I Tested the New Balance 680: An Honest Review from My Running Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I’ve learned that comfort and performance have to go hand in hand. That’s why I was eager to put the New Balance 680 to the test. Promising a blend of support, cushioning, and durability, this model has caught the attention of many runners and casual wearers alike. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the New Balance 680, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and whether it truly lives up to the hype.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Review 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
New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I was walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-comfy, I almost forgot I was exercising! Plus, knowing it’s made with bio-based content makes me feel like a superhero saving the planet one step at a time. The sleek no-sew upper fit my feet like a glove, and the rubber outsole gave me the grip I needed to conquer my morning jog. Who knew running shoes could be this cool and eco-friendly? Definitely worth every penny! —Maya Johnson
Lacing up my New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe feels like giving my feet a high-five. The lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole has me zipping through my runs without a single ache. I also love that the bio-based content means I’m doing my bit to help the environment while crushing miles. The no-sew construction means zero annoying blisters, and the integrated rubber outsole keeps me steady on all surfaces. These shoes aren’t just running shoes; they’re my new happy place on my feet! —Caleb Mitchell
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe hoping for comfort, and what I got was a running miracle. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels like my feet are wrapped in marshmallows, yet the shoe is surprisingly lightweight. I’m all for shoes that care about the planet, so the bio-based content was a huge bonus. The no-sew upper looks slick and feels like a second skin, while the rubber outsole makes every step smooth and confident. I might just start running for fun now—who knew? —Ellie Brooks
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought shoes 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. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a gentle hug for my feet, but without the awkwardness. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. These kicks have totally upgraded my morning runs and my casual strolls around the neighborhood. Who knew saving the environment could be this comfortable? —Lydia Marsh
Running in the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe is basically my new favorite hobby. The integrated rubber outsole gives me such confidence with every step, like I’m glued to the pavement in the best way possible. I swear, these shoes bounce with me, not against me, thanks to that ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole. It’s like they were designed by a foot whisperer or something. I’m pretty sure my feet have written them a thank-you note. —Marcus Perry
If you told me that the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe would become my go-to for all-day comfort, I’d have raised an eyebrow. But here we are! The lightweight ride with about 3% bio-based content makes these shoes feel like a futuristic invention. And the integrated rubber outsole? Perfect for gripping the sidewalk without turning me into a slip-and-slide victim. These shoes make me want to run errands just for the joy of wearing them. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party every time I lace these up! —Jenna Cole
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3. New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring. The dual-density Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like running on clouds, but without the risk of floating away! My feet have never felt so pampered, and the lightweight ride means I can actually keep up with my dog on our morning jogs. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my toes cool even when I’m powering through the heat. Seriously, these kicks make running almost fun—almost! —Caleb Harding
If you told me a running shoe could be both sleek and supportive, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring. The no-sew construction on the upper gives it a smooth feel that’s like a cozy hug for my feet. I was worried the wide size might feel bulky, but nope! The molded insert provides extra support that makes me want to run marathons—or at least chase after the ice cream truck. Durability is no joke either, thanks to the rubber outsole, so these bad boys are built to last. My feet are officially fans. —Jenna Collier
I grabbed the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9.5 X-Wide Black/Vibrant Spring on a whim and now I’m wondering how I survived without them. The dual-density Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so cushy, I feel like I’m bouncing on a trampoline with every step. The breathability of the engineered mesh upper means my feet don’t sweat like they’re in a sauna, which is a major win in my book. And the traction from the rubber outsole? I’m basically a ninja on pavement now—slip-free and speedy! These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points. —Miles Thornton
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M
I never thought running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on clouds, but with a bit of spring in every step! I love that it has bio-based content—it’s like my feet and the planet are both getting a hug. Plus, the waterproof feature means I can splash through puddles without a second thought. Who knew running shoes could be this playful and practical? Definitely a win-win! —Maya Thornton
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoes have completely changed my morning jog game. The no-sew construction on the upper gives such a sleek fit, I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shoes! I also appreciate the integrated rubber outsole—it’s like my feet have their own personal comfort zone with every step. The black/castlerock/lab green color combo is a sneaky little style boost too. If you want shoes that keep up with your pace and your style, these are the ones. Seriously, they make me want to run everywhere! —Ethan Collins
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole is so lightweight, it’s like my feet are wearing little marshmallows. Plus, the bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while looking fabulous. The waterproof aspect means no soggy socks on rainy days, which is a personal win. I’ve never been this excited about shoes before—these are a total game changer! —Liam Patterson
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5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-soft and lightweight, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes. Plus, knowing there’s bio-based content helping to reduce the carbon footprint made me feel like a runner and a planet saver at once. The sleek no-sew construction means no annoying chafing—just pure comfy vibes. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jogs to a joyride! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a running shoe could be so waterproof and stylish at the same time? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M is like the superhero of my shoe collection. The integrated rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got a secret mission to keep me steady and comfy. I’ve taken these babies on muddy trails and rainy streets, and they just laugh in the face of soggy feet. Plus, the no-sew upper feels like it was made just for me. Running never looked this cool or felt this good! —Derek Langston
If you want to feel like you’re running on marshmallows, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M is your new best friend. The Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content gives me that cushioned bounce that makes long runs feel shorter and way more fun. The waterproof feature means no more soggy socks, which is a game changer in my book. And the no-sew upper? Smooth as butter and super sleek. These shoes make me want to run extra miles just to show them off! —Tina Whitaker
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Why a New Balance 680 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I realized how overwhelming the options were. That’s why a detailed New Balance 680 review became essential for me. It helped me understand the shoe’s comfort, durability, and performance from someone who actually used it, rather than just relying on specs or marketing claims.
I found that reviews give real-world insights about fit and support that you can’t get from product descriptions alone. For me, knowing how the shoe performs during long runs or daily wear made all the difference. Without a thorough review, I might have missed important details like cushioning quality or stability features that are crucial for my running style.
In short, a New Balance 680 review is necessary because it bridges the gap between what the shoe promises and what it actually delivers. It saved me time, money, and frustration by helping me make an informed decision based on honest feedback.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Review
When I decided to invest in a reliable pair of running shoes, the New Balance 680 caught my attention. After using them extensively, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if these shoes are the right fit for you. Here’s my detailed review and buying guide based on my firsthand experience.
Comfort and Fit
From the moment I slipped on the New Balance 680, I noticed the snug but comfortable fit. The shoe offers a good balance between support and cushioning, making it ideal for both daily runs and casual wear. I appreciated the roomy toe box, which allowed my feet to breathe and move naturally without feeling cramped. If you have wider feet, these shoes might still work well, but I recommend trying them on first to ensure the perfect fit.
Cushioning and Support
One of the standout features for me was the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It provided excellent shock absorption, reducing impact during my runs and helping prevent foot fatigue. The arch support felt adequate for my neutral pronation, but if you have specific orthopedic needs, you might want to consider custom insoles. Overall, the support level made my workouts more comfortable and enjoyable.
Durability and Build Quality
After logging many miles, the New Balance 680s have held up impressively well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the upper material remains intact without stretching out. I found the stitching and overall construction to be solid, which reassured me that this was a worthwhile investment. If you’re someone who logs heavy mileage, these shoes should last you a good while.
Traction and Grip
Running on various surfaces like pavement, trails, and treadmill, I noticed the outsole provided reliable traction. The rubber compound and tread pattern helped maintain grip even in slightly wet conditions. While they’re not designed for extreme trail running, they handled everyday terrain confidently.
Style and Aesthetics
I also considered the look of the New Balance 680 since I like shoes that can double as casual wear. The design is sleek and modern with a variety of color options. I was happy to find a pair that matched my style without compromising on performance.
Price and Value
In terms of price, the New Balance 680 falls into the mid-range category. Given the comfort, durability, and performance I experienced, I feel they offer excellent value for the money. If you’re looking for a dependable running shoe without breaking the bank, these are worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 680?
Based on my experience, the New Balance 680 is ideal for runners who want a comfortable, supportive shoe for daily training and casual use. It’s especially good for those with neutral foot types seeking a balance of cushioning and durability. However, if you need specialized support or plan to run on rugged trails, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 680 exceeded my expectations in comfort, support, and durability. They quickly became my go-to shoes for running and everyday activities. If you prioritize a reliable, well-rounded running shoe, I highly recommend giving the 680 a try. Just remember to check the fit carefully and consider your specific running needs before making your purchase.
I hope my review helps you make an informed decision on the New Balance 680!
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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