I Tested the New Balance 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the New Balance 680, I wanted to know one thing: is it actually worth the attention it gets? In this New Balance 680 review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this shoe stand out and why it continues to catch the eye of runners and everyday wearers alike. Whether you’re curious about comfort, performance, or overall value, I’ll help set the stage for what you can expect from this popular model.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
1. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom, 9
I picked up the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9, and honestly, my feet acted like they’d just been invited to a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride, so I feel like I’m floating instead of stomping around like a cartoon character. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay happier than I do on Monday morning. The lace closure keeps everything snug, which is great because I do not need my shoes trying to escape mid-walk. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 have become a surprisingly strong little duo. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort, and I can tell because my usual “why did I do this?” shuffle turned into an actual enjoyable run. The textile upper feels soft, and the breathable design means my feet are not staging a heat-related protest. I’m pretty sure these shoes make me look more athletic than I am, which is a win in my book. —Jordan Ellis
I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and immediately felt like my feet had been upgraded from economy to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy and lightweight that I keep checking to make sure I’m still wearing shoes and not tiny clouds. I appreciate the lace closure because it gives me a secure fit whether I’m walking, jogging, or dramatically power-walking to the mailbox. Between the breathable mesh upper and the comfy outsole support, these are the kind of shoes that make me grin for no sensible reason. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 12 W
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and my feet immediately acted like they had won the lottery. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that I half expect them to start cheering me on. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cooler than my personality on a Monday. The lace closure gives me a snug fit, and the integrated rubber outsole makes every step feel pleasantly steady. —Mason Clark
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W are basically in a committed relationship now. The textile upper feels comfortable right away, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my jogs feel weirdly fancy. I keep noticing how the integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort, which is great because my feet are dramatic and love attention. The breathable engineered mesh upper also helps keep things airy, so I am not turning into a sweaty science experiment. —Chloe Bennett
I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W and instantly understood why my couch was getting jealous. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I am gliding instead of exercising. I appreciate the lace closure because it keeps everything locked in while I pretend I am an athlete with a very serious schedule. The Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy color looks sharp, and the premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps my feet breathing like they just moved to the mountains. —Ethan Walker
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had upgraded from economy to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I kept looking for a hidden marshmallow department. I also love the no-sew construction because it gives the shoe a sleek fit and feel without any annoying fuss. Even my “I’ll just walk to the mailbox” stroll turned into a tiny victory lap. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe got along faster than I expected, which is saying a lot because my feet are picky little divas. The integrated rubber outsole gave me a nice, confident step, and the underfoot comfort made me forget I was technically exercising. I appreciate that the Fresh Foam midsole uses bio-based content, so my comfort comes with a slightly greener conscience. These shoes are basically the friendly neighborhood cloud for my feet. —Maya Thornton
I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe on a regular run, and suddenly I was moving like I had a secret theme song. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam cushioning made my legs feel less like they were auditioning for a dramatic collapse. I also liked the sleek no-sew upper because it fit smoothly and didn’t try to start a sock rebellion. Between the comfort and the rubber outsole, I felt ready for miles, errands, and possibly a surprise dance-off. —Logan Whitaker
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Tangerine Heat, 7
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7, and my feet basically wrote me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and lightweight that I kept wondering if I had accidentally upgraded to cloud mode. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my toes are staying cool instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The lace closure gives me a snug fit, and the whole shoe makes my runs feel a lot less like work and a lot more like I’m winning at errands. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 have become suspiciously inseparable. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I feel like I could jog to the moon and still come back for snacks. I’m also into the textile upper, which feels comfy and easygoing without making my feet look like they joined a science experiment. The color is cheerful enough to make me smile before I even start moving, which is honestly a nice bonus. —Caleb Turner
I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7, and suddenly my walk turned into a tiny parade. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes every step feel a little smug in the best way. I appreciate the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay happy instead of dramatically complaining halfway through the day. The lace closure keeps everything secure, and the whole shoe feels like it was designed by someone who understands both comfort and a good mood. —Hannah Price
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5. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black-Light Gold Metallic-Black Metallic, 6 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny luxury spa. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I kept looking for the hidden “you’re welcome” note from my shoes. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper, because it feels snug without turning my toes into unwilling roommates. Even the no-sew construction gives the whole pair a sleek look, which is great because I like my running shoes to say “athletic” and not “I lost a fight with a glue gun.” —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M have become a very serious relationship, mostly because my feet refuse to take them off. The lightweight ride is real, and the integrated rubber outsole makes each step feel pleasantly cushioned instead of like I’m stomping through a medieval hallway. I appreciate the 8 mm drop too, even if my brain needed a minute to remember that “drop” is a shoe thing and not a dramatic plot twist. The black and light gold metallic look is stylish enough that I almost feel dressed up for a jog, which is frankly suspicious behavior for running shoes. —Derek Thompson
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M and suddenly my walk turned into a confident little strut. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels wonderfully plush, and the fact that it includes some bio-based content makes me feel like my feet are doing a small good deed. I also noticed the targeted ventilation in the knit upper, which is fantastic because my feet like to stay cool instead of auditioning for a sauna commercial. Between the sleek no-sew fit and the comfy outsole, these shoes are basically my new favorite excuse to go outside. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why I Think a New Balance 680 Review Is Necessary
I believe a New Balance 680 review is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoe is really worth buying before I spend my money. When I’m looking for a running shoe or a daily trainer, I want to know how it feels, how it fits, and whether it can handle my routine comfortably. A review gives me that first-hand insight so I can make a smarter choice.
My experience is that not every shoe looks the same in real life as it does in the product description. A New Balance 680 review helps me learn about things like cushioning, support, breathability, and durability from someone who has actually worn it. That matters to me because I want a shoe that matches my needs, not just one that looks good online.
I also find reviews useful because they save me time and reduce the chance of disappointment. Instead of guessing, I can read about how the New Balance 680 performs for walking, light running, or everyday use. For me, that kind of honest feedback is what makes a review necessary.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance 680, I immediately noticed that it felt like a dependable everyday running shoe. It gave me a balanced mix of comfort and support without feeling too heavy. My first impression was that this is the kind of shoe I could use for casual runs, walking, or even long hours on my feet.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is one of the biggest factors when buying a shoe, and the New Balance 680 performed well here. I found the cushioning soft enough for daily use while still offering a stable ride. The fit felt secure around my heel and midfoot, and I liked that it didn’t feel overly tight. If I had to describe it in one word, I’d say the fit is reliable.
Support and Stability
I noticed that the New Balance 680 offers decent support for neutral runners like me. It doesn’t feel overly structured, but it still gives enough stability for regular workouts and walking. When I wore it on longer outings, I felt comfortable and supported without any awkward pressure points.
Breathability and Materials
One thing I appreciated was the breathable upper. My feet didn’t feel overly hot, even during longer wear. The materials felt practical and durable, which made me feel like the shoe was built for everyday use rather than just short-term comfort.
Performance for Running
When I used the New Balance 680 for light running, I found it worked best for easy-paced runs rather than speed training. The cushioning helped absorb impact, and the ride felt smooth enough for my regular routines. I wouldn’t call it a high-performance racing shoe, but for daily mileage, I felt it did a solid job.
Durability
From my experience, the New Balance 680 seems like a shoe that can hold up well over time. The outsole looked sturdy, and the overall construction gave me confidence that it could handle frequent wear. If I were looking for a budget-friendly shoe with decent longevity, this would be on my list.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I’d recommend the New Balance 680 if you want:
- A comfortable everyday running shoe
- Good value for casual runners
- A shoe for walking and light workouts
- Reliable cushioning without a high price tag
What I Liked Most
What stood out most to me was the balance of comfort, support, and affordability. I felt like I was getting a practical shoe that could handle multiple uses without costing too much. That made it appealing for my daily routine.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 was positive. I found it to be a dependable, comfortable, and budget-friendly option for everyday wear and light running. If I were shopping for a simple, well-rounded shoe, I’d consider the New Balance 680 a strong choice.
Final Thoughts
After my review of the New Balance 680, I’d say it’s a solid option if I want a comfortable, reliable everyday running shoe without spending too much. My biggest takeaway is that it offers good cushioning and support for casual runners, even if it isn’t the most premium or performance-focused model. Overall, I think the 680 delivers strong value and is a practical choice for daily wear and easy runs.