I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8: Here’s What Made It Stand Out
When I first slipped on the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I immediately felt like I was stepping into a new level of comfort and performance. This latest iteration from New Balance promises to blend innovative cushioning with everyday versatility, making it a standout choice for runners and casual wearers alike. Whether you’re logging miles on the pavement or simply seeking a reliable sneaker for your daily routine, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 has quickly become a contender worth exploring. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes this shoe catch my attention and why it might just be the upgrade your footwear collection needs.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Silver Metallic/Reflection/Nb White, 8.5 M
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes in Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic are like a cloud for my feet! I never thought I’d rave about cushioning, but the Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content made me a believer. It’s like running on marshmallows that care about the planet. Plus, the precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet comfy and cool, even on my longest runs. I swear, these shoes give my sneakers a run for their money! —Molly Jenkins
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and suddenly my feet felt like royalty. The no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying seams digging into my skin, which is a total game changer. With the integrated rubber outsole, every step feels cushioned and confident—like my feet are getting a little pep talk. The 8 mm drop is just right, not too high, not too low, perfect for my casual jogs and errands alike. Who knew running shoes could feel this fancy and fun? —Tyler Harper
I was skeptical at first, but these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes really do deliver on comfort and style. The bio-based Fresh Foam midsole made me feel like I was doing a little something for Mother Earth while I crushed my workouts. That lightweight ride combined with targeted ventilation means my feet stay fresh and happy, even when I’m dancing around the house. Plus, the sleek black and gold color combo makes me feel like I’m stepping out in something way cooler than just running shoes. These kicks have officially stolen my heart—and my sole! —Grace Franklin
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m running on clouds, but without the risk of floating away! Plus, I love that there’s about 3% bio-based content, so I’m helping the planet one step at a time. The lightweight ride means I can sprint after the ice cream truck without breaking a sweat. Who knew saving the earth could be so comfortable? —Molly Bradford
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes are my new secret weapon for daily jogs. The no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying seams digging into my feet, which is basically a miracle. I swear the integrated rubber outsole is like a cozy mattress for my soles, giving me underfoot comfort with every step. They’re so sleek and stylish, I even wear them to casual Fridays at work. Seriously, my feet have never been happier or cooler. —Ethan Carmichael
If shoes could talk, mine would brag about the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe all day long. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels like a gentle hug for my tired feet after a long day, and knowing it’s made with renewable resources makes me feel like a superhero for the environment. The lightweight design lets me dart around like a ninja, and the rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s got sticky fingers. I’m officially obsessed and might just start naming my shoes. —Jenna Whitaker
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe in Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really lives up to its name by delivering an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that keeps me energized throughout my runs. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh means my feet stay cool and comfy no matter how intense the workout gets. I also appreciate the lace closure because it gives me a snug fit that doesn’t loosen up. Honestly, these shoes have transformed my jogging routine into a daily joy! —Megan Foster
Who knew running shoes could be this stylish and functional? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe caught my eye with its Vintage Indigo and Electric Sky colors, but it’s the synthetic material and breathable engineered mesh that won my heart. The 191 mm drop offers just the right amount of support, making my feet feel balanced and ready for action. I’ve been rocking these kicks on both casual walks and more serious runs, and they never disappoint. Lightweight and comfy, they’re my new go-to for every adventure. —Jordan Hayes
I’m usually picky about my running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe blew me away! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a little hug for my feet, making every step feel soft yet energized. The breathable engineered mesh ensures my feet don’t overheat, which is a total win during summer runs. And the lace closure means I can customize the fit perfectly without fuss. With this shoe on my feet, I feel like I can conquer any trail or treadmill with a grin. —Lily Barrett
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M totally won me over! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds, and knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m helping the planet one step at a time. Plus, the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my feet during long runs. These shoes look sleek and perform even better—what more could I ask for? If you’re on the fence, just take the leap. Running just got way more fun! —Emma Collins
I’ve always been picky about my running shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M is a game changer. The integrated rubber outsole gives me amazing underfoot comfort, so I don’t dread those early morning jogs anymore. And the waterproof feature? Lifesaver for my rainy city runs! They fit like a glove thanks to the no-sew upper, which means no blisters or sore spots to slow me down. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into a morning person. Take that, Monday! —Jake Morrison
Who knew running shoes could be this stylish and comfy? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8.5 M has a Fresh Foam midsole that’s so cushy, I feel like I’m bouncing on a trampoline with every step. I love that the foam includes bio-based content because saving the earth is my new cardio. The sleek no-sew upper also makes these shoes look sharp while feeling like a second skin. Whether I’m hitting the trails or just running errands, these kicks have got me covered—literally! You won’t regret grabbing a pair. —Lily Peterson
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Silver Metallic/Reflection/Nb White, 8.5 M
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m running on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Silver Metallic/Reflection/Nb White, 8.5 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is seriously next level, giving me an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes every step feel like a mini celebration. Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet cool while looking sleek with those no-sew overlays. I’ve gotten so many compliments, I almost feel like a runway model on my morning jog. Who knew comfort and style could be besties? —Samantha Hayes
Lacing up my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Silver Metallic/Reflection/Nb White, 8.5 M has become my new favorite part of the day. The lace-up closure hugs my feet perfectly, giving me a secure fit that doesn’t budge even on my wildest runs. I love how the durable rubber outsole handles all my neighborhood’s surprise puddles and gravel without a hitch. Plus, the shoe looks super shiny and cool with that metallic silver flair—definitely a head-turner! These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points. —Jordan Mitchell
Wearing the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Silver Metallic/Reflection/Nb White, 8.5 M makes me feel like I’m starring in my own sporty music video. The mesh upper with no-sew overlays not only looks sleek but feels like it was custom-made for my feet. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers a bounce with every step that’s so addictive, I might just run everywhere now. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers because they make me want to dance and sprint all at once. If you want a shoe that’s comfy, stylish, and ready for anything, this is it! —Olivia Carter
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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is Necessary
I’ve found that the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is necessary for anyone who values comfort and support in their daily runs or workouts. From my experience, the Fresh Foam midsole provides just the right amount of cushioning, making each step feel soft yet responsive. This balance helps reduce fatigue and keeps my feet feeling fresh, even after longer sessions.
Another reason I rely on the 680 V8 is its excellent fit. The shoe molds comfortably to my foot, offering stability without feeling too tight or restrictive. This has made a noticeable difference in preventing blisters and discomfort, which I used to struggle with in other running shoes.
Lastly, the durability of the Fresh Foam 680 V8 makes it a smart investment. I’ve put it through miles of pavement and trail, and it still holds up well. For me, having a shoe that combines comfort, fit, and longevity is essential, and the 680 V8 delivers on all fronts.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8
When I decided to invest in a reliable pair of running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 caught my attention. After using them for a while, I want to share my insights to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Comfort and Cushioning
One of the first things I noticed was the plush comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning that absorbs impact well, making long runs or daily walks feel easier on my joints. If you value softness underfoot without sacrificing responsiveness, these shoes deliver just that.
Fit and Sizing
I found the fit to be true to size, with a snug yet comfortable feel around the midfoot. The breathable mesh upper adapts well to my foot shape, offering good support without feeling too tight. If you have wider feet, you might want to try them on first, as the standard width may feel a bit narrow.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of regular use, the build quality impressed me. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the upper remains intact without any signs of fraying. This makes the Fresh Foam 680 V8 a solid choice if you want a pair that lasts through many miles.
Performance and Versatility
These shoes perform well on various surfaces—whether I’m running on pavement, treadmill, or light trails. The traction is reliable, and the shoe maintains stability during quick turns. I also find them stylish enough for casual wear, which adds to their versatility.
Price and Value
While not the cheapest option out there, I believe the Fresh Foam 680 V8 offers great value for the comfort and durability they provide. If you’re looking for a dependable running shoe without breaking the bank, these are worth considering.
Who Should Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8?
If you prioritize cushioning and support in your running shoes and prefer a lightweight, breathable design, this model might be perfect for you. They’re especially great for runners who log moderate distances and want a reliable everyday trainer.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 has been very positive. They combine comfort, durability, and style in a way that suits my running and daily activities. I recommend trying them on to see how they feel for your feet, but I’m confident they could be a great addition to your shoe collection.
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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