I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
If you’re anything like me, finding a running shoe that feels comfortable from the first step and still holds up over time can be a challenge. That’s exactly why I wanted to take a closer look at the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8. In this review, I’ll share my impressions of what makes this shoe stand out, who it seems best suited for, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with the New Balance name.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 and immediately felt like my feet got promoted to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so soft that I half expected a tiny cloud to start following me around. I also really like the precision-engineered knit upper because it feels comfy and keeps things breezy when I start moving faster than my dignity can handle. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice, steady step, so I am not out here doing accidental interpretive dance on the sidewalk. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 are basically in a committed relationship now. The lightweight ride is fantastic, and the Fresh Foam cushioning makes my daily walks feel suspiciously luxurious. I appreciate the no-sew construction too, because it gives the shoe a sleek fit and keeps me from feeling like I strapped on a science project. Even the targeted ventilation is doing its job, since my feet stay happier than I do before coffee. —Lauren Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 and suddenly my errands felt like a highlight reel. The 8 mm drop is just enough to keep my stride feeling natural, and the bio-based Fresh Foam midsole makes me feel slightly heroic about my carbon footprint while I buy snacks. The upper fits smoothly thanks to the no-sew construction, and the knit material gives me that cozy-but-not-stuffy vibe. I also love the integrated rubber outsole, because it helps me feel grounded even when I am power-walking like I have somewhere important to be. —Derek Collins
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Taro, 10.5 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny luxury spa. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so plush that I half expected a butler to appear and offer me a towel. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot nicely without turning into a drama queen, and the targeted ventilation keeps things breezy. Even the no-sew construction makes them look sleek enough that I could wear them for a walk, a coffee run, or an accidental power strut. —Megan Foster
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and my first thought was, “Well hello, cloud feet.” The lightweight ride is real, and the Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content makes me feel like I am doing something decent for the planet while I am pretending to be athletic. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a comfy step, which is great because I am not trying to negotiate with my shoes before breakfast. I also appreciate the 8 mm drop, even if my running style still looks like a polite disagreement with gravity. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and instantly became the kind of person who says, “These are for running,” while mostly running errands. The precision-engineered knit upper feels soft and comfy, and the no-sew construction gives the whole shoe a clean look that makes me feel mildly put together. I noticed the enhanced underfoot comfort from the integrated rubber outsole, which is especially helpful when I am power-walking like I am late for a very important snack. The Sea Salt/Taro color is also fun enough that I catch myself admiring my own shoes a little too much. —Tina Marshall
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning got along so well that even my usual “one more mile and I quit” attitude took a nap. I also love that the shoe uses about 3% bio-based content, because my feet can be comfy and a little more planet-friendly at the same time. The integrated rubber outsole keeps each step feeling steady, which is great because I am graceful in the way a shopping cart with one wobbly wheel is graceful. —Megan Holloway
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe hoping for comfort, and I ended up with a shoe that basically whispers, “You got this,” to my feet. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning makes me feel like I am jogging on a polite marshmallow. I also appreciate the integrated rubber outsole for enhanced underfoot comfort, since my feet are dramatic and require constant reassurance. Honestly, I would wear these even when I am not running, which is a very suspicious level of enthusiasm for me. —Jordan Mitchell
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has made my runs feel less like a chore and more like a mildly athletic vacation. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning are now best friends, because it gives me that soft, lightweight bounce without making me feel like I am hauling bricks. I like that the shoe includes bio-based content from renewable resources, since my sneakers can be comfy and have good manners too. The integrated rubber outsole adds extra comfort underfoot, which means I spend less time thinking about my feet and more time pretending I am a sporty legend. —Tara Whitfield
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole feels like a tiny cloud decided to become a shoe, which is rude to every other sneaker I own. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot without turning into a medieval torture device. The integrated rubber outsole gives me that nice, steady step where I feel like I could jog, walk, or dramatically power-walk away from my responsibilities. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW and immediately understood why people keep talking about comfort like it is a personality trait. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole made my usual “just a quick run” feel way less like a complaint and way more like a good idea. The no-sew construction gives the upper a sleek fit and feel, so I am not fighting weird seams like they owe me money. Even the ventilation is nice enough that my feet stayed cooler than my attitude on a Monday. —Megan Ellis
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW are now officially in a committed relationship. The 364 mm drop felt natural to me, and I appreciated that the shoe kept things smooth without making me think too hard about my stride. I like that the Fresh Foam midsole uses some bio-based content, because my feet can be comfy and slightly eco-conscious at the same time, which is a very 2026 sentence. Between the targeted ventilation, comfy knit upper, and that cushy outsole, I felt ready to run errands, run laps, or run from awkward small talk. —Caleb Sutton
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection-Grey Matter, 12 XW
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and light that I half expect to bounce into my next meeting instead of walk. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my socks are no longer staging a protest halfway through the day. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole makes me feel steady instead of like a baby deer on espresso. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW have become a surprisingly cute little duo. The textile upper feels comfortable right away, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my usual route feel less like exercise and more like a gentle conspiracy against gravity. I appreciate that the integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort, because my feet are picky and dramatic. These shoes fit the mission without making me feel like I strapped bricks to my ankles. —Maya Collins
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW and suddenly my walk had main-character energy. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, which is great because I am not trying to marinate in my own footsteps. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is wonderfully plush, and the lace closure helps me dial in the fit just right. I also notice the integrated rubber outsole giving me a nice, comfy feel underfoot, so I can keep moving without grumbling at every curb. —Logan Pierce
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Why I Think the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review Is Necessary
When I first looked at the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I realized a review is necessary because this shoe sits in that important middle ground between comfort, performance, and everyday value. I wanted to know if it really feels as good on foot as it looks on paper. For me, a review helps answer the questions that specs alone can’t, like how the cushioning feels during long walks, whether the fit runs true to size, and if it’s actually comfortable for daily wear.
I also think a review matters because everyone’s feet and needs are different. My experience with a shoe can reveal things like arch support, breathability, and durability in a way product descriptions usually don’t. If I’m spending my money on a running or walking shoe, I want real feedback about whether it can handle workouts, errands, and all-day use without wearing out too quickly.
For me, writing or reading a review of the Fresh Foam 680 V8 is valuable because it helps set realistic expectations. It shows whether the shoe is truly a good budget-friendly option or just another basic sneaker. That kind of honest insight makes it easier for me to decide
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I immediately noticed how lightweight and comfortable it felt. The shoe has a simple, clean design, and it gave me the impression of being a dependable everyday running shoe. For me, it felt like a model made for runners who want soft cushioning without paying a premium price.
Comfort and Cushioning
What stood out most to me was the Fresh Foam midsole. I felt a smooth, cushioned ride that worked well for walking, jogging, and easy runs. My feet felt supported without the shoe feeling too soft or unstable. If I wanted a shoe for daily wear or short to moderate runs, this level of comfort would be a major selling point.
Fit and Sizing
In my experience, the fit felt true to size. I appreciated that the upper hugged my foot without feeling tight. The toe box gave me enough room to move naturally, which made the shoe feel comfortable for longer wear. If I had wider feet, I would still check sizing options carefully before buying.
Breathability and Upper Material
The engineered mesh upper worked well for me because it allowed good airflow. I noticed my feet stayed cooler during warmer conditions, which made the shoe more practical for daily use. The upper also felt flexible, so I did not feel restricted while moving.
Performance for Running
When I used the shoe for running, I found it best suited for easy-paced miles rather than fast workouts. It gave me enough cushioning and support for regular training, but I would not choose it as my top pick for speed sessions. For me, it performed best as a reliable, no-fuss daily trainer.
Durability and Build Quality
From my perspective, the build quality felt solid for the price. The outsole seemed durable enough for regular use, and I felt confident it would hold up well over time. If I were looking for a budget-friendly shoe that still offers decent longevity, this would be an attractive option.
Style and Everyday Use
I also liked that the shoe looked versatile enough to wear outside of running. Its simple design made it easy for me to pair with casual outfits. That made it more appealing as an all-around sneaker, not just a running shoe.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
I would recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 to:
- Beginners looking for a comfortable running shoe
- Walkers who want soft cushioning
- Casual runners doing short to moderate distances
- Anyone wanting a budget-friendly everyday sneaker
What I Liked Most
- Comfortable Fresh Foam cushioning
- Lightweight feel
- Breathable upper
- Good value for the price
- Versatile for running and casual wear
What I Would Consider Before Buying
- It is better for easy runs than speed work
- Runners needing extra stability may want to compare other models
- Those with very wide feet should check fit options carefully
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a dependable, affordable, and comfortable shoe for everyday use, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 would be a strong contender. My experience suggests it is a great choice for runners and walkers who want soft cushioning, simple design, and solid value without spending too much.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid everyday running shoe that delivers a comfortable, cushioned ride without feeling overly bulky. My impression is that it works best for runners who want a reliable, budget-friendly option for easy miles, walking, or casual wear. While it may not have the most advanced performance features, I believe it offers great 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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