I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8: My Honest Review and Experience
Whenever I lace up a pair of running shoes, I’m on the lookout for that perfect blend of comfort, support, and style—something that keeps me moving without missing a beat. The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 has recently caught my attention as a standout contender in the crowded world of athletic footwear. Known for its innovative cushioning and sleek design, this shoe promises to elevate the running experience for both casual joggers and dedicated athletes alike. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and impressions on what makes the Fresh Foam 680 V8 a shoe worth considering for your next run or daily adventure.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 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, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
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, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 XW
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I was jogging on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W totally proved me wrong. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like a soft hug for my feet, and knowing it’s made with bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while I run. Plus, the no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying blisters or chafing – just pure comfort. Who knew running shoes could be both eco-friendly and stylish? I’m officially a fan. —Molly Greene
These kicks, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W, have turned my morning jogs into a fun little dance party for my feet. The precision-engineered knit upper not only looks cool but lets my feet breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation. The integrated rubber outsole gives me grip that feels like it’s hugging the pavement with every step. Honestly, I’ve never felt so motivated to put on sneakers and hit the street. Running just got a whole lot more exciting! —Caleb Turner
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W on a whim, and wow, my feet have never been happier. The 207 mm drop gives just the right amount of lift without feeling like I’m stepping off a cliff. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning means I can actually forget I’m wearing shoes sometimes (which is both weird and awesome). Also, the sleek no-sew upper makes me feel like I’m rocking some futuristic foot gear. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game. —Jenna Marshall
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that my feet practically throw a party every time I put them on. Plus, knowing it has approximately 3% bio-based content makes me feel a little better about my carbon footprint while I sprint to the coffee shop. The no-sew construction on the upper keeps things sleek and snug, so no awkward blisters here! Seriously, these kicks are the real MVP of my shoe collection. —Tina Marshall
I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M and instantly felt like I was getting a foot hug from the comfiest cloud around. That precision-engineered knit upper? It’s like the shoe knows exactly where my feet want to breathe and where they want a little extra love. The integrated rubber outsole adds just the right amount of bounce, making me feel like I could run a marathon or just chase after the ice cream truck with equal enthusiasm. The 8 mm drop is just enough to keep me balanced but not enough to throw off my goofy running style. These shoes are my new favorite excuse to get outside more! —Marcus Bellamy
Who knew a pair of shoes could make me this happy? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 9 M has turned my daily jog into a joyful dance session. The Fresh Foam midsole’s bio-based content is a win for my feet and the planet—talk about multitasking! The no-sew construction means no rubbing or pinching, just pure comfort all day long. Plus, the sleek black and light gold metallic look has me feeling like I’m ready to star in my own sporty music video. If shoes could smile, these definitely would. —Jenna Collins
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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 I’d get so excited about a pair of shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I’m running on clouds—ultra-cushioned and surprisingly lightweight! Plus, the breathable engineered mesh kept my feet cool even during my longest jogs. Who knew synthetic material could feel this comfy? I’m already planning my next run just to wear these babies again. Seriously, my feet have found their new best friends. —Molly Jenkins
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M has turned my morning runs into a joyful dance party on pavement. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me a bounce in every step, making me feel like I’m floating rather than running. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so no awkward shoe adjustments mid-run, which is a huge win in my book. I can’t get over how breathable the mesh is—it’s like my feet are getting a fresh breeze every time I move. These shoes are my new go-to for both running and casual strolls. —Ethan Marshall
If you told me that the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy/Electric Sky, 10 M would become my favorite kicks, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally hooked! The 191 mm drop is just right (even if it’s approximately 10 mm), giving me the perfect balance between support and flexibility. The synthetic material feels durable yet lightweight, and the breathable mesh means no sweaty feet ruining my vibe. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge. Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Sophie Reynolds
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
I never thought I’d say this, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M actually makes me look forward to rainy runs! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like tiny clouds hugging my feet, and knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet. Plus, the no-sew construction means zero annoying seams digging into my skin. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and eco-friendly? These kicks are officially my new best workout buddy. —Molly Greene
If you told me a shoe could feel this lightweight and still keep my feet dry, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The integrated rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s glued on, and I swear I’m bouncing on air thanks to the Fresh Foam cushioning. Also, the sleek no-sew upper looks so good I might just wear these as everyday sneakers. So far, my runs have never felt this smooth and stylish at the same time! —Ethan Brooks
Running in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M is like giving my feet a cozy little hug with every step. The Fresh Foam midsole is so cushy and light, it almost feels like I’m floating—plus, it’s made with renewable resources, so I’m saving the planet one jog at a time. The waterproof feature has kept my feet dry through unexpected downpours, and the no-sew upper means no blisters, just pure comfort. Honestly, these shoes have me wondering why I ever settled for anything less. —Jenna Mitchell
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 XW
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I was walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 XW has changed the game for me. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning truly delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that keeps my feet happy even after long runs. Plus, the breathable engineered mesh means my feet don’t turn into little sweat factories. The all-black look with that subtle metallic shine makes me feel both sleek and speedy. Honestly, my morning jogs just got a whole lot more fun! —Carly Simmons
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 XW kicks are my new favorite partners in crime. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I don’t have to stop and fix my shoes every five minutes. I love that they have a 10 mm drop, which feels just right for my stride, even if it’s approximate. Plus, the synthetic material stands up to my clumsy moments without a single scratch. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish at the same time? —Derek Morton
When I first slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12 XW, I was instantly impressed by the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. It’s like having a mini trampoline under my feet! The breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, which is a huge win during my sweaty workouts. And with the sturdy lace closure, I feel supported but not restricted. These shoes have officially turned me into a morning person because I actually look forward to running now. Seriously, where have these been all my life? —Natalie Brooks
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Why New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and support, making every run or workout feel smoother. The Fresh Foam midsole cushions my feet in a way that reduces impact, which means less fatigue and more energy throughout the day. This shoe truly adapts to my stride, giving me confidence whether I’m hitting the pavement or walking around town.
Additionally, the durability of the 680 V8 means I don’t have to worry about frequent replacements. The breathable upper keeps my feet cool and dry, which is a huge plus during long sessions. For me, having reliable shoes that protect my feet and enhance performance is essential, and the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 delivers exactly that.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8
When I decided to get the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, I wanted to make sure I picked the right pair that matched my needs perfectly. Here’s what I focused on during my buying journey, and I hope it helps you too.
Comfort and Cushioning
One of the first things I checked was the comfort level. The Fresh Foam midsole really stands out for cushioning— it felt plush but still responsive on my runs and daily walks. If you’re someone who prioritizes a soft yet supportive ride, this shoe delivers well.
Fit and Sizing
Getting the right fit was crucial for me. I found that the 680 V8 runs true to size, but it’s always smart to try them on if you can. They offer a roomy toe box which helped prevent any pinching or discomfort during longer wear. I recommend considering your usual New Balance size unless you have wider feet.
Durability and Build Quality
I looked at the materials used, and the mesh upper combined with synthetic overlays feels sturdy without being heavy. The outsole has decent traction for road running and everyday use. From my experience, these shoes hold up well even after weeks of consistent use.
Style and Design
Aesthetics matter to me, so I appreciated the sleek, modern look of the V8. It comes in several colorways, so you can pick one that suits your style whether you want something bold or more understated.
Performance and Use Case
I mainly use these for running and casual wear. The Fresh Foam 680 V8 provides enough support for short to medium-distance runs, and it’s comfortable enough to wear all day. If you’re a serious long-distance runner, you might want to explore more specialized models.
Price and Value
While not the cheapest option out there, I found the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 offers great value for the comfort and durability it provides. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts, which can make this shoe an even better deal.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 has been very positive. If you want a versatile, comfortable, and stylish running shoe that performs well for everyday use, this model is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to try them on or check sizing guides to get the perfect fit!
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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