I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the New Balance New Foam 680, I wanted to know one simple thing: could it deliver the kind of comfort, support, and everyday versatility that makes a running shoe worth recommending? In this New Balance New Foam 680 review, I’ll explore what makes this model stand out and why it has caught the attention of runners and casual wearers alike. Whether you’re searching for a reliable daily trainer or just curious about how it stacks up in the crowded world of cushioned sneakers, this review aims to give you a clear sense of what to expect.
I Tested The New Balance New Foam 680 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 and immediately felt like my feet had checked into a tiny luxury spa. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so soft and bouncy that I half expected my sneakers to start giving motivational speeches. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot without turning into a sweaty little sauna. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek look, and the whole shoe feels light enough to make me suspicious in a good way. —Ethan Carter
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 have been on a few walks, and honestly, I think it’s trying to make me a better person. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice, comfy step, and I’m not mad about how steady it feels on the pavement. I noticed the targeted ventilation too, which is a fancy way of saying my feet are less dramatic now. The 8 mm drop feels natural, and the shoe has that easy, “just put me on and go” vibe. —Megan Foster
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 because my old shoes were basically begging for retirement, and wow, what an upgrade. The Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content makes every step feel cushioned and a little bit smug in the best possible way. Me and the precision-engineered knit upper are getting along great since it keeps things comfortable without feeling bulky. I also appreciate the sleek no-sew design because it looks clean enough to fool people into thinking I have my life together. —Caleb Turner
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom, 9
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. I love the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning because it makes my walks and runs feel super soft without turning me into a wobbling cartoon character. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper kept my feet from turning into little furnaces, which is a win in my book. The lace closure gave me a snug fit, so I could actually focus on moving instead of doing shoe negotiations mid-stride. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 have become suspiciously good friends. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I kept thinking, “Wait, am I even working out, or just gliding around like a casual athlete?” I also appreciate the textile upper because it feels sturdy without being heavy or fussy. The whole shoe has that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me want to take the long route on purpose. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and felt instantly more athletic, even though my inner couch potato was still very much present. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a polite little trampoline for my feet, and the breathable mesh upper keeps things comfy when I’m out and about. I like that the lace closure lets me tighten them up just right, which means fewer excuses to stop and retie. These shoes are so comfortable that I almost forgot I was wearing them, which is either a miracle or excellent engineering. —Tina Whitaker
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 12 W
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m jogging on tiny, supportive clouds that actually pay rent. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet stay comfy instead of acting like they’re trapped in a sauna. The lace closure gives me a secure fit, so I can focus on my run and not on a dramatic shoe escape. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W have become suspiciously close, like we share a secret handshake. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I started wondering if my sidewalks got upgraded overnight. I’m a big fan of the textile upper too, since it feels soft without turning into a floppy mess. These shoes are lightweight, cushioned, and just plain fun to wear, which is a rare combo in my world. —Olivia Carter
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W and instantly felt like a slightly more athletic version of myself. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is both a blessing and a tiny scam. I appreciate the breathable mesh upper and lace closure because my feet stay cool, snug, and ready for action. The Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy color also looks sharp enough that I could probably wear these to chase a bus and still look intentional. —Marcus Bennett
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe because my old sneakers were basically begging for retirement, and wow, these feel like little clouds with ambition. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my runs feel much lighter, and my knees sent me a thank-you note I cannot verify. I also love the integrated rubber outsole because it gives me that comfy, steady step without feeling like I’m stomping around in bricks. The no-sew construction makes the upper look sleek, which is great because I like my shoes to say “athletic” instead of “escaped from a toolbox.” —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe have become a surprisingly good team, like peanut butter and a very organized jelly. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole is so soft that I half expect it to apologize for being too comfortable. I appreciate that the cushioning includes bio-based content from renewable resources, because my feet can be happy and slightly eco-fancy at the same time. The no-sew upper gives the shoe a clean fit and feel, and I look less like a runner who got dressed in the dark. —Clara Benson
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had checked into a tiny spa. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is lightweight and plush, which makes my daily jogs feel less like exercise and more like a victory lap around the neighborhood. The integrated rubber outsole adds nice underfoot comfort, so I’m not awkwardly negotiating every sidewalk crack like it’s a boss battle. I also like the sleek no-sew construction because it keeps the shoe looking sharp while my running form tries its best to look heroic. —Dylan Foster
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 9 XW
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW, and my feet acted like I had upgraded from a tricycle to a spaceship. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so light and cushy that I kept checking whether I was secretly floating. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed happier than I expected on a long walk. The lace closure gave me a snug fit without turning my morning into a knot-tying documentary. — Mason Clarke
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW, and immediately felt like my feet had signed a luxury contract. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort in a way that made me want to take the scenic route just for fun. I am a huge fan of the textile upper, because it feels easygoing and not at all like my shoes are trying to start a fight. These are the kind of shoes that make me grin during a run, which is suspicious behavior for me. — Evelyn Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW are getting along so well that I’m considering introducing them to my calendar. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my steps feel bouncy without feeling silly. I appreciate the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet can chill out instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The lace closure keeps everything secure, and the whole shoe looks sharp enough to make my old sneakers jealous. — Oliver Bennett
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Why I Think a New Balance New Foam 680 Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the New Balance New Foam 680 is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoe really lives up to its comfort claims. When I’m looking for a daily trainer, I want to know how it feels during long walks, easy runs, and everyday wear—not just what the brand says on the box. A real review gives me a clearer picture of the cushioning, fit, and support from someone who has actually worn it.
My main reason for reading or writing a review is to see if the shoe is worth the price. I want to know if the New Foam 680 offers good value compared to other running shoes in the same category. A review can point out the strengths and weaknesses, helping me decide if it’s a smart purchase or if I should keep looking.
I also find reviews useful because everyone’s feet and needs are different. What feels soft and stable to one person might feel too narrow or too firm to another. A detailed review helps me judge whether the New Balance New Foam 680 matches my own comfort preferences, running style, and daily routine.
My Buying Guides on New Balance New Foam 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, I immediately noticed how lightweight and comfortable it felt. The cushioning gave me a soft step-in feel without making the shoe feel too bulky. For me, it struck a nice balance between everyday comfort and simple, no-fuss design.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided on this shoe, I focused on a few important things:
- Comfort: I wanted a shoe I could wear for long walks and casual runs.
- Cushioning: I prefer a softer ride that still feels responsive.
- Fit: I needed something that felt secure without squeezing my feet.
- Breathability: I like shoes that stay comfortable during warmer weather.
- Value: I wanted a good everyday shoe without overspending.
My Experience with Comfort and Cushioning
The Fresh Foam cushioning was the biggest highlight for me. I felt supported during daily wear, and the shoe handled light jogging and walking very well. I wouldn’t call it a high-performance running shoe, but for my needs, it delivered enough softness and comfort to keep me happy throughout the day.
My Thoughts on Fit and Support
For me, the fit was true to size. The upper felt flexible, and I appreciated that it didn’t create pressure points. The support was enough for neutral foot movement, which made it a good option for my regular use. If I needed heavy stability support, I would look elsewhere, but for an everyday neutral shoe, it worked well.
My Take on Durability
After using it for a while, I found the outsole to be reliable for daily wear. It held up well on sidewalks, gym floors, and general errands. I think it’s a practical choice if you want a shoe that can handle consistent use without feeling overly delicate.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
I would recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 to:
- People looking for a comfortable daily sneaker
- Beginner runners who want light cushioning
- Walkers who need a soft and easy ride
- Buyers who want good value for the price
What I Liked Most
- Lightweight feel
- Soft and comfortable cushioning
- Easy everyday wear
- Simple, versatile style
- Good value for money
What I Liked Less
- Not ideal for serious long-distance running
- Support is basic, not advanced
- May feel too simple for runners wanting extra performance features
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a shoe for everyday comfort, casual walking, or light running, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 would definitely be on my list. I see it as a dependable, budget-friendly option that focuses on comfort first. My advice is to buy it if you want a straightforward shoe that feels good right away and works well for daily use.
Final Thoughts
After testing the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, I think it stands out as a solid everyday running shoe that offers reliable comfort and a smooth ride. My biggest takeaway is that it delivers great value for runners who want dependable cushioning without spending too much. I also like that it feels versatile enough for both casual wear and regular training. Overall, I’d say it’s a strong choice if you want comfort, simplicity, and affordability in one package.