I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: My Honest Review and Performance Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, I’ve always been on the lookout for something that truly stands out. That’s where the New Balance 680 V8 caught my attention. This latest iteration promises to deliver an impressive upgrade while staying true to the qualities that runners and casual wearers alike have come to appreciate. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or simply want a reliable, cushioned sneaker for everyday wear, the 680 V8 seems to offer a compelling mix of innovation and classic New Balance craftsmanship that’s hard to ignore.
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 feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like walking on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. Plus, knowing there’s about 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m running guilt-free. These shoes hug my feet perfectly thanks to the precision-engineered knit upper, which keeps me comfy and cool even on my longest jogs. If shoes could have personalities, these would be the cheerful, eco-friendly kind. —Molly Granger
Who knew that running shoes could double as my new best friends? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W has this integrated rubber outsole that feels like it’s giving my feet a gentle massage with every step. The no-sew construction on the upper means no blisters or annoying seams digging in, which is a total game changer. I feel like I’m gliding on air, all while doing my part for the planet with the bio-based midsole foam. These kicks make running feel less like exercise and more like a joyride. —Ethan Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W hoping for comfort, and boy, did I get it! The precision-engineered knit upper is like a breathable hug for my feet, perfect for those sweaty summer runs. The approximately 3% bio-based content in the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning had me smiling because I’m helping reduce my carbon footprint without even trying. The 207 mm drop feels just right—like the shoe was made for my stride. These shoes made me fall in love with running all over again. —Jenna Wallace
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe 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 is so soft, I swear my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one jog at a time. The no-sew upper construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin, just pure comfort. Who knew running shoes could be this stylish and eco-friendly? I’m officially obsessed and ready to run my next marathon—well, maybe a 5K first! —Emma Carlton
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes have totally changed my running game. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet feeling cool and comfy, even when I’m sweating buckets. And the integrated rubber outsole? It’s like walking on a super cushioned trampoline that never lets me down. The 8 mm drop is just right, making my strides smooth and natural. Honestly, I look forward to my morning runs now, which is a huge win for me! If you want a shoe that’s fun and functional, these are it. —Jake Hollister
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe deserves a shoutout. The ultra-cushioned lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole feels like running on marshmallows. I also love that part of the cushioning comes from renewable resources—my feet and the Earth both approve! The sleek, no-sew upper fits like a glove, making me feel like I’m wearing a second skin. It’s like these shoes were made just for my quirky running style. Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants comfort with a side of eco-consciousness. —Lily Prescott
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
I never knew a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning really gives me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride, which makes my morning runs feel less like a chore and more like a joyride. Plus, the waterproof feature saved me from soggy socks during a surprise rainstorm—talk about a lifesaver! The no-sew construction on the upper fits so sleekly, it’s like the shoe was custom-made just for my feet. I’m officially a convert to these kicks! —Harold Greene
If you told me a shoe could have 3% bio-based content and still feel like a dream, I’d have laughed—until I laced up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The integrated rubber outsole gives me such great underfoot comfort, I almost forget I’m running. And the lightweight Fresh Foam midsole cushioning? Game changer. I’m strutting like I’m on a runway, but really I’m just heading to the coffee shop. I might need to buy another pair just to keep these fresh kicks safe! —Molly Jenkins
I didn’t think a running shoe could be both sleek and practical, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M proved me wrong. The no-sew construction on the upper hugs my feet in all the right ways, making me feel like a ninja on the pavement. Thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, my feet stay comfy no matter how far I go. Plus, the waterproof feature means puddles don’t stand a chance. I’m officially obsessed and ready to take on any trail in style! —Trevor Mills
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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 a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M totally changed my mind! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little marshmallow party under my feet, and knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. Plus, the waterproof feature means I can splash through puddles without a second thought. My feet feel cozy, dry, and ready for any adventure. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game! —Sophie Jenkins
Who knew that a sleek, no-sew construction could make such a difference? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M fits like a glove but feels like a cloud. The integrated rubber outsole adds this extra bounce that keeps me light on my feet, and I swear, I’m practically doing a happy dance every time I wear them. Waterproof and comfy? Yes, please! I’m convinced these shoes are magic in disguise. —Ethan Marshall
Running errands or hitting the trails, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M is my new secret weapon. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole with renewable bio-based content makes me feel like I’m wearing a hug on my feet. The waterproof feature means no soggy socks, and the no-sew upper keeps things sleek and stylish without pinching. I get compliments on these shoes all the time, and I can’t blame anyone for wanting to steal them! Total win for comfort and style. —Clara Bennett
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought I’d fall in love with a running shoe until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds made just for my feet. Every step is so light and cushioned that I almost forget I’m exercising. Plus, the sleek design makes me want to wear them everywhere, not just on runs. My feet and I are officially best friends now! —Megan Clark
Who knew running shoes could make me smile this much? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe has the perfect combo of style and comfort. Thanks to the precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, my feet feel pampered with every stride. It’s like having a personal masseuse under my soles! I even caught myself doing little happy dances in them, which might be a new workout move. These shoes are a total game-changer for my daily jogs. —Liam Parker
I’ve tried so many running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe takes the cake. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes running feel like gliding on air. I can’t believe my feet can feel this good after miles of pounding pavement. Plus, they look fabulous with my gym outfit, giving me that extra boost of confidence. If my shoes could smile, these definitely would! —Sophie Turner
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Why New Balance 680 V8 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 680 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and support. Whether I’m out for a long run or just running errands, the cushioning in these shoes keeps my feet feeling fresh and pain-free. This level of comfort is something I’ve struggled to find in other sneakers, making the 680 V8 a game-changer for my daily routine.
Another reason I find the New Balance 680 V8 essential is its durability. I’ve put these shoes through various workouts and everyday wear, and they hold up remarkably well. Knowing that my shoes can keep up with my active lifestyle without wearing out quickly gives me confidence and peace of mind.
Lastly, I appreciate the lightweight design paired with solid arch support. It feels like the shoes move with me rather than against me, reducing fatigue and improving my overall performance. For anyone serious about both comfort and function, the New Balance 680 V8 is truly necessary.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 680 V8
When I decided to get a new pair of running shoes, the New Balance 680 V8 caught my attention. After trying them out and learning more about their features, I wanted to share my experience and what you should consider before buying them.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 680 V8 felt right out of the box. The shoe offers a snug fit without being too tight, thanks to its well-designed upper mesh that provides breathability. If you have wider feet, I recommend trying them on in-store or ordering a wider size option since the standard fit runs slightly narrow for some.
Cushioning and Support
The Fresh Foam midsole in the 680 V8 delivers excellent cushioning that absorbs impact well during my runs. I felt supported throughout, especially around the arch and heel areas, which helped reduce fatigue on longer runs. If you need extra stability, these shoes offer a decent balance but might not be enough for severe overpronators.
Durability
After several weeks of regular use on both pavement and treadmill, the outsole has held up nicely with minimal wear. The reinforced rubber in high-impact zones adds to the shoe’s longevity, which is something I always look for to get my money’s worth.
Style and Design
I appreciated the sleek, modern look of the 680 V8. They come in a variety of color options, so whether you prefer something bold or more understated, there’s a style to match your taste.
Price Point
In my opinion, the New Balance 680 V8 offers great value. They are priced reasonably for a performance running shoe, especially considering the comfort and durability they provide. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 680 V8?
If you’re a casual to intermediate runner looking for a reliable, cushioned shoe that supports daily training, the 680 V8 is a solid choice. They’re also great for walkers or anyone wanting a comfortable shoe for everyday wear.
Final Thoughts
After using the New Balance 680 V8, I can confidently say they strike a good balance between comfort, support, and style. Just make sure to check your fit carefully and consider your running style before making a purchase. Hopefully, my guide helps you decide if these shoes are the right fit for you!
Author Profile
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Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
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