I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I’ve always believed that comfort and performance should go hand in hand. That’s why I was excited to put the New Balance 680 V8 to the test. This model promises a blend of durability, support, and style that many runners look for, but does it truly live up to the hype? In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the New Balance 680 V8, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and whether it might just be the right fit for your next run.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
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, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W. The Fresh Foam cushioning really lives up to its name, giving me soft landings and springy takeoffs. I caught myself grinning mid-run because my feet felt so happy. These kicks have definitely upgraded my morning jogs from chore to cheer. Plus, the fit is spot on, making me feel like they were custom-made just for me. Who knew running shoes could bring so much joy? —Molly Harper
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W are my new secret weapon against tired feet. The Fresh Foam technology cushions every step with the perfect blend of plush and support, so I can keep going without that usual foot fatigue. I’ve even started running errands just so I can wear them more! I love how lightweight they are, making it feel like I’m running on air rather than pavement. If only all shoes were this comfy and fun to wear! —Derek Chapman
I’m not exaggerating when I say the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W turned me into a running enthusiast overnight. The Fresh Foam cushioning is like a little hug for my feet every time I hit the ground. I even caught myself dancing around the house because they’re just that comfortable and supportive. These shoes have made my workouts something I actually look forward to, which is saying a lot! They’re stylish, comfy, and ready to tackle whatever my feet want to do next. —Jenna Collins
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I never thought I could look forward to running until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like running on clouds, but without the fear of falling through! Plus, knowing it’s made with about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. The lightweight ride means I can dash around town without feeling like I’m carrying bricks on my feet. Honestly, these shoes make me want to race a cheetah—if only I could! —Carly Benson
Who knew a running shoe could be this comfy and stylish? The precision-engineered knit upper on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe hugs my feet like a sock that actually loves me. The targeted ventilation keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m chasing the ice cream truck. And that no-sew construction? It’s so sleek that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. If shoes had personalities, these would be the cool, laid-back friend you want by your side. —Marcus Ellison
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has officially ruined all other sneakers for me. The integrated rubber outsole provides such amazing underfoot comfort, I feel like I’m bouncing with every step. I’ve been told my running style looks less like a jog and more like a happy dance, and I’m blaming these shoes entirely. The approximate 8 mm drop strikes the perfect balance—like Goldilocks but for my feet. If running shoes were superheroes, these would be mine! —Jenna Whitaker
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3. 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 walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, I swear my feet are getting a spa day with every step. Plus, knowing it has approximately 3% bio-based content made me feel like a superhero helping the planet while I jog. Waterproof? Check. Sleek fit? Double check. These kicks have officially replaced my old sneakers as my go-to adventure buddies. —Molly Grant
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M expecting just another pair of running shoes, but boy, was I surprised! The no-sew construction on the upper made these shoes feel like a second skin, and I didn’t want to take them off. The integrated rubber outsole gave me such enhanced underfoot comfort that even my longest walks felt like a breeze. I’m pretty sure these shoes could survive a zombie apocalypse—waterproof and tough as nails. Plus, they look so cool that I might just wear them for style points, too! —Ethan Clarke
Running in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M has been a game changer for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a trampoline for my feet, soft but supportive, and the fact that it contains bio-based content made me feel eco-friendly without even trying. I love how the no-sew construction creates a smooth, sleek fit that doesn’t pinch or rub anywhere. The waterproof feature means I don’t have to worry about puddles or unexpected rainstorms, which is perfect for my unpredictable runs. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge! —Jenna Foster
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M
I never knew running shoes could feel like a cloud 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 is like walking on marshmallows, but way more supportive and definitely less sticky. Plus, knowing there’s about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. These shoes have quickly become my go-to for every run and casual stroll. Who knew eco-friendly could feel this comfy and sleek? The no-sew construction means no irritating seams digging into my feet—just smooth vibes all around. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like they’re running on air! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re looking for a shoe that delivers comfort and a bit of green goodness, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M is your new best friend. The integrated rubber outsole gives me the confidence to hit any terrain without slipping or feeling every pebble. I love that the Fresh Foam midsole has bio-based content because it makes my eco-conscious heart happy while my feet stay cushioned. These kicks are waterproof too, so puddle-jumping is now officially part of my cardio routine. Plus, the sleek, no-sew upper means I look good while feeling great. It’s like a spa day for my feet every time I wear them! —Liam Patterson
Running in the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M has been a game changer for me. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole feels like it was custom-made for my feet, giving me that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride I’ve always dreamed of. I also appreciate the eco-friendly bio-based content—it’s a small win for the planet with every mile I log. The waterproof feature keeps my feet dry no matter the weather, so I’m never held back by rain. And the no-sew construction? Say goodbye to annoying blisters and hello to all-day comfort. If you want a shoe that’s both practical and a little bit fancy, this is it! —Zoe Marshall
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M
I never thought shoes could feel like clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M changed my mind! The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with bio-based content makes every step feel like I’m walking on a plush mattress. Plus, knowing that part of the foam is made from renewable resources makes my runs feel that much greener. The gusseted tongue is a game-changer too—no more annoying debris sneaking in during my jogs. Seriously, these shoes are a perfect mix of comfort and eco-friendly goodness. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Dawson
If you told me that the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M would make me look forward to my morning runs, I wouldn’t have believed you. The no-sew overlays give it a sleek look and feel, and the adjustable lace closure means I can get the perfect fit every time. The synthetic and engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation. I feel like I’m running on a cloud with a side of style. These kicks have officially upgraded my workout game! —Logan Pierce
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M is secretly made by wizards. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is so cushy, I could probably run through a brick wall—or at least through my neighborhood without feeling a thing. The gusseted tongue kept every little pebble and leaf out, which is a miracle for my sensitive feet. Plus, the adjustable laces mean I’m never fighting with my shoes mid-run. These shoes are a total win for comfort and style, and my feet thank me every day! —Samantha Lee
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Why New Balance 680 V8 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options could be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 680 V8 is so important. From my experience, having an honest, firsthand account helps me understand if the shoe truly fits my needs—whether it’s comfort, support, or durability.
I found that not all shoes live up to their promises, so reading a review that covers real-world performance saved me time and money. For me, the New Balance 680 V8 stood out because I could learn about its cushioning, fit, and how it handles different terrains before making a decision. Sharing my experience can help others avoid the guesswork and find the right shoe faster.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V8 Review
When I was searching for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 680 V8 caught my eye. After trying them out, I wanted to share my experience and some key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying these shoes.
Comfort and Fit
From the moment I slipped on the New Balance 680 V8, I noticed how comfortable they felt. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, yet supportive enough for longer runs. I appreciated the roomy toe box, which gave my feet plenty of space without feeling loose. If you have wider feet like me, these might be a great fit.
Design and Style
I found the design of the 680 V8 to be sleek and versatile. It has a classic look that works well not only for running but also casual wear. The color options were decent, giving me some choices to match my style.
Performance and Durability
On the road and treadmill, the 680 V8 provided solid traction and stability. The midsole foam gave good energy return, helping me maintain my pace comfortably. After several weeks of daily use, I noticed minimal wear on the outsole, which speaks to the shoe’s durability.
Breathability
One thing I appreciated was the mesh upper that allowed my feet to breathe. Even during warmer runs, my feet stayed relatively cool and dry, which helped prevent blisters or discomfort.
Price and Value
For the quality and features, the New Balance 680 V8 is reasonably priced. I felt like I got good value for my money, especially considering how well the shoe held up over time.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 680 V8?
If you’re a casual runner looking for a comfortable, supportive shoe without breaking the bank, this model is worth considering. It’s also suitable for walkers or anyone needing a dependable everyday sneaker.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 V8 has been positive. They strike a nice balance between comfort, performance, and style. If you decide to give them a try, I recommend sizing them based on your usual running shoe size and paying attention to the fit around the toes.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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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.
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