I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I wanted to know one thing: is it actually a good everyday running shoe, or just another comfortable-looking option in a crowded market? That question is exactly what makes this review worth exploring. The Fresh Foam 680 V8 has been getting attention for its blend of cushioning, simplicity, and approachable price point, which makes it appealing to runners and walkers alike. In this review, I’ll share my impressions of how it feels, what stands out about it, 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 my feet immediately started acting like they’d found their happy place. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and lightweight that I half expected to bounce into my kitchen like a cartoon character. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot nicely while still letting it breathe instead of turning into a tiny sauna. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek look, which is great because I like my running shoes to look fast even when I am mostly just power-walking to snacks. —Evan Mitchell
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you note. The integrated rubber outsole makes each step feel comfy and steady, so I am not doing that awkward wobble dance on my walks. I also appreciate the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole because it gives me a lightweight ride without feeling like I strapped pillows to my feet. The targeted ventilation in the knit upper is a nice touch too, since my feet like to stay cool and not file a complaint. —Lauren Brooks
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 has become my go-to when I want comfort without looking like I borrowed shoes from a moon mission. I really like the approximate 8 mm drop because it feels balanced and natural for my runs and errands alike. The Fresh Foam cushioning is super plush, and the bio-based content makes me feel a little less guilty about my shoe obsession. I also noticed the no-sew upper gives it a smooth fit, which means fewer weird pressure spots and more happy miles. —Caleb Turner
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Taro, 10.5 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M, and honestly, my feet acted like I had just handed them a tiny vacation. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so soft and lightweight that I kept expecting a cloud to ask me for rent. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it feels comfy and gives my toes some nice breathing room. Even the integrated rubber outsole makes every step feel a little more civilized, which is saying a lot for my chaotic morning walks. —Megan Turner
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M have been on a few runs, and I’m pretty sure my feet are now spoiled for life. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit and feel, so I look mildly athletic even when I am mostly just trying not to trip over my own enthusiasm. I noticed the 8 mm drop felt balanced and natural, and the shoe never made me feel like I was auditioning for a wobble contest. The bio-based Fresh Foam cushioning is the kind of detail that makes me feel like my sneakers are doing something nice for the planet while also pampering me. —Derek Collins
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and immediately felt like my feet had upgraded their living situation. The targeted ventilation in the precision-engineered knit upper kept things breezy, which is perfect because I am not trying to marinate in my own sweat. The integrated rubber outsole gave me a comfy, steady step whether I was running errands or pretending that a brisk walk counts as cardio. I also appreciate that the ultra-cushioned ride is lightweight, because I want support without feeling like I strapped bricks to my socks. —Hannah Brooks
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam midsole feels so cushioned and lightweight that I half expected to start floating down the sidewalk like a very determined cloud. I also love that the bio-based content is made from renewable resources, because saving the planet while jogging feels extremely on-brand for my chaotic good energy. The integrated rubber outsole gives me nice comfort underfoot, so I am not doing the awkward “why are my feet mad at me” shuffle after a run. —Megan Porter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe have become suspiciously close. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes my runs feel smoother, and my knees are acting like I finally hired them a better manager. I appreciate the lightweight feel because I do not need my shoes to double as dumbbells. The integrated rubber outsole adds comfort with every step, which is great because I prefer my exercise to be less drama, more delight. —Dylan Harper
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet got upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy and light that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is either a win or a suspicious sign of excellent engineering. I also like the bio-based content because it makes me feel a little less guilty about my sneaker obsession and a little more like a responsible adult. The integrated rubber outsole gives me steady comfort underfoot, so I can focus on my pace instead of negotiating with my soles. —Claire Bennett
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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 immediately acted like they’d been invited to a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels wonderfully soft, but not in a “sinking into a couch and never leaving” way. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it keeps things comfy and breathable when I’m pretending to be a serious runner. The no-sew construction gives the shoe a sleek feel, which is great because I like my sneakers like I like my jokes smooth and a little flashy. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW and instantly understood why my feet started acting smug. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice, comfy step, and the lightweight ride makes it feel like I’m jogging on tiny clouds with better arch support. I especially appreciate the targeted ventilation, because my feet deserve fresh air too, not a dramatic sauna situation. Even the bio-based content makes me feel slightly heroic while I’m out there huffing around the block. —Clara Bennett
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW has officially made me the kind of person who talks about shoes like they changed my personality. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is ultra-comfortable, and the 8 mm drop feels just right for my everyday runs and random grocery-store sprints. I like that the upper has no-sew construction, because it gives the shoe a clean fit and keeps my toes from filing complaints. If my feet could write reviews, they would probably use more exclamation points than I do. —Marcus Ellison
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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 like I’m jogging on a cloud that actually pays rent, and the lightweight ride keeps me from feeling like I’m hauling bricks. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet stay cooler than my personality on a Monday morning. The lace closure gives me a snug fit, so I can focus on my run instead of negotiating with my shoes. —Ethan Parker
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW have become a suspiciously happy little team. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort really well, which is great because my feet are dramatic and demand attention. I noticed the textile upper feels soft and the whole shoe stays comfy without getting bulky or fussy. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is the kind of upgrade that makes me wonder why I ever tolerated grumpy shoes before. —Megan Collins
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW and instantly felt like I had leveled up in the game of walking around. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, and the lace closure makes it easy for me to get a secure fit without wrestling a knot monster. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is delightfully plush, yet the shoe still feels lightweight enough that I do not start bargaining with my own ankles. I keep catching myself smiling at how comfortable these are, which is either a shoe review or a personality change. —Caleb Turner
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Why a New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review is Necessary
I think a review of the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is necessary because it helps me understand whether this shoe really delivers the comfort and support it promises. When I’m looking for a daily running or walking shoe, I want to know if the cushioning feels soft enough for long wear, if the fit is true to size, and if it performs well in real-life use. A review gives me that practical insight before I decide to buy.
My experience has taught me that shoe descriptions often sound great on paper, but the real test is how they feel after several hours of use. That’s why I value reviews that talk about breathability, durability, weight, and overall ride. For a shoe like the Fresh Foam 680 V8, these details matter because they help me compare it with other options and see if it matches my needs.
I also find a review necessary because it can reveal who the shoe is best for. Whether I’m a beginner runner, a casual walker, or someone who wants an affordable everyday sneaker, I want to know if this model is worth the money. A clear review helps me make a smarter choice and avoid buying a shoe
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 soft it felt underfoot. The shoe gave me a comfortable, easygoing ride right away, which made it feel like a solid option for daily walking, light running, and casual wear. I also liked that it had a simple, versatile look that worked well with my everyday outfits.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is one of the biggest reasons to choose a shoe, and the Fresh Foam 680 V8 did a good job here. The Fresh Foam midsole gave me a cushioned feel without making the shoe feel too bulky. My feet felt supported during longer wear, and the upper hugged my foot in a way that felt secure but not restrictive. I found the fit true to size, though people with wider feet may want to check the width options if available.
Performance I Noticed
When I wore these for walking and short runs, I felt a smooth and stable ride. The cushioning absorbed impact well, which helped my feet stay comfortable on pavement and harder surfaces. I wouldn’t call it a high-performance running shoe, but for everyday training and general use, I found it reliable and easy to wear.
Materials and Build Quality
My impression of the build quality was positive. The upper felt breathable enough for regular use, and the outsole seemed durable for the kind of mileage I’d expect from a budget-friendly trainer. I appreciated that New Balance kept the shoe practical and simple rather than overcomplicating the design.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
I think the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a good choice if you want:
- A comfortable everyday walking shoe
- A budget-friendly running shoe for easy miles
- A lightweight sneaker for casual wear
- Soft cushioning without a heavy feel
What I Liked
- I liked the soft cushioning
- I liked the lightweight feel
- I liked the easy, comfortable fit
- I liked the simple design
- I liked that it worked well for walking and light exercise
What I Didn’t Like as Much
- I felt it was better for easy use than intense running
- I would not choose it for speed workouts
- I think runners wanting a more responsive feel may want something firmer
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 again, I would choose it for comfort, everyday versatility, and value. I think it makes the most sense for someone who wants a dependable shoe for walking, light running, or all-day wear. If you need maximum performance or race-day energy, I would look at a different model. But if comfort and practicality matter most to me, this shoe would stay on my shortlist.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I found the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 to be a comfortable, dependable, and easy-to-wear shoe. It gave me a good balance of cushioning, support, and everyday usability. For my needs, it felt like a smart buy, especially if I wanted a shoe that could handle walking, casual wear, and light running without costing too much.
Final Thoughts
After testing the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I found it to be a solid everyday running shoe that delivers reliable comfort without feeling overly complicated. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a smooth, cushioned ride that works well for easy runs, walking, and general daily wear. While it may not have the most premium feel or the most advanced performance features, I think it provides great value for runners who want a dependable, budget-friendly option.
Author Profile
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I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.
Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.
I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.
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