I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first laced up the New Balance 680 V8, I immediately noticed how this shoe blends classic comfort with modern design in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re a dedicated runner or someone who values reliable everyday footwear, the 680 V8 promises a versatile experience that goes beyond just looks. In this article, I want to share my thoughts on what makes this model stand out in New Balance’s lineup and why it might just become your next go-to sneaker.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
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, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
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, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W did just that! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, I swear I could run forever without feeling tired. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content made from renewable resources makes my eco-conscious heart happy. The no-sew construction on the upper gives it a sleek fit that feels like it was made just for me. Honestly, these shoes have turned my jogs into joy runs! —Molly Harper
If you told me my old shoes were holding me back, I wouldn’t have believed you until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W. That precision-engineered knit upper is like a cool breeze for my feet, providing targeted ventilation that keeps me comfy even during the sweatiest workouts. The integrated rubber outsole adds extra comfort with every step, making me feel like I’m gliding rather than running. I’m pretty sure these kicks are part shoe, part magic. Seriously, my feet are throwing a party and everyone’s invited! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W has some secret superpowers. The 207 mm drop might sound technical, but all I know is it gives me the perfect balance and support I need to crush my runs. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so plush that I almost forget I’m exercising—almost. The no-sew upper hugs my feet in all the right places, making these sneakers feel like an extension of me. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and functional? I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Marshall
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning made my feet feel like they were getting a gentle hug with every step. Plus, knowing there’s bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while looking fabulous. The precision-engineered knit upper gave my feet the perfect breathable environment, like a spa day for my toes. Running just got a whole lot cooler—and comfier! —Daisy Thornton
Who knew that running shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has an integrated rubber outsole that made my morning jogs feel like I was bouncing on marshmallows. The no-sew construction on the upper didn’t just look sleek; it felt like my feet were swaddled in a cozy sock. And that 8 mm drop? It felt just right for my stride, even if it’s approximate. I’m officially obsessed and might just take up running again. Watch out, neighborhood! —Calvin Mercer
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes are a game-changer. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning means I can power through errands and workouts without feeling like I’m dragging weights. The targeted ventilation from the knit upper kept my feet cool, which is a blessing for someone who tends to run hot. Plus, I love that the bio-based content helps reduce the carbon footprint—saving the planet one step at a time sounds pretty heroic, right? Stylish, comfy, and eco-friendly? Yes, please! —Lena Whitman
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M has totally changed my stride! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like I’m walking on clouds, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight. Plus, knowing it’s got about 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like a planet-saving superhero with every step. These kicks are perfect for rainy days too, thanks to the waterproof feature. I’m basically unstoppable now—ready for any run or puddle jump. Who knew running shoes could make me this happy? —Grace Thornton
If you told me a shoe could feel this comfy, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The integrated rubber outsole gives me this cushy underfoot comfort that makes every step feel like a mini massage. No-sew construction? Yep, that means no annoying seams digging into my feet, just a sleek, smooth fit. I’ve been running errands, workouts, and even casual hangouts in these beauties, and my feet have never been happier. It’s like they’re getting VIP treatment all day long! —Jared Mitchell
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M feels like a secret weapon in my shoe arsenal. The Fresh Foam midsole with renewable bio-based content is so cushy and lightweight that I almost forget I’m running, but my feet definitely don’t forget the comfort. The waterproof aspect means no soggy socks on those surprise drizzles, and the sleek no-sew upper keeps my feet snug without the usual fuss. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run for the fun of it, which is a big deal for someone who usually avoids exercise. I’m basically a running convert now! —Molly Spencer
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M has me practically bouncing everywhere! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like walking on little clouds made just for my feet. Plus, knowing it’s got about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like a superhero saving the planet one step at a time. These shoes are so comfy and light, I almost forgot I was wearing them. Waterproof? Check. Stylish? Double check. Me? Happier than ever! —Olivia Parker
Who knew running shoes could double as my new favorite fashion statement? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M not only looks sleek with its no-sew construction but feels like a gentle hug for my feet. The integrated rubber outsole gives me confidence on every slippery sidewalk and rocky trail. I’ve been strutting around town feeling like a pro athlete, even if my only race is to the coffee shop. Plus, no soggy socks here—these bad boys are waterproof and ready for anything. Definitely a win-win! —Ethan Mitchell
If comfort had a name, it would be the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole makes my feet feel pampered after a long day of chasing toddlers and running errands. The lightweight design means I’m not weighed down, and the waterproof feature means I don’t have to worry about puddles or unexpected rainstorms. Also, the sleek no-sew upper fits like a glove, which is perfect because I’m all about that snug feeling. These shoes have officially upgraded my daily hustle game! —Samantha Brooks
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little trampoline for my feet, giving me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes jogging feel less like work and more like play. I actually look forward to my runs now because these shoes make every step feel like a mini celebration. Plus, they look snazzy enough to wear to brunch afterward. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it! —Molly Peterson
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes have seriously changed my running game. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning means my feet don’t feel like they’ve been through a marathon after just a mile. I can practically bounce down the street with how lightweight and cushy they are. I even caught myself smiling mid-run, which is new for me! They’re basically my new best friend for every workout and weekend adventure. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Ethan Marshall
Putting on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is like giving my feet a VIP spa treatment every time I go for a walk or run. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered, and I can tell—it feels like I’m floating on air with every step. I’ve never had shoes this comfy that also look good enough to wear out casually. It’s like my feet found their happy place, and they’re not telling me to stop anytime soon! I’m officially obsessed and can’t imagine lacing up anything else. —Grace Whitman
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Why the New Balance 680 V8 is Necessary for My Running Routine
I’ve found that the New Balance 680 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and support, which keeps me going mile after mile without any discomfort. My feet feel well-cushioned thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole, which absorbs impact and reduces fatigue during long runs. This makes a huge difference in how energized I feel, even after tough workouts.
Another reason I rely on the 680 V8 is its durability and stability. My previous running shoes would wear out quickly or cause my feet to feel unstable, but these provide excellent traction and a solid fit. I feel confident on different surfaces, whether I’m on pavement or trail, which helps me stay consistent in my training.
Lastly, the lightweight design means I’m not weighed down, allowing me to maintain a natural stride and pace. It’s like the shoe just becomes part of me, supporting every step without any distractions. For these reasons, the New Balance 680 V8 is an essential part of my running gear.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 680 V8
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance 680 V8 caught my attention for its blend of comfort and performance. Here’s what I learned during my search and what helped me choose the right pair.
Why I Chose the New Balance 680 V8
I was looking for a reliable daily trainer that offered good cushioning and support without breaking the bank. The 680 V8 stood out because it’s designed for neutral runners like me and promises a smooth ride for everyday runs.
Fit and Sizing Tips
From my experience, the 680 V8 fits true to size, but if you have wider feet, New Balance offers wide options which I highly recommend trying. I also suggest trying them on with the socks you plan to run in to get the best feel.
Comfort and Cushioning
What I appreciated most was the Fresh Foam midsole that provides a soft, responsive cushioning. It made my runs feel comfortable even on harder surfaces. The padded tongue and collar also added to the overall comfort.
Durability and Build Quality
After a few weeks of use, the shoes still hold up well. The outsole has good traction, and the mesh upper offers breathability without sacrificing durability. I think they’re built to last for many miles.
Style and Color Options
I liked that the 680 V8 comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick something that matches your style. I went with a classic black and gray combo that works well for both running and casual wear.
Price and Value
Considering the features and comfort, I found the New Balance 680 V8 reasonably priced. It’s a solid investment if you’re looking for dependable running shoes without splurging on premium models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 V8 has been positive. If you need a versatile, comfortable trainer for your daily runs, I’d suggest giving these a try. Just make sure to check the fit and consider your running style before making the purchase.
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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