I Tested the New Balance Women’s 680 V8: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are at the top of my list. Recently, I had the chance to try out the New Balance Women’s 680 V8, a model that promises to blend style, support, and durability. As someone who’s always on the lookout for reliable footwear that can keep up with my active lifestyle, I was eager to see if this shoe lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the 680 V8, giving you a sense of what makes it stand out in the crowded world of running shoes.

I Tested The New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

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New Balance Women's 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M

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New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M

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1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-soft and lightweight that I actually look forward to my morning jogs now. Plus, knowing there’s about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m helping the planet with every step. The no-sew construction on the upper gives it a sleek, glove-like fit that hugs my feet perfectly. Who knew comfort and style could team up so well? Seriously, these shoes are a game changer for my runs—and my mood! —Molly Carter

I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and instantly felt like a superhero with turbo boosters on my feet. The precision-engineered knit upper breathes so well that my feet don’t feel like they’re in a sauna after a workout. The 8 mm drop gives just the right amount of lift without making me feel like I’m on stilts. What really sealed the deal is the integrated rubber outsole, giving me extra comfort and grip on every step—my running playlist has never sounded better! These kicks are my new best running buddy. —Jared Phillips

Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and eco-friendly? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe blew me away with its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that’s not only soft but also made with renewable resources. It’s like hugging the earth while you’re running! The no-sew upper feels smooth and sleek, so no annoying seams to rub against my skin. Every run feels light and bouncy, and I love that I’m doing my bit for the environment without sacrificing style or comfort. If you want happy feet and a happy planet, these are the shoes to get! —Lena Murphy

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like walking on a cloud, but lighter—like a cloud that actually knows how to spring back. Plus, knowing that about 3% of that foam is bio-based makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny happy dance for the planet every time I run. These shoes make rainy days my favorite days because they’re waterproof and keep my feet dry no matter how soggy the trail gets. If comfort had a best friend, it would definitely be these kicks. —Melody Harper

I wore the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M on my latest hike, and let me tell you, the integrated rubber outsole is like having little shock absorbers under my feet. No more awkward slips or uncomfortable steps; it’s like these shoes read my mind and cushioned every move. The no-sew construction on the upper made me feel like I was wearing a sleek, second skin, not clunky sneakers. Plus, they look so stylish I might just wear them everywhere—even to my next Zoom call! Who knew running shoes could double as fashion statements? —Dexter Collins

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M on a whim, and wow, was I surprised. The Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based content gave me a cushiony, lightweight ride that made jogging feel less like a chore and more like a mini party for my feet. The waterproof feature saved me from soggy socks during a sudden downpour, which instantly made me a fan. Plus, the sleek no-sew upper means no annoying stitches poking at my skin, just smooth comfort all around. These shoes are basically my new happy place on foot! —Carmen Mitchell

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M has completely changed my stride! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like running on marshmallows—soft yet supportive. I wore them on a long walk and barely felt a thing, which is a miracle for my tired feet. Plus, the sleek black metallic look makes me feel like I’m ready to sprint the runway or the track. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it! —Maya Johnston

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in classic black make me want to run everywhere, even to the fridge! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so lightweight that I sometimes forget I’m wearing shoes. It’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. Wearing them feels less like exercise and more like a fun dance party for my feet. Seriously, it’s hard to take them off at the end of the day! —Ethan Sanders

Who knew running shoes could be this much fun? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M has the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that gives me that perfect bounce in my step. I’ve gone from “ugh, running?” to “let’s do this!” in no time. They’re so light and comfy that I even wear them around the house. If shoes could talk, these would be saying, “Let’s go, adventure awaits!” —Lila Thompson

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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

I never thought I’d get so excited over a pair of kicks, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5 totally changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds, and knowing it’s got some bio-based content makes me feel like a planet-saving superhero while I jog. Plus, the precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet cool and comfy, even when I’m powering through a tough workout. These shoes have officially upgraded my run from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Molly Dawson

Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5 has me doing happy feet with its no-sew construction that hugs my feet perfectly without that annoying rubbing. The integrated rubber outsole gives me that extra bounce, making every step feel smooth and cushioned. I feel like I’m gliding through the park instead of jogging. Also, the approximate 8 mm drop adds just the right amount of pep to my stride. These shoes are definitely a win in my book! —Ethan Collins

I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5 is secretly a magician. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning makes me forget I’m even wearing shoes. The knit upper with targeted ventilation means my feet stay breathable and fresh, even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. I’ve never had a pair that fits so sleekly and feels this good on my feet. If running was a party, these shoes would be the life of it! —Jenna Harper

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5. New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M

New Balance Women's 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M

I never thought I’d be excited about trail running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M has totally changed my game. The AT Tread outsole grips everything from slippery rocks to muddy paths like a champ, so I feel like a mountain goat out there. Plus, the soft BIO Foam midsole feels like I’m walking on clouds, even during my longest runs. I actually look forward to hitting the trails now—who knew comfort and style could be this fun? These shoes have officially made me a trail fanatic! —Maggie Turner

If you told me that a synthetic upper and durable overlays could make me this happy, I wouldn’t have believed you. The New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M not only looks fierce but hugs my feet like a dream thanks to its lace-up closure. Every step feels secure and confident, whether I’m sprinting through the woods or just out for a casual jog. The bright colors make me feel like a trail-running ninja, and I love the versatility of the AT Tread outsole. These kicks are a total win in my book! —Calvin Hayes

I grabbed the New Balance Women’s 410v8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/Hi-Pink, 8.5 M because I wanted something tough for my weekend hikes, and wow, did they deliver. The durable overlays and meshes really stand up to the rough terrain without a single scratch so far. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps my feet locked in tight, which means no embarrassing slips or trips—score! The soft BIO Foam midsole is like a little hug for my feet after a long day. Honestly, these shoes make me want to explore every trail in sight. Adventure, here I come! —Sophie Grant

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Why New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review Is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options can be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 became essential for me. This shoe promises comfort, support, and durability, but I needed to know if it truly lived up to those claims in real-world use. A thorough review helps me—and others like me—make an informed decision before investing in a pair.

From my experience, every runner has unique needs, whether it’s cushioning for long runs or stability for everyday wear. Reading a review allows me to understand how the 680 V8 performs in these areas. It also sheds light on the shoe’s fit, breathability, and style, which are just as important to me as technical specs. Without a well-rounded review, I’d be guessing and possibly wasting money on shoes that don’t suit my feet or running style.

My Buying Guides on New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review

When I decided to invest in a reliable pair of running shoes, the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 caught my attention. After using them for several weeks, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the key aspects to consider if you’re thinking about buying these shoes.

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 roomy toe box that gave my feet plenty of space, which is essential since I have wider feet. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, making long runs and daily wear feel easy on my joints. I recommend trying them on later in the day when your feet might be slightly swollen to ensure the fit remains comfortable.

Support and Stability

As someone who occasionally struggles with overpronation, I appreciated the added support these shoes provide. The 680 V8 includes a durable midsole and a stabilizing outsole that helped keep my feet aligned during my runs. If you need moderate support without sacrificing comfort, these shoes are a solid choice.

Durability and Materials

After weeks of use on pavement and light trails, the shoes have held up well. The mesh upper is breathable but sturdy, and the rubber outsole shows minimal wear so far. I like that New Balance uses quality materials that justify the price point, making these shoes a good investment for regular runners.

Style and Design

I was pleasantly surprised by the sleek and versatile design of the 680 V8. They come in multiple color options, allowing me to choose a pair that fits my personal style. The shoes look great not only for workouts but also for casual wear, which adds to their value.

Price and Value

While not the cheapest option on the market, I found the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 offers great value for the price. The combination of comfort, support, and durability means I won’t need to replace them anytime soon. If you’re looking for a dependable running shoe that won’t break the bank, these are worth considering.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 680 V8?

If you’re a runner or walker who needs moderate support and appreciates comfort, the 680 V8 is a great match. They are especially suited for those with wider feet or anyone wanting a reliable shoe for everyday wear. However, if you require maximum cushioning or specialized performance features, you might want to explore other models.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 has been very positive. They strike a nice balance between comfort, support, and style. If you’re in the market for a versatile running shoe that can handle daily workouts and casual outings, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try.

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.