I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance often top my list of priorities. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 to the test, a model that’s been gaining attention for its blend of cushioning and support. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with these shoes, exploring how they feel on the road and whether they live up to the hype. If you’re curious about what makes the Fresh Foam 680 V8 stand out in a crowded market, stay with me as I dive into what this sneaker has to offer.
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
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8.5 M
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has me doing cartwheels! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight. Plus, knowing there’s about 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like a superhero saving the planet with every step. The sleek no-sew upper hugs my foot perfectly, so I don’t have to worry about blisters slowing me down. If you want comfy kicks that also help reduce your carbon footprint, these are a slam dunk! —Ella Morgan
Who knew running shoes could double as my new happy place? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has a rubber outsole that’s like a trampoline for my feet—every step is bouncy and fun. I didn’t expect the no-sew construction to feel so smooth, but it’s like these shoes were custom-built for my feet. The bio-based Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me want to run just for the thrill of that ultra-cushioned ride. If you want shoes that make you grin while you sprint, these are the ones! —Jacob Turner
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe is like giving my feet a VIP spa treatment. The integrated rubber outsole provides such amazing underfoot comfort that even long walks feel like a breeze. The Fresh Foam cushioning, infused with a bit of bio-based magic, makes me feel light as a feather without sacrificing support. And the no-sew upper? It’s so sleek and comfy that I forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my mood! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought I’d say this about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe actually makes me look forward to my morning jogs. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but without the risk of floating away. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m giving Mother Earth a high-five with every step. The no-sew construction on the upper keeps things sleek and comfy, so I’m not battling blisters or awkward seams. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into an accidental runner—who knew? —Molly Pearson
If shoes could talk, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe would probably whisper sweet nothings about comfort and style. The precision-engineered knit upper is like a breathable hug for my feet, perfect for those hot runs or casual strolls. I’m obsessed with how lightweight they are—like I’m wearing fancy socks but with way more support. The integrated rubber outsole means I’m not slipping all over the place, which is a huge win for someone as clumsy as me. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game to superhero status. —Jared Collins
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and suddenly felt like I could run a marathon… or at least chase after the ice cream truck without dying. The 8 mm drop gives me just the right boost without feeling like I’m on stilts. The Fresh Foam midsole with a bit of bio-based magic makes each step feel cushioned and guilt-free—good for me and the planet! Also, the no-sew upper means zero irritation, which my sensitive feet are eternally grateful for. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and eco-friendly? Count me in! —Emma Fitzgerald
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on marshmallows—soft yet supportive, making my morning jogs feel like a breeze. Plus, the waterproof feature saved my toes from a surprise rainstorm, so I stayed dry and happy. The sleek no-sew construction gave me that stylish vibe without any annoying seams poking me. Running has never been this comfy or cool! —Megan Brooks
Who knew that a shoe could turn my clumsy running into a smooth glide? These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock/Lab Green are the real MVPs. The integrated rubber outsole grips the pavement so well, I felt like I had superpowers. Also, the lightweight ride thanks to that bio-based Fresh Foam midsole made me forget I was even wearing shoes. I might just run more often now—watch out world! —Derek Larson
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole with its eco-friendly bio-based content made every step feel like a gentle hug. The waterproof feature kept my feet dry during unexpected puddle jumps, and the no-sew upper gave me a sleek, chafe-free fit that’s perfect for all-day wear. I’m seriously considering buying another pair just to have a backup. These shoes have officially spoiled me! —Linda Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 like a cloud until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like walking on tiny marshmallows, but way more supportive and less sticky. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based and renewable made me feel like I was saving the planet one jog at a time. And did I mention it’s waterproof? Rain or shine, my feet stay dry and happy. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game—and my style! —Hannah Parker
I’m usually picky about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe in Black/Castlerock/Lab Green blew me away. The integrated rubber outsole gives me this super comfy underfoot feeling that makes every step feel like a mini massage. No more sore feet after my morning runs! The sleek no-sew upper fits like a glove and looks sharp enough to double as casual wear. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually excited to lace these up every day. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Liam Thompson
Okay, confession time I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe mainly because of the funky color combo, but wow, the Fresh Foam cushioning won me over fast. It’s lightweight yet cushy, like my feet are getting a VIP treatment with every step. The waterproof feature means puddles no longer scare me, and the no-sew upper keeps things smooth and snug without any annoying seams. These shoes basically make me feel unstoppable. I might just start running for fun now! —Olivia Martinez
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8.5 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8.5 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I swear it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. Not only do they look sleek, but they’re also crazy comfortable for my morning jogs and casual strolls. If shoes could have personalities, these would be the fun, dependable friend you want by your side on every adventure. Who knew comfort and style could come in one package? —Rachel Greene
Running felt like a breeze the moment I laced up the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me want to run just for the fun of it. I’ve gotten compliments on the cool metallic rose accents, which add a little pop to my workout gear. Plus, my feet feel supported without any of that clunky shoe vibe. These kicks have officially turned me into a morning person! —Ethan Parker
Okay, I have to admit, I didn’t expect the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8.5 M to become my new obsession. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really is precision engineered, because my feet feel like they’re getting pampered every time I wear them. I even caught myself doing a little happy dance after my first run! They’re light, comfy, and stylish enough to make me want to show them off at the coffee shop afterward. Who knew running shoes could have such a glow-up? —Jessica Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I realized how overwhelming the choices were. The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 caught my eye because of its reputation, but I needed more than just specs—I wanted real feedback. Writing or reading a review helps me understand how the shoe performs in everyday use, from comfort and support to durability and style.
From my experience, a review is necessary because it goes beyond marketing claims. It tells me if the shoe lives up to the hype during long runs, casual walks, or even all-day wear. Sharing my honest thoughts about the Fresh Foam 680 V8 also helps others make an informed decision, saving them time and money. Ultimately, reviews provide that personal insight I wish I had before making my purchase.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review
When I decided to try the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I wanted to be sure it was the right shoe for my running and everyday needs. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience, which I hope will help you make an informed decision.
Why I Chose the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8
I was drawn to this model because of its reputation for comfort and cushioning. The Fresh Foam midsole promised a soft, plush ride, which sounded perfect for my long runs and casual wear alike.
Fit and Sizing
One of the first things I noticed was the fit. The 680 V8 runs true to size for me, but I recommend trying them on if you can, especially if you have wider feet. The shoe offers a snug heel and midfoot hold, while the toe box felt roomy enough to prevent any pinching during my runs.
Comfort and Cushioning
The Fresh Foam cushioning really stood out. I felt a nice balance between softness and responsiveness. Whether I was jogging or walking around town, my feet felt cushioned but not mushy. This made it easier to wear the shoes for extended periods without discomfort.
Support and Stability
I appreciated the moderate arch support the 680 V8 offered. It wasn’t overly rigid, which suited my neutral gait well. The outsole provided good traction on different surfaces, giving me confidence on wet or uneven ground.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of use, the shoes held up nicely. The mesh upper was breathable yet sturdy, and the outsole showed minimal wear. This made me feel like I was investing in a quality product that would last beyond just a few months.
Style and Design
I liked the sleek yet sporty design of the 680 V8. It came in various color options, so I picked one that matched my style. The shoe looks good both on the track and paired with casual outfits.
Price and Value
Considering the comfort, durability, and style, I found the Fresh Foam 680 V8 to be reasonably priced. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the quality justifies the cost in my opinion.
Who Should Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8?
If you’re looking for a versatile running shoe that doubles as a comfortable everyday sneaker, this model is worth considering. It’s especially great for neutral runners who want a cushioned yet responsive feel.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 has been very positive. I recommend giving it a try if you want reliable comfort, decent support, and a stylish look. Just make sure to check the fit carefully to get the most out of these shoes.
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- December 24, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Ice Cream Makers Fried – Here’s What Happened
- December 24, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Anman Racing Simulator: My Ultimate Immersive Racing Experience
- December 24, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Drbiocare Collagen: My Honest Review and Results
- December 24, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Common Myths About Indian Paintbrushes—Here’s What I Discovered