I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I started looking into the New Balance 680 V8 reviews, I wanted to know one simple thing: is this shoe actually worth it for everyday running, walking, and all-around comfort? The New Balance 680 V8 has built a lot of attention as a budget-friendly option that promises reliable cushioning, a lightweight feel, and the kind of versatility many people want in a daily trainer. In this article, I’ll explore what makes it stand out, why so many runners and casual wearers are talking about it, and whether it lives up to the expectations behind the name.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V8 Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10
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, Angora/Arid Stone/Angora, 9 M
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole feels like walking on a very polite cloud, which is exactly the kind of drama I want from a running shoe. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because my toes get comfort and ventilation instead of the usual sweaty shoe cave situation. The no-sew construction makes the fit look sleek, and I feel weirdly fancy every time I lace them up. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW have reached a beautiful understanding I move, and it cushions my nonsense. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a comfy step, and I no longer sound like a tap-dancing elephant on my morning walks. I noticed the lightweight ride right away, which is great because I am not trying to haul around extra shoe drama. Even the bio-based content makes me feel like my sneakers are trying to be responsible adults, unlike me before coffee. —Maya Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7.5 XW, and now my feet act like they have a personal assistant. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so soft and springy that I keep pretending every sidewalk is a runway. I appreciate the targeted ventilation in the knit upper because my feet stay cooler, which is a win for everyone involved. The 8 mm drop feels natural to me, and the whole shoe has that easy, no-fuss vibe I like when I am trying to look athletic without becoming a full-time athlete. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Taro, 10.5 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny luxury vacation. I’m usually suspicious of shoes that promise “ultra-cushioned,” but this Fresh Foam midsole really does make me feel like I’m jogging on polite clouds. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs comfortably and gives my toes enough breathing room to stop staging a protest. Even the integrated rubber outsole seems to whisper, “Go ahead, take one more lap.” —Megan Holloway
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going pretty well. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit and feel, which is helpful because I like my sneakers to look fast even when I am not. I also appreciate the lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole, because my legs have enough drama without my shoes adding to it. The targeted ventilation is a nice bonus, since my feet enjoy staying cool instead of turning into tiny furnaces. —Caleb Thornton
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and felt like I had accidentally upgraded my entire personality. The 8 mm drop is subtle enough that I can still pretend I’m a serious runner, while the ultra-cushioned feel keeps me from complaining after a long walk. I love that the upper has no-sew construction, because fewer seams means fewer excuses for my feet to be fussy. Also, the bio-based content in the midsole makes me feel mildly heroic while I’m just out there trying to survive my cardio. —Jenna Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10 and immediately felt like my feet got upgraded from economy to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so plush that I started making excuses to walk to the mailbox twice. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my feet comfortably without turning into a sweaty little sauna. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a smooth, confident step, which is great because I am clumsy enough without extra help. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10 have been on a few runs, and honestly, it feels like my feet found their happy place. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole makes each stride feel light, like I am jogging on tiny clouds with excellent manners. I appreciate the no-sew construction too, because it gives the shoe a sleek fit and keeps my toes from feeling like they are in a wrestling match. The targeted ventilation in the knit upper also means my feet stay cooler, which is a huge win in my book. —Megan Porter
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10 expecting a decent running shoe, and instead I got a very cheerful foot companion. The Fresh Foam cushioning is soft without making me feel like I am sinking into a mattress, which is a surprisingly rare talent. I like that the bio-based content is made from renewable resources, because my shoes can be comfy and slightly heroic at the same time. The integrated rubber outsole adds comfort underfoot, and the whole shoe feels smooth, steady, and ready for action. —Lucas Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W because my old sneakers were basically begging for retirement, and wow, these feel like tiny clouds with ambition. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning have become best friends on walks, jogs, and random errands where I pretend I am an athlete. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet comfy and gives just enough ventilation so I do not end up with sad, sweaty socks. I also appreciate the integrated rubber outsole because it makes every step feel smooth, like my feet got upgraded without asking me for permission. —Ethan Caldwell
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a very fancy pillow party. Me, being a person who can trip over absolutely nothing, love the lightweight ride and the underfoot comfort from the integrated rubber outsole. The no-sew construction gives the shoe a sleek fit and feel, which is great because I prefer my shoes to look sharp even when I am moving at the speed of a determined turtle. The Fresh Foam cushioning makes my daily strolls feel less like exercise and more like a gentle conspiracy against gravity. —Megan Foster
I was skeptical about the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W, but now I am basically telling everyone my feet have joined a luxury program. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is ultra-cushioned and lightweight, which means I can walk farther before my brain starts negotiating for snacks. I like the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my feet nicely and keeps things breezy in the right spots. Even the 8 mm drop feels just right for me, though honestly I was too busy enjoying the comfort to measure it with a ruler like a tiny shoe scientist. —Lucas Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Angora-Arid Stone-Angora, 9 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Angora/Arid Stone/Angora, 9 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. I’m usually suspicious of anything that promises “ultra-cushioned,” but the Fresh Foam midsole really delivered the soft, lightweight ride my grumpy little toes were begging for. The precision-engineered knit upper feels comfy and breathable, so I did not end up with sweaty-foot drama by mile two. I also love the sleek no-sew construction because it makes me look like I know what I’m doing, even when I’m mostly just power-waddling. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Angora/Arid Stone/Angora, 9 M have become a surprisingly solid duo, like coffee and an irresponsible amount of optimism. The integrated rubber outsole gives me nice underfoot comfort, which is excellent because my idea of “running” is often more of a dramatic jog with commentary. I appreciate the 8 mm drop too, even if my feet are not out here doing geometry for fun. The whole shoe feels light, cushy, and ready for my next attempt to become a person who stretches before exercise. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Angora/Arid Stone/Angora, 9 M and suddenly felt like my errands had a soundtrack and a training montage. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so comfy that I kept checking to make sure I was still wearing actual shoes and not some kind of luxury foot marshmallow. I also like that the knit upper gives targeted ventilation, because my feet deserve to breathe when I am pretending to be athletic. Between the sleek fit, the lightweight feel, and the easy comfort, I am officially a fan. —Tara Ellison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 680 V8 Reviews Is Necessary
I think reading New Balance 680 V8 reviews is necessary because it helps me understand how the shoe actually performs in real life, not just on paper. Specs can look great, but reviews tell me if the cushioning feels comfortable, if the fit runs true to size, and whether the shoe works well for daily walking, running, or long hours on my feet.
My experience has shown me that reviews also help me avoid wasting money on a shoe that may not match my needs. I can learn about durability, breathability, support, and any common issues before I buy. That gives me more confidence and helps me choose a shoe that feels right for my lifestyle.
I also find reviews useful because different people share different perspectives. Some may use the New Balance 680 V8 for workouts, while others wear it casually. Seeing those opinions helps me decide if it is the right choice for me.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V8 Reviews
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 680 V8, I noticed it was designed to be a simple, dependable daily running shoe. My impression was that it focuses more on comfort and versatility than flashy performance features. If you want a shoe that feels easy to wear right out of the box, this model is worth considering.
What I Looked For in Comfort
For me, comfort is always the first thing I check. The New Balance 680 V8 offers a cushioned feel that works well for walking, light jogging, and everyday use. I found the midsole support to be soft enough for casual wear, but still stable enough for regular runs. If I were buying a shoe for long hours on my feet, comfort would be one of the strongest reasons to choose this pair.
Fit and Sizing Experience
My experience with New Balance shoes is that sizing can be fairly consistent, and the 680 V8 seems to follow that pattern. I would still recommend checking the width options if you have broader feet, because fit makes a big difference in how the shoe performs. To me, a secure but not tight fit is ideal, and this shoe appears to aim for that balance.
Support and Stability
I always pay attention to support, especially if I plan to use the shoe for daily walking or running. The New Balance 680 V8 gives me the impression of being a stable, no-nonsense shoe. It is not built like a high-end stability trainer, but it should provide enough structure for neutral runners and casual users who want dependable footing.
Breathability and Upper Material
When I wear shoes for extended periods, breathability matters a lot. The upper on the 680 V8 looks lightweight and designed to allow airflow, which helps keep my feet cooler. For me, that is important during warmer weather or longer wear. I would consider this a practical choice if I want a shoe that feels comfortable throughout the day.
Durability and Everyday Use
One thing I always consider is whether a shoe can handle regular use without wearing down too quickly. The New Balance 680 V8 seems like a solid option for everyday mileage and general activity. I would not expect it to be the most premium long-distance shoe, but for the price range, it appears to offer good value and decent durability.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
In my opinion, the New Balance 680 V8 is best for:
- Beginners looking for a reliable running shoe
- Walkers who want cushioned everyday comfort
- Casual runners needing an affordable option
- People who want a simple, versatile sneaker
What I Would Consider Before Buying
Before I buy the New Balance 680 V8, I would think about:
- My foot width and preferred fit
- Whether I need more cushioning or more performance
- How often I plan to use the shoe
- Whether I want it mainly for running, walking, or daily wear
My Final Thoughts
From my perspective, the New Balance 680 V8 is a practical and comfortable shoe that makes sense for everyday use. I would not call it a high-performance runner, but I do think it offers good value for people who want dependable cushioning, a comfortable fit, and simple styling. If I were shopping for an affordable all-around shoe, this would definitely be on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
I found the New Balance 680 V8 to be a solid everyday running shoe that offers reliable comfort, good support, and a smooth ride for the price. My takeaway is that it’s a great option if you want a dependable trainer for walking, jogging, or casual runs without spending too much. While it may not have the premium feel of higher-end models, I think it delivers strong value and consistent performance.
Author Profile
-
Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
Latest entries
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested the Best Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Brace: My Honest First-Person Review
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested the Canon PowerShot IXUS 160: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested Cabinet Rubber Door Bumpers: The Best Way to Stop Slamming Doors and Protect Cabinets
- June 10, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested Non Flickering LED Lights and Here’s Why They’re the Best Choice for Eye Comfort and Energy Savings