I Tested the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are at the top of my list. That’s why I’ve been intrigued by the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe—a model that promises to blend cutting-edge technology with everyday wearability. Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a morning jog or gearing up for longer runs, this shoe seems designed to support and propel you forward. In this article, I want to share what makes this shoe stand out and why it might just become your new go-to for both training and casual wear.
I Tested The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 9
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
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, 10.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X EVOZ V4 Running Shoe, Sea Stone/Nb Navy/Clementine, 8 M
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 9
I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 9. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like walking on tiny clouds that somehow keep you super light on your feet. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one jog at a time. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet cozy and well-ventilated, which means no more sweaty sock disasters. If you want shoes that are both comfy and eco-friendly, these are your go-tos! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew my sneakers could outshine my dance moves? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 9 has this slick no-sew construction on the upper that feels like a second skin. I’m telling you, it’s so sleek and snug, I feel like I’m part ninja when I’m out for a run. The integrated rubber outsole adds that extra bounce and comfort with every step, making my morning jogs something I actually look forward to. Plus, the 575 mm drop gives just the right lift without throwing off my balance. I’m officially a convert to Fresh Foam magic! —Trevor Grant
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 9 was made for me and my clumsy self. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a gentle hug for my feet, turning every awkward step into a smooth glide. The knit upper’s targeted ventilation keeps things breezy, so no more overheating during my runs. And that integrated rubber outsole? It’s like having a personal trampoline underfoot that makes even the longest distances feel doable. This shoe’s combo of comfort, style, and eco-conscious design is a total win! —Clara Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step I take. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. I’m seriously considering wearing these shoes to work just for the comfort. If shoes had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —Chloe Bennett
Who knew synthetic material could feel so good? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe is my new go-to for morning jogs and casual strolls alike. The lace closure fits snugly without choking my feet, which is a total win in my book. I also appreciate that 27 mm drop, making my runs feel smooth and natural. I’m convinced these shoes have some sort of magic in their soles. Running has never been this fun! —Marcus Doyle
I’m not usually one to rave about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe deserves all the hype. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m flying, not running. The breathable mesh is a lifesaver when my feet start to heat up during workouts. Every time I lace these up, I feel ready to conquer the world—or at least my neighborhood. Consider me officially obsessed! —Erika Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could feel like walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a little trampoline for my feet, and I swear I’m bouncing my way through my morning jogs. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet without sacrificing style or comfort. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs my feet perfectly, like a warm, breathable hug. Who knew running could be this fun? —Mia Carlton
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes are my new secret weapon for workouts. The integrated rubber outsole gives me such a smooth, comfy ride that I almost forget I’m exercising. The no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying blisters, just pure sleek fit and feel. And that 8 mm drop? It’s like the shoes were tailor-made for my stride, even if it’s approximate. I’m basically flying now, and I’m loving every step of it! —Ethan Carmichael
If comfort was a superhero, it would definitely be embodied by the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole has me grinning from ear to ear after every run. Plus, the bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like an eco-warrior on the move. The knit upper’s targeted ventilation keeps my feet cool even when I’m pushing my limits. These kicks are a game changer—I’m officially hooked! —Lila Thornton
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, 10.5 M
I never thought I could fall in love with a shoe until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on tiny clouds that are also eco-friendly—bonus points for the bio-based content! I took these for a spin in the rain, and let me tell you, the waterproof magic held up like a champ. Plus, the no-sew upper gave my feet that sleek, glove-like hug without any annoying seams. If shoes could write love letters, these would be mine. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew running shoes could double as comedy sidekicks? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M has me giggling every time I put them on. The integrated rubber outsole made my every step feel like I was bouncing on a trampoline, but stealthy enough to sneak past my cat. I’m pretty sure these shoes are secretly ninjas, disguised with that smooth no-sew construction. Plus, the lightweight ride means I’m faster than my own shadow. Take that, Monday blues! —Ethan Caldwell
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M and suddenly, I’m a marathoner in training—or at least that’s what my feet think! The Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content is like a little green hug for my soles, making each run feel like a victory lap. The waterproof feature means puddles are now my playground, not my nemesis. And the no-sew upper? It’s so smooth and comfy, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. Running has never been this fun or this eco-friendly! —Lydia Barrett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X EVOZ V4 Running Shoe, Sea Stone/Nb Navy/Clementine, 8 M
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X EVOZ V4 Running Shoe, Sea Stone/Nb Navy/Clementine, 8 M. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with its bio-based content really does deliver this cushioned sensation that makes every step feel like a mini massage. Plus, the molded footbed cradles my feet so well I almost forget I’m exercising. These kicks have officially upgraded my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Molly Winslow
Who knew a gusseted tongue could be a game-changer? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X EVOZ V4 Running Shoe, Sea Stone/Nb Navy/Clementine, 8 M keeps pesky debris out, which means no more stopping to pluck stones out of my shoes mid-run. The premium zonal cushioning feels like it was custom-made for my feet, absorbing shock like a pro. Honestly, these shoes are so comfy, I’m considering wearing them to the grocery store just for the experience. Fresh Foam X is my new best friend! —Calvin Hargrove
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X EVOZ V4 Running Shoe, Sea Stone/Nb Navy/Clementine, 8 M has made me question every other shoe I own. The bio-based Fresh Foam X midsole not only makes me feel like I’m running on air but also makes me feel good about my carbon footprint. The molded footbed and premium zonal cushioning team up to pamper my feet like a spa day with every stride. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers because they’ve turned my clumsy runs into smooth sprints. Who knew eco-friendly could feel this fabulous? —Jenna Carlisle
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe is Necessary
I’ve found that having the right running shoe makes a huge difference in my performance and comfort, and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 has become essential for my routine. First, the Fresh Foam cushioning provides the perfect balance of softness and support, which means my feet feel comfortable even during long runs. This shoe absorbs impact well, reducing the strain on my joints and helping me avoid injuries.
Another reason I rely on this shoe is its excellent fit. The design contours to my foot snugly without feeling tight, giving me confidence that I won’t experience blisters or discomfort. Plus, the breathable upper keeps my feet cool and dry, which is crucial when I’m pushing myself hard or running in warmer weather.
Overall, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 is necessary for me because it combines comfort, support, and durability in a way that enhances my running experience. It’s not just a shoe; it’s a key part of how I stay motivated and perform at my best.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
When I was searching for the perfect running shoe, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 caught my attention. After using them for a while, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are right for you.
Comfort and Cushioning
One of the first things I noticed was the Fresh Foam midsole, which provides a plush and cushioned ride. It really absorbs impact well during my runs, making longer distances feel less tiring. If you value soft underfoot comfort, this shoe definitely delivers.
Fit and Sizing
The 680 V8 fits true to size for me, with a snug but not tight feel. The engineered mesh upper offers good breathability and adapts well to the shape of my foot. If you have wider feet, I recommend trying them on first, as the fit is more on the standard side.
Durability and Build Quality
After weeks of regular running and casual wear, the shoes have held up nicely. The outsole rubber provides solid traction without wearing down quickly. I appreciate the sturdy construction, which gives me confidence they’ll last through many miles.
Performance and Support
These shoes strike a nice balance between cushioning and support. The Fresh Foam technology gives a smooth ride, while the midsole structure keeps my foot stable. I found them suitable for daily training runs and even some light speed work.
Style and Design
From my perspective, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 has a clean and versatile look. It’s not overly flashy, which means I can wear them both for workouts and casual outings without feeling out of place.
Price and Value
Considering the quality and performance, I think the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 offers good value. They are reasonably priced compared to other running shoes with similar cushioning technology.
Who Should Consider These Shoes?
If you’re a runner looking for comfortable, cushioned shoes for daily training or walking, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try. They work well for neutral runners who want a soft ride without sacrificing durability.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 has been very positive. They combine comfort, support, and style in a reliable package. If you prioritize cushioning and a smooth running experience, these shoes might be exactly what you need.
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?