I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: Honest Review After Weeks of Use
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, the New Balance 680 V8 has been turning heads—and feet—across the running community. I’ve spent some serious time lacing up this model, curious to see if it lives up to the buzz and the brand’s solid reputation. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, the right shoe can make all the difference, and the 680 V8 promises a blend of comfort, support, and style that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences with the New Balance 680 V8, diving into what makes this shoe stand out and whether it might be the next step in your running journey.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V8 Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 7.5 M
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning gave me a ride so light, I almost floated through my morning jog. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while looking fly. The no-sew construction on the upper made these shoes feel like a glove, no rubbing or blisters here! If you want comfort with a side of eco-friendly flair, these are your go-to kicks. —Maggie Collins
Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and cool? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has a precision-engineered knit upper that felt like it was tailor-made just for me. I swear, my feet were breathing and smiling the whole time thanks to that targeted ventilation. The integrated rubber outsole gave me grip and comfort every step of the way, like a supportive hug for my soles. I may not be a marathoner yet, but these shoes definitely have me feeling like one! —Ethan Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe because they make me feel like I’m walking on a super soft trampoline. The 8 mm drop is just right for my stride, even if it’s approximate, it works perfectly with my running style. The sleek no-sew upper means no awkward seams digging into my feet, just pure smooth sailing. Plus, the fact that some of the foam is made from renewable resources is a win for my conscience and my feet. These shoes bring the fun back to running and walking! —Olivia Baxter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’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 Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning has me feeling like I’m bouncing on air with every step. Plus, knowing about the 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny part to help the planet while I pound the pavement. The lightweight ride means I can sprint like a cheetah—or at least pretend to! These shoes are my new secret weapon for morning jogs. —Eddie Harrison
Running used to be a chore, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has turned it into my favorite part of the day. The integrated rubber outsole gives me such a comfy grip that I feel like I’m glued to the ground—in a good way! The no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying rubbing or blisters, which is a total game-changer. Honestly, they look so sleek that I wear them everywhere, even when I’m not running. Who knew a shoe could be both stylish and super comfy? —Maya Collins
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe on a whim, and now I’m officially obsessed. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole with renewable bio-based content makes me feel like I’m jogging on a green cloud. Every step feels smooth and light, like my feet have their own little trampoline. The no-sew construction upper hugs my feet just right, making these shoes feel custom-made. If you want a running shoe that’s as fun as it is functional, look no further! —Jordan Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M
I never thought a shoe could make me this excited until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds—only these clouds are powered by a bit of bio-based magic! Plus, the waterproof feature means my soggy runs are officially a thing of the past. I even caught myself smiling during a rainy jog, which is totally new for me. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoes have officially turned me into a morning runner, and that’s no small feat! The no-sew construction on the upper gives me a sleek fit that feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug all day long. I’m obsessed with how lightweight they are, especially with the integrated rubber outsole providing that perfect underfoot comfort in every single step. Wearing these shoes makes me feel like I’m gliding, not jogging. Plus, the Lab Green pop adds just the right amount of sass to my workout gear. Honestly, if shoes could talk, mine would be bragging! —Derek Collins
I’m pretty sure these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoes are secretly magic. The Fresh Foam midsole with about 3% bio-based content means I’m cushioning my feet and the planet simultaneously—talk about a win-win! The waterproof feature saved me from a surprise rainstorm, and my feet stayed dry and happy. I also love the integrated rubber outsole, which makes every step feel like a mini dance party. These shoes are so comfortable, I might just wear them to my next Zoom meeting. Life’s too short for boring shoes, and these definitely aren’t! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so soft and light, it’s like running on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam comes from renewable resources makes my eco-warrior heart sing. The no-sew upper gives me that sleek, high-tech look while keeping my feet comfy. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run even when I don’t have to. Who knew footwear could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me my feet would be this happy, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. That integrated rubber outsole isn’t just a fancy name – it actually cushions every step like a tiny trampoline party. I wore them on a rainy day and stayed dry without feeling like I was wearing a raincoat for my feet. Plus, the sleek no-sew upper means no annoying stitches poking me. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style! —Liam Carter
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M feels like my feet got a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content makes every step feel like a gentle hug from Mother Earth herself. It’s lightweight, cushy, and even waterproof, so puddles and mud don’t stand a chance. The sleek no-sew construction is so comfy, I almost forgot I was wearing running shoes at all. I’m seriously considering buying another pair just to have a backup for my feet’s new favorite ride. —Grace Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 7.5 M
I never knew running shoes could feel like walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 7.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to the hype, giving me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes my morning jog feel like a breeze. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. The 10 mm drop feels just right, making every step comfortable and supportive. Honestly, these shoes make me excited to lace up and hit the pavement every day! —Maya Fletcher
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 7.5 M on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The synthetic material combined with the breathable mesh is like a spa day for my feet. I love how the lace closure keeps everything snug without cutting off circulation. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing on marshmallows, which is a great thing when you’re trying to stay motivated. These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game! —Ethan Caldwell
Putting on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Linen/Hot Mango, 7.5 M instantly boosted my confidence—and not just because of the fun color combo! The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is a game changer, delivering a ride so light I almost forget I’m wearing shoes. I appreciate the breathable engineered mesh too, as my feet tend to get sweaty, and these keep them dry and happy. The 10 mm drop feels natural, and the lace closure locks everything in place perfectly. It’s like these shoes were made just for me! —Sophie Grant
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 680 V8 Reviews Are Necessary
When I was looking for the perfect running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices could be. That’s why reading New Balance 680 V8 reviews became essential for me. These reviews gave me honest insights from real users who had already tested the shoes in different conditions. Without them, I would have had no idea how the shoes perform in terms of comfort, durability, and support.
For me, reviews are more than just opinions—they help me avoid buyer’s remorse. The New Balance 680 V8 reviews highlighted both the pros and cons, which helped me set realistic expectations. I could see how the shoe fit my foot type, whether it suited my running style, and if it was worth the investment. In short, these reviews saved me time, money, and frustration by guiding me toward a shoe that truly met my needs.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V8 Reviews
When I was on the hunt for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 680 V8 caught my attention. After spending some time trying them out and researching, I wanted to share my insights to help you decide if these shoes are the right fit for you.
Why I Chose the New Balance 680 V8
From the start, I was drawn to the 680 V8 because of New Balance’s reputation for quality and comfort. I needed a shoe that offered good support for daily runs without breaking the bank. The V8 version promised updated cushioning and durability, which sounded perfect for my needs.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 680 V8 felt right out of the box. The shoe has a roomy toe box, which I appreciated since I prefer not to feel cramped during long runs. The padded tongue and collar added extra comfort around my ankles, and the overall fit was true to size for me. If you have wider feet, you might want to check New Balance’s width options because they offer multiple widths for this model.
Cushioning and Support
The cushioning in the 680 V8 is impressive for a mid-range running shoe. It uses Fresh Foam technology, which provided a soft yet responsive feel underfoot. I could feel the shock absorption during my runs, which helped reduce fatigue on longer distances. The shoe also offers decent arch support, making it suitable for those with neutral to slightly overpronated feet like mine.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of regular use on pavement and treadmill, the 680 V8 has held up well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the mesh upper remains intact without signs of tearing or excessive stretching. I found this durability reassuring, especially at the price point.
Style and Design
While I’m primarily focused on performance, the look of the shoe matters to me too. The New Balance 680 V8 comes in a variety of colorways, from classic to bold. I went with a neutral color that matches most of my workout gear. The design is clean and functional, which fits my style perfectly.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 680 V8?
If you’re a casual runner or someone who needs a dependable shoe for daily workouts, the 680 V8 is worth considering. It’s especially good for those who want a balance between comfort, support, and affordability. However, if you’re a competitive runner looking for cutting-edge performance features, you might want to explore higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 V8 has been very positive. It offers great comfort, solid support, and durability without a hefty price tag. If you’re searching for a versatile running shoe that fits well and performs reliably, this could be a smart choice. Just remember to try them on and see how they feel for your specific foot shape and running style.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on the New Balance 680 V8!
Author Profile
-
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
Latest entries
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Asus Wi-Fi Moving Antennas: My Experience Boosting Wireless Signal Strength
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Ebikes Under $200: Affordable Rides That Surprised Me
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Silver Mousse for Grey Hair: My Honest Review and Results
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Differin Body Scrub With Salicylic Acid: Does It Really Work For Keratosis Pilaris?