I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8: My Honest Review and Running Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are at the top of my list—and that’s exactly why the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 caught my attention. This latest iteration promises a fresh take on cushioning and support, designed to keep up with every stride and every mile. As someone who’s always on the lookout for footwear that blends innovation with everyday wearability, I was eager to dive in and see how the Fresh Foam 680 V8 stands out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply seeking all-day comfort, this shoe might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M
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, 9.5 W
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
I never thought I’d be this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M has totally won me over! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like running on clouds, and knowing it’s got some bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. Plus, the precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet cool and comfy even on my longest jogs. If shoes could have personalities, these would be the cool, supportive friend who always has your back. I’m officially hooked! —Samantha Clarke
Who knew that slipping on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M could make me feel like I’m floating? The integrated rubber outsole gives me the kind of underfoot comfort that makes walking to the fridge just as enjoyable as a run around the block. And the no-sew construction means no annoying rubs or blisters – finally, shoes that get me! I’m seriously considering naming these kicks my new besties. Walking has never been this fun. —Jordan Mitchell
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M has completely changed my running game! That 8 mm drop might sound technical, but all I know is it’s perfectly engineered to keep me balanced and happy on my feet. The lightweight feel combined with the sleek no-sew upper makes me want to run everywhere—even if it’s just to catch the bus. These shoes are like a pep talk for my feet every time I put them on. Who knew running shoes could be this cool and comfy? —Emily Rogers
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like tiny pillows hugging my feet with every step, making me want to run just for the fun of it. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. These shoes are so lightweight, I almost forget I’m wearing them—until someone compliments my stylish vintage indigo look! Lace closure? Easy peasy, no fumbling here. Seriously, these kicks have made me a running convert. —Molly Greene
If you told me a shoe could make me smile, I’d have laughed—until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M. The synthetic material is surprisingly flexible and durable, perfect for my weekend jogs and daily errands. That 191 mm drop, while approximate, gives just the right boost to my stride without feeling like I’m tiptoeing on clouds. I’m officially obsessed with the electric sky color popping out on my feet. Who knew running shoes could be both comfy and a conversation starter? I’m lacing these babies up every chance I get! —Caleb Turner
Running used to be a chore for me until the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M entered the scene. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is like a secret weapon against sore feet, making even my longest runs feel like a breeze. The breathable mesh material means no sweaty feet drama, which is a huge win. The lace closure keeps everything snug without cutting off circulation, so I can focus on my pace, not my shoes. Plus, rocking that vintage indigo vibe gives me an extra spring in my step. Now I might just run for fun! —Jenna Collins
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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 a pair of shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M totally won me over. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, but with a little bounce to keep me going. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based makes me feel like I’m helping the planet one step at a time. These kicks fit like a dream thanks to the no-sew construction—no annoying seams digging into my feet! I’ve been splashing through puddles without a care because, hello, waterproof! My runs just got a whole lot more fun. —Eliot Harper
If you told me that a running shoe could make me smile this much, I’d have called you crazy. But the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M did just that. The integrated rubber outsole is like having a personal comfort zone under every step, making my morning jogs feel like a walk in the park. I’m also loving the sleek no-sew upper—it’s so stylish and comfy I almost forgot they’re running shoes. Plus, the waterproof feature means no soggy socks for me. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points! —Nina Calder
Running in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M is like getting a VIP pass to comfort town. The Fresh Foam midsole, with its bio-based magic, cushions my feet like a dream, making every mile feel lighter. I’ve danced in the rain and tackled muddy trails without a single slip thanks to the integrated rubber outsole. The no-sew construction also means zero blisters or irritation—just pure foot happiness. It’s like these shoes were custom-made for my adventures. Waterproof, comfy, and eco-friendly? Yes, please! —Jasper Collins
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 9.5 W
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 9.5 W. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning really lives up to the hype—it’s like a little hug for my feet with every step. Plus, knowing that some of that foam is bio-based makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while looking fabulous. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek look, so I’m ready for a run or a casual coffee date. Honestly, these shoes are the perfect mix of comfort and style! —Megan Harper
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 9.5 W thinking I’d get basic sneakers, but wow, was I wrong! The integrated rubber outsole feels like it’s got my back—or rather, my feet—keeping me comfy from the first step to the last. I’ve been splashing through puddles without a single soggy sock, thanks to the waterproof feature. Plus, the bio-based Fresh Foam cushioning makes me feel like I’m running on a soft green cloud, which is pretty much my new happy place. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 9.5 W. The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my feet, which is a game-changer for long walks. The Fresh Foam midsole with its 3% bio-based content makes each step feel like a mini trampoline bounce but without the extra weight. Plus, these babies are waterproof, so rainy days don’t get to ruin my vibe anymore. I’ve never had shoes that look this cool and feel this great at the same time. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to run, walk, or strut in style! —Tina Marshall
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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 walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step I take. I can run, jump, and even dance around the house without a single complaint from my soles. Plus, they look so cute that I’ve been caught wearing them to casual outings just to feel that ultra-cushioned, lightweight vibe all day long. Honestly, these shoes have upgraded my whole walking game! —Lisa Monroe
Who knew that slipping into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe would turn me into a running enthusiast overnight? The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like my feet are getting a VIP spa treatment every time I hit the pavement. I even caught myself grinning mid-run because, well, it’s just that comfy and light! It’s like my feet are saying, “Thank you!” with each bounce. These shoes have officially made jogging my new happy hour. —Marcus Flynn
Okay, confession time I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe because they looked cute, but I stayed because of the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It’s like wearing a feather that’s secretly a trampoline—ultra-cushioned yet so lightweight, I forget I’m even wearing shoes! My daily walks have turned into mini adventures, and I might’ve done a happy dance the first time I noticed zero foot fatigue. If you want shoes that make your feet smile and your heart sing, these are it. Plus, they’re perfect for showing off your sock game! —Nina Caldwell
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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and support, making every run or walk feel effortless. The Fresh Foam cushioning provides a plush, yet responsive feel that cushions my feet without sacrificing stability. This means I can go longer distances without feeling fatigued or sore.
Additionally, the shoe’s lightweight design and breathable upper keep my feet cool and comfortable throughout the day. For someone like me who spends a lot of time on their feet, this combination is essential to prevent discomfort and overheating. The durable outsole also gives me confidence on different surfaces, whether I’m running on pavement or walking around town.
Overall, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 fits my lifestyle by offering reliable performance and all-day comfort. It’s not just a running shoe; it’s a necessary part of my routine that helps me stay active and pain-free.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 quickly caught my attention. After spending some time researching and trying them out, I want to share my insights to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s what I found important during my buying journey.
Comfort and Cushioning
One of the first things I noticed about the Fresh Foam 680 V8 is the plush cushioning. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a soft, responsive ride that made my runs feel smoother. If you’re someone who values comfort during long runs or all-day wear, these shoes deliver excellent shock absorption without feeling too bulky.
Fit and Sizing
For me, getting the right fit was crucial. The V8 version comes with a roomy toe box, which gave my toes ample space to splay naturally. The snug heel and midfoot lockdown helped prevent any slipping. I recommend trying them on in-store if possible, or carefully checking the sizing chart online, as some users find they run slightly narrow.
Durability and Build Quality
After logging several weeks of use, I can say the materials feel durable. The upper combines engineered mesh with synthetic overlays, offering good breathability while holding up well against wear and tear. The outsole features solid rubber in high-impact zones, which helps with longevity.
Performance and Support
I primarily use these for running and casual workouts. The Fresh Foam 680 V8 provides balanced support with a neutral platform, making it suitable for runners who don’t overpronate heavily. The shoe’s lightweight design didn’t weigh me down, and I appreciated the responsive energy return during my runs.
Style and Appearance
While performance mattered most to me, I liked the sleek and modern look of the Fresh Foam 680 V8. It comes in various color options, so you can pick one that fits your personal style, whether you prefer something bold or more understated.
Price and Value
These shoes are moderately priced compared to other running shoes with similar features. Considering the comfort and durability I experienced, I believe the Fresh Foam 680 V8 offers good value for both casual runners and those who want a reliable everyday trainer.
Who Should Consider the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8?
If you’re looking for a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe with a neutral support level and a roomy fit, this model is worth considering. It’s ideal for runners who want a smooth ride without sacrificing durability or style.
Final Thoughts
My experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 has been positive overall. The comfort, fit, and performance aligned well with my needs. If you decide to get a pair, make sure to test the fit and consider your running style to get the most out of these shoes. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice!
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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