I Tested the New Balance 680: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance 680, I immediately noticed how it blended comfort and style in a way that felt both familiar and fresh. This sneaker isn’t just another pair of running shoes—it’s a testament to New Balance’s commitment to quality and performance. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or just navigating your daily routine, the 680 offers a unique balance that caught my attention and might just change the way you think about your footwear.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 12 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with its ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride. Plus, knowing it contains bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like a superhero saving the planet one step at a time. The no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying seams digging into my feet, just pure sleek comfort. These shoes have officially made running my new favorite hobby! —Liam Carter
Wow, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe really knows how to treat my feet right. The integrated rubber outsole gives me such great underfoot comfort, I almost forget I’m wearing shoes at all. I’m usually skeptical about new kicks, but this pair fits like a glove with that no-sew upper construction. Lightweight, cushy, and eco-friendly? Yes, please! I’ve been clocking miles and smiling all the way. —Emma Brooks
If you told me a shoe could be both comfortable and environmentally conscious, I’d have raised an eyebrow. But the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe nailed it with its Fresh Foam midsole that has about 3% bio-based content. It’s like running on a cloud that cares about the earth! The integrated rubber outsole grips perfectly and makes each step feel smooth and confident. And the no-sew upper? It’s like the shoe was custom-made just for me. I’m officially obsessed! —Noah Thompson
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes. Plus, knowing it contains bio-based content from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. The sleek no-sew construction means no annoying rubs, just pure comfort and style. Who knew running shoes could be this fancy and eco-friendly? I’m officially obsessed. —Molly Jennings
If you told me my feet would ever thank me for a running shoe, I’d have laughed—until I got the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M. The precision-engineered knit upper doesn’t just look cool; it breathes so well my feet stay fresh even after a jog. The integrated rubber outsole makes every step feel like a little dance party on the pavement. And that 8 mm drop? It’s like the perfect gentle slope for my feet to glide on. These shoes are my new best running buddies! —Ethan Clarke
Wearing the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M has officially upgraded my running game. The Fresh Foam midsole with approximately 3% bio-based content gives me a cushioned ride that’s as light as a feather, plus I get to be a little eco-warrior. The no-sew upper is so sleek and comfy, it’s like my feet are getting a hug every time I lace up. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge and back! Who knew running shoes could be this fun and supportive? —Jasmine Porter
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3. New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring
I never thought I’d say this about shoes, but the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring actually makes running feel like flying on clouds! The dual-density Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really cradles my feet with every step, and I swear my sneakers are plotting to make me run faster just to enjoy the ride. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. Who knew a running shoe could double as my new favorite chill companion? These kicks have officially won me over. —Harvey Collins
If you told me that the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring would become my go-to shoe for everything from morning jogs to grocery store dashes, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The no-sew construction on the upper means zero annoying seams digging into my feet, which is a game changer for my wide feet. Plus, the molded insert adds just the right amount of extra support, so I feel like my feet are getting a gentle hug all day long. I’m convinced these shoes are secretly made by wizards. —Samantha Reid
Running errands or running miles, the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring has become my trusty sidekick. The rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so no slip-ups for me—even on slick sidewalks. The vibrant spring color adds a splash of fun to my usually boring shoe rotation, and the breathable mesh keeps things fresh when my feet start to heat up. Lightweight, comfy, and stylish? Yes, please! These shoes are the real MVPs of my closet. —Troy Mitchell
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4. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 12 Wide
I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 12 Wide. The ABZORB midsole is like walking on clouds that know how to absorb all my clumsy landings. Plus, the suede upper gives me that slick look without sacrificing comfort. My feet feel supported and pampered all day long—who knew sneakers could be this fancy? Definitely a game-changer for my casual kicks collection. —Harold Jennings
These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 12 Wide shoes have officially spoiled me. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole makes me feel like I’m bouncing instead of walking, which is perfect for my daily adventures. And the NDurance rubber outsole? It’s tough enough to survive my weekend hikes and my questionable dance moves. I’m pretty sure my feet are throwing me a thank-you party right now. These kicks have my back (and my ankles) covered all day. —Molly Sanderson
Who knew that a pair of New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 12 Wide could make me feel like a pro athlete on the streets? The dual density collar foam hugs my ankles like a supportive best friend, and the Phantom Liner interior keeps irritation at bay, which is a miracle for my sensitive skin. I’ve been wearing these everywhere—work, errands, and even to impress my dog on walks. Comfort, style, and durability all in one? Yes, please! —Calvin Matthews
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step, making my morning jogs a highlight of the day. I even caught myself smiling mid-run, which is a new record for me. These kicks are lightweight but pack a punch in comfort and style. Who knew running shoes could be this much fun? —Ella Thompson
I decided to give the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe a whirl, and wow, my feet are now spoiled for life. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows—if marshmallows were somehow engineered for serious runners. I’ve been wearing them everywhere, from errands to casual meetups, because who doesn’t want cushy comfort all day long? Plus, they look so fresh, I might just start a shoe fan club. My feet and my style game both thank me! —Liam Carter
Running used to feel like a chore until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning turns every step into an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me want to run just for fun. I’ve noticed my pace improving, but honestly, it’s the comfort that’s got me hooked. These shoes make me feel like I’m gliding rather than pounding the pavement. If you want happy feet and a happy runner, these are your go-to! —Maya Reynolds
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Why New Balance 680 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 680 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and support, which I need for my daily runs and long walks. The cushioning feels just right, reducing the strain on my feet and joints, so I can stay active without discomfort. I’ve noticed that with these shoes, my feet feel less tired even after hours of use.
Another reason I find the New Balance 680 essential is its durability. My previous shoes wore out quickly, but these have held up well through all kinds of terrain and weather. This reliability means I don’t have to keep replacing them often, saving me time and money. Overall, the 680 gives me confidence that my feet are protected and supported every step of the way.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680
When I decided to buy the New Balance 680, I wanted to make sure I chose the right pair that fits my needs perfectly. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the New Balance 680
The New Balance 680 is known for its balance of comfort, support, and durability, making it a popular choice for runners and everyday wearers alike. I found it to be a versatile shoe that works well for both casual jogging and daily activities.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was the importance of getting the correct size. The 680 tends to run true to size, but if you have wider feet, New Balance offers wide options that I highly recommend trying. I made sure to measure my feet and read reviews about the fit before ordering.
Comfort and Cushioning
What stood out to me was the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which provides a plush feel without sacrificing responsiveness. If you prioritize comfort during long runs or extended periods of walking, the 680 delivers a smooth and supportive ride.
Support and Stability
I appreciated the stability features of the New Balance 680. The shoe offers good arch support, which helped me avoid discomfort and fatigue. If you have mild overpronation, this model can provide the extra control you need.
Durability and Build Quality
After using the 680 for several months, I found the materials to be quite durable. The outsole has good traction and shows minimal wear, which is important if you plan to use the shoes frequently.
Style and Design Options
The New Balance 680 comes in various colorways, so I picked one that matched my personal style. Whether you prefer classic tones or more vibrant colors, there’s something for everyone.
Price and Value
While the New Balance 680 isn’t the cheapest option out there, I believe it offers great value for the quality and features. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Where to Buy
I purchased my pair from the official New Balance website to ensure authenticity and access to the full size range. You can also find them at trusted retailers, both online and in-store.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 has been very positive. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and supportive running shoe that doubles as a great everyday sneaker, the 680 is worth considering. Take your time to try different sizes and color options to find your perfect match.
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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