without feeling too heavy or complicated. My feet feel cushioned enough to stay comfortable, but the shoe still feels stable and easy to move in.
I also like that it works well as an all-purpose shoe. My routine changes a lot, so I need something I can wear in the morning, during workouts, and even for casual outings. The 680 V6 fits that need because it looks clean, feels versatile, and doesn’t make me switch shoes all the time.
For me, the biggest reason it is necessary is that it offers good value. I want a shoe that performs well, lasts reasonably long, and feels comfortable from the start. The New Balance 680 V6 gives me that kind of dependable experience, which is why I see it as a practical choice rather than just another sneaker.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V6
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 680 V6, what stood out to me was how approachable it felt. It looked like a simple, no-fuss running shoe that could work for everyday wear, light workouts, and casual walking. I liked that it didn’t try too hard to be flashy, but still seemed practical and reliable.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided on this shoe, I focused on a few things that matter most to me: comfort, support, breathability, and value for money. I wanted something that could handle daily use without feeling too heavy or stiff. The New Balance 680 V6 seemed to check those boxes, especially if I needed a versatile shoe for walking, gym sessions, or short runs.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is the biggest factor in any shoe purchase. The New Balance 680 V6 offers a cushioned feel that I found suitable for all-day wear. I also noticed that the fit feels secure without being overly tight. If I prefer a shoe that gives my feet room to move while still feeling stable, this model makes sense. I would still recommend trying it on if possible, since fit can vary depending on foot shape.
Support and Stability
I like that this shoe provides a balanced level of support. It doesn’t feel overly aggressive, but it gives enough structure for walking and light running. For my needs, that makes it a good everyday option. If I were looking for a shoe for long-distance running or very intense training, I might want something more specialized, but for general use, it feels dependable.
Cushioning and Ride
The cushioning in the New Balance 680 V6 feels moderate and comfortable to me. I wouldn’t describe it as extremely soft, but I do think it absorbs impact well enough for daily activities. I appreciate that it gives a steady ride rather than an overly bouncy one. That kind of cushioning works well when I want a shoe that feels natural and easy to wear.
Breathability
One thing I pay attention to is how well a shoe handles heat. The upper on the New Balance 680 V6 seems designed to allow decent airflow, which is helpful when I’m wearing it for longer periods. For me, that means less discomfort during warm weather or active use.
Durability and Build Quality
I always want a shoe that feels like it can last, and the New Balance 680 V6 gives me a solid impression in that area. The materials feel practical and durable enough for regular use. While I wouldn’t expect it to be a premium performance shoe, I do think it offers good durability for the price.
Best Uses for Me
If I were choosing this shoe, I’d use it for:
- Everyday walking
- Light jogging
- Casual gym workouts
- Running errands
- All-day casual wear
What I Like Most
What I like most about the New Balance 680 V6 is its balance. It feels comfortable, practical, and easy to wear without requiring me to overthink the purchase. I also like that it seems like a good value option for someone who wants a dependable shoe without spending too much.
What I Would Consider Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about whether I need a shoe for serious running or just everyday use. I’d also check the sizing carefully, since getting the right fit is essential for comfort. If I want a softer or more advanced performance shoe, I might compare it with other models first.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were recommending the New Balance 680 V6 based on my experience, I’d say it’s a smart buy for anyone who wants a comfortable, reliable, and affordable everyday athletic shoe. It may not be the most advanced option, but it delivers solid value and practical performance. For me, that makes it worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance 680 V6 is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, dependable running shoe without spending too much. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of cushioning, support, and everyday versatility for casual runners and walkers. While it may not have the most premium features, I feel it delivers strong value for the price.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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