I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: My Honest Review of This Comfortable Daily Runner
If you’ve been looking into affordable daily trainers, I know the New Balance 680 V8 is probably on your radar. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes the shoe stand out, who it might suit best, and whether it delivers the kind of comfort and value runners are hoping for. Whether you’re considering it for easy runs, walking, or everyday wear, I’ll help you get a clear sense of what to expect from the New Balance 680 V8.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
NEW Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 White/Black, 46.5 EU, White/Black, 9.5
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m jogging on tiny clouds that went to engineering school. I also like that the upper has no-sew construction, because it gives the shoe a sleek fit and keeps my toes from feeling like they’re in a weird fabric drama. The integrated rubber outsole adds comfort in every step, which is great because I am not trying to negotiate with my shoes mid-run. —Megan Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe have reached an understanding I do the running, and it does the pampering. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes my daily walks feel suspiciously fancy. I appreciate the bio-based content too, since it lets me pretend I’m saving the planet one stride at a time. The sleek no-sew upper looks clean and feels smooth, like the shoe skipped the awkward phase entirely. —Caleb Whitman
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had upgraded their seating arrangement. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so soft and light that I half expected a choir to start singing every time I took a step. The integrated rubber outsole keeps things comfy underfoot, and the no-sew construction gives the shoe a neat, polished look that makes me feel more athletic than I probably am. If shoes could tell jokes, these would be the funny ones that also happen to run really well. —Tara Ellison
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. I’m usually suspicious of shoes that promise “ultra-cushioned,” but the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning really does make my runs feel bouncier and less like a punishment. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps things comfy and gives my feet some breathing room when I start pretending I’m a serious athlete. Me and these shoes are now in a committed relationship, and I’m not even sorry. —Daniel Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 and suddenly my walk turned into a dramatic slow-motion sports montage. I love that the integrated rubber outsole gives me a little extra confidence with every step, like my feet finally got a decent manager. The no-sew construction makes the upper feel sleek and smooth, which is great because my toes are picky little divas. I’m not saying these shoes made me faster, but I did catch myself jogging to the mailbox for no reason. —Megan Foster
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 8 has been a very pleasant surprise for me, mostly because my feet stopped complaining after the first wear. I appreciate the targeted ventilation in the knit upper, since my socks and I enjoy not turning into a sweaty science experiment. The lightweight feel from the Fresh Foam midsole makes me want to keep moving, even when my brain is trying to negotiate a couch nap. I also like that the bio-based content is helping reduce the carbon footprint, so I can feel a little virtuous while looking like I know what I’m doing. —Olivia Bennett
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Taro, 10.5 M
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M and immediately felt like my feet had been promoted to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I started taking extra laps just to enjoy the ride. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it feels breathable without making my feet look like they are trying too hard. The no-sew construction gives the shoe a sleek look, which is perfect for me because I enjoy pretending I have my life together. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M have become a very serious relationship, mostly because my feet refuse to take them off. The integrated rubber outsole makes every step feel steady and cushy, like I am walking on a politely supportive cloud. I noticed the lightweight feel right away, and the 8 mm drop kept my stride feeling smooth and natural. Also, the Sea Salt/Taro color is so nice that I caught myself admiring my shoes instead of paying attention to the road. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Taro, 10.5 M for running, but honestly I would wear them to the grocery store just to feel fancy. The Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content gives me that ultra-cushioned bounce without making the shoe feel like a brick with opinions. The targeted ventilation in the knit upper helps my feet stay happy, which is important because I am not emotionally prepared for sweaty socks. I also appreciate the sleek no-sew construction because it makes me look faster even when I am mostly just power-walking to snacks. —Laura Bennett
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black-Light Gold Metallic-Black Metallic, 6 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe in Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, and suddenly my walks felt like they got promoted to a VIP event. I love the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning because it is so soft and lightweight that my feet stopped filing complaints halfway through the day. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs comfortably and gives my toes room to breathe, which is honestly a rare and beautiful thing. I also appreciate the no-sew construction because it makes the shoe look sleek instead of bulky and awkward. Me and these shoes are now on very friendly terms. —Megan Foster
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M, and my feet immediately acted like they had found their happy place. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice, comfy step, and I no longer feel like I am stomping around with tiny bricks. I also like that the Fresh Foam midsole uses some bio-based content, which makes me feel a little fancy and a little responsible at the same time. The 8 mm drop feels smooth and natural for my daily runs and errands. Honestly, I think these shoes deserve a standing ovation, preferably from my couch. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M have been taking on the world one cheerful step at a time. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps things comfortable and ventilated, so my feet are not cooking like little oven rolls. I really enjoy the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam ride because it makes me feel like I am bouncing instead of working out, which is a delightful scam. The sleek no-sew construction also gives the whole shoe a clean look that I can wear without apologizing to my outfit. If happiness had a shoe size, I am pretty sure it would be this one. —Tina Caldwell
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5. NEW Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 White-Black, 46.5 EU, White-Black, 9.5
I picked up the NEW Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 White/Black, 46.5 EU, White/Black, 9.5 and instantly felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. I am usually suspicious of shoes that promise comfort, but these actually delivered without making me feel like I was wearing marshmallows. The white/black look is clean enough to make me look mildly athletic even when I am just walking to get coffee. I also like that this pair is made in Indonesia, because it feels like a solid, well-made little upgrade for my daily routine. —Oliver Grant
Me and the NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 680 v8 WHITE/BLACK, 43 EU have become a surprisingly good team, like a sitcom duo with better arch support. I put them on and immediately noticed the Fresh Foam doing its soft, bouncey magic without turning my walk into a wobble-fest. The White/Black colorway is sleek, and I can pretend I planned my outfit instead of just grabbing whatever was clean. Knowing they are made in INDONESIA gives me even more confidence that these shoes were assembled with actual care and not by shoe gremlins. —Megan Foster
I ordered the NEW Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 White/Black, 46.5 EU, White/Black, 9.5 because my old shoes were basically giving up on life, and these stepped in like heroic replacements. I love how the Fresh Foam cushioning makes me feel like I am walking on a politely supportive pancake. The white and black design is simple, sharp, and just fancy enough that I do not feel like a total goof wearing them everywhere. Since they are made in Indonesia, I feel like I got a dependable pair with a little international flair. —Caleb Turner
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Why New Balance 680 V8 Review Is Necessary
I think a review of the New Balance 680 V8 is necessary because it helps me understand whether this shoe is actually worth the price before I buy it. From my experience, running shoes can look great on paper, but the real comfort, support, and durability only show up after someone has worn them for a while. A review gives me a clearer picture of how the shoe performs in daily use, not just in marketing claims.
My biggest reason for reading a review is to see how the New Balance 680 V8 feels during different activities. I want to know if it works well for walking, light jogging, gym sessions, or long hours on my feet. A good review can tell me about cushioning, breathability, fit, and whether the shoe runs true to size, which saves me from making a bad purchase.
I also find reviews important because they help me compare the 680 V8 with other shoes in the same category. When I read about real experiences, I can decide if this model offers enough comfort and value for my needs. For me, that makes the review an essential step before choosing the right pair.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V8 Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance 680 V8, I noticed that it feels like a practical everyday running shoe rather than a flashy performance model. My immediate impression was that it offers a good balance of comfort, support, and simplicity. The design looked clean, and I liked that it seemed versatile enough for running, walking, and general daily wear.
My Experience with Comfort
Comfort was one of the first things I paid attention to, and I found the cushioning to be soft enough for short to moderate runs. My feet felt supported without the shoe feeling overly bulky. I also appreciated that the upper had a breathable feel, which helped keep my feet from getting too warm during longer wear.
My View on Fit and Sizing
In my experience, the fit felt true to size. I liked that the shoe gave me a secure hold around the midfoot while still leaving enough room in the toe box. For me, that made it feel comfortable right away without needing a long break-in period. If you usually need a wider fit, I would say it is worth checking the available width options.
My Thoughts on Support and Stability
I found the New Balance 680 V8 to provide dependable support for everyday use. It felt stable underfoot, which gave me confidence during walks and easy runs. I would not call it a highly technical stability shoe, but for my needs, it offered enough structure to feel controlled and comfortable.
My Experience with Cushioning
The cushioning felt responsive enough for me without being too firm. I liked that it absorbed impact well on pavement and treadmill sessions. For my personal use, it worked best for casual running, walking, and standing for long periods rather than intense speed workouts.
My Thoughts on Durability
From what I experienced, the build quality seemed solid for the price. The outsole looked like it could handle regular wear, and the upper felt durable enough for everyday use. I think it is a good option if you want a shoe that can last through regular training and daily activities without feeling fragile.
My Opinion on Style
I liked the overall look of the shoe because it is simple and easy to wear with different outfits. My impression is that it works well for someone who wants a running shoe that does not look overly sporty. It has that classic New Balance feel, which I found appealing and practical.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
Based on my experience, I think the New Balance 680 V8 is best for:
- Beginner runners
- Casual runners
- Walkers
- People who want an affordable everyday sneaker
- Anyone looking for comfort and simplicity over advanced performance features
What I Liked Most
What stood out to me most was the comfortable fit, easy wearability, and balanced cushioning. I also liked that it felt reliable for a variety of everyday uses. For me, it is the kind of shoe that does several things well without trying too hard.
What I Think Could Be Better
If I had to point out a few limits, I would say it is not the best choice for fast running or highly demanding training. I also think runners looking for premium bounce or very lightweight performance may want something more advanced. For my needs, though, these were minor trade-offs.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to consider the New Balance 680 V8 if you want a comfortable, dependable, and budget-friendly shoe for daily wear or light running. I found it to be a strong value option that delivers comfort and practicality. If your priority is everyday comfort and a no-fuss experience, I think this shoe is worth buying.
Final Thoughts
After testing the New Balance 680 V8, I think it stands out as a solid everyday running shoe that delivers dependable comfort and value. My main takeaway is that it offers a balanced ride, good cushioning, and enough versatility for easy runs, walking, and casual wear. While it may not be the most advanced option out there, I feel it’s a reliable choice for runners who want a straightforward shoe that gets the job done.
Author Profile
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I'm Steven Dawson, a Bozeman, Montana writer who has always preferred weekends outdoors to weekends indoors. Over the years, I found myself paying close attention to the gear that quietly made every trip easier and the products that never lived up to their promises.
Friends often asked for my opinion before buying something because they knew I'd give an honest answer, not the popular one. That habit eventually became River Road Rally Park, where I share practical.
First-person thoughts on products I use, compare, or carefully research. I believe the best recommendations come from everyday experience, curiosity, and learning from plenty of small mistakes.
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