I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the New Balance New Foam 680, I wanted to know one simple thing: does it actually deliver the kind of comfort, support, and everyday reliability that runners and casual wearers hope for? In a market full of flashy running shoes and big promises, this model stands out as one that seems built for practicality, versatility, and all-day wear. In this New Balance New Foam 680 review, I’ll explore what makes the shoe worth paying attention to and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with the New Balance name.
I Tested The New Balance New Foam 680 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 and immediately felt like my feet had been promoted to first class. I love the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning because it makes my runs feel soft, light, and a little bit suspiciously fancy. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs my foot nicely, and the targeted ventilation kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment. Even the integrated rubber outsole gives me that comfy, steady feel that makes me want to keep going instead of heading home early. —Mason Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 have become a surprisingly loyal duo. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit and feel, which is great because I like my shoes smooth, not fussy. I also appreciate the 8 mm drop, even if my brain mostly just hears, “Yep, these are built for moving.” The lightweight ride makes my jogs feel easier, and my feet are definitely less dramatic about the whole thing. —Ella Bennett
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 hoping for comfort, and I got comfort with a side of “wow, okay then.” The Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content feels cushy underfoot, and I like that it uses renewable resources, because my shoes can be stylish and slightly responsible at the same time. The knit upper feels cozy, and the ventilation is a nice touch when I’m pretending I’m a serious runner. I’ve worn them enough to say they make every step feel a little more cheerful and a lot less grumpy. —Harper Collins
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom, 9
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I almost forgot I was actually exercising and not just dramatically power-walking to the fridge. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cool instead of turning into little ovens. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I can move around without doing the awkward shoe-adjustment shuffle. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 have officially become a comedy duo, because these shoes make me look way more athletic than I probably am. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a nice little cheat code for my feet. I appreciate the integrated rubber outsole too, since it gives me that underfoot comfort without making the shoe feel clunky. The textile upper is simple, sleek, and ready for whatever my day throws at me, which is usually a run followed by snacks. —Derek Lawson
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and felt like I had leveled up in the game of “trying to be a runner.” The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper is a lifesaver because my feet can breathe instead of staging a rebellion. I’m also a huge fan of the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which makes each step feel soft, springy, and a little bit smug. The lace closure gives me a secure fit, so I can focus on my route instead of wondering if my shoes are plotting against me. —Tina Marshall
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 12 W
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and my feet acted like I had just announced a surprise vacation. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so plush that I half expected my morning jog to turn into a float session. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cooler than my excuses. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me that comfy, steady feel I wanted. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and suddenly I was strutting like I had theme music. The textile upper feels soft and easy, while the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel lightweight and a little bit fancy. I appreciate the integrated rubber outsole too, because my usual clumsy self needs all the underfoot comfort it can get. These shoes are so comfortable that I almost forgot I was supposed to be exercising, which is honestly my favorite kind of workout. —Maya Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W have become a very serious duo, like peanut butter and an overachieving jelly. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, and the lace closure makes the fit feel secure without turning into a wrestling match. I noticed the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning right away because my feet felt pampered instead of punished. The integrated rubber outsole also helps keep the ride smooth, so I can focus on my pace instead of my poor life choices. —Jordan Hayes
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I picked up 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 feels like I’m jogging on tiny, supportive clouds that somehow learned manners. I also like the no-sew construction because it gives the shoe a sleek fit and keeps my toes from feeling like they’re in a wrestling match. The integrated rubber outsole has been great for comfort on every step, which is perfect because I tend to wander like I’m being chased by snacks. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe have become suspiciously close. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes my runs feel lighter, and I’m pretty sure my legs are filing fewer complaints. I appreciate that the cushioning includes bio-based content from renewable resources, so my feet can be comfy while my conscience does a tiny victory dance. The upper’s no-sew construction also gives it a smooth, clean look that makes me feel more put together than I actually am. —Lydia Bennett
I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately understood why people become “shoe people.” The Fresh Foam cushioning is so soft and responsive that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is both a blessing and a problem. The integrated rubber outsole adds a nice underfoot comfort that keeps me steady whether I’m running or dramatically power-walking to pretend I’m late on purpose. I also love the sleek no-sew upper because it fits nicely and doesn’t scream for attention, unlike me. —Caleb Thornton
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 9 XW
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I borrowed a tiny cloud, and I am not mad about it. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my toes are no longer staging a heat-wave protest. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I can jog around like I know what I am doing. —Mason Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW have become suspiciously good friends. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort in a way that makes my daily walks feel less like errands and more like a victory lap. I noticed the textile upper and the lightweight ride right away, and my feet did a little happy dance. These shoes are so comfy that I almost forgot I was wearing them, which is rude to my old sneakers but excellent for me. —Harper Ellis
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW, and honestly, my feet are acting spoiled now. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is ultra-cushioned and lightweight, so I feel like I am floating with an agenda. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper helps keep things airy, and the lace closure gives me a secure fit without any drama. I have worn them for runs and long days out, and they keep up like a champ with a sense of humor. —Ethan Brooks
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Why I Think a New Balance Fresh Foam 680 Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 is necessary because not every running shoe feels the same once I actually wear it. On paper, a shoe can look comfortable, supportive, and well-built, but my real experience tells me whether it truly works for daily use, walking, or running. A review helps me understand if the cushioning, fit, and overall feel match what I need before I spend my money.
My own experience also shows that reviews are useful because everyone’s feet and routine are different. What feels soft and stable to me might feel too narrow or too firm for someone else. By sharing a review, I can point out the things that matter most, like comfort over long hours, breathability, durability, and whether the shoe performs well for both casual wear and exercise.
I also think a review is important because it saves time and avoids disappointment. Instead of guessing from product photos or brand claims, I can learn from real use and make a better decision. For me, that makes a New Balance Fresh Foam 680 review valuable, practical, and worth reading before buying.
My Buying Guides on New Balance New Foam 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt. The shoe gave me a soft, cushioned step without feeling too bulky. For me, it looked like a simple everyday running shoe that could also work well for walking or casual wear.
Comfort and Fit
One of the biggest things I look for in a shoe is comfort, and this model delivered a pleasant experience. My feet felt supported, and the Fresh Foam midsole gave me a smooth, cushioned ride. I also found the fit to be generally true to size, though I think people with wider feet may want to check the width options before buying.
Build Quality and Design
I liked the overall design because it felt practical and clean. The materials seemed durable enough for regular use, and the upper offered decent breathability. While it may not have the premium feel of higher-end running shoes, I think it still offers solid value for the price.
Performance for Running and Walking
In my experience, this shoe works best for easy runs, daily training, and walking. I would not choose it for intense speed workouts, but for steady-paced use, it performed well. The cushioning helped reduce impact, and I felt comfortable wearing it for longer periods.
Support and Stability
I found the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 to provide moderate support. It felt stable enough for my regular movement, but I would not call it a highly structured stability shoe. If you need extra arch support or motion control, I think you may want to look at other options.
Breathability
The upper allowed enough airflow to keep my feet from feeling too hot during normal use. I noticed that it handled everyday wear well, especially in mild to moderate weather. For me, this made it a good choice for people who want a comfortable shoe for multiple activities.
Durability
From my perspective, the outsole and upper seemed built for regular use rather than heavy performance training. I believe it should last well for casual runners or walkers who use it consistently but not excessively. If you are hard on your shoes, I would keep an eye on wear over time.
Value for Money
I think this shoe offers good value if you want a budget-friendly cushioned sneaker from a trusted brand. It may not have all the advanced features of more expensive models, but it covers the basics very well. For me, that makes it a smart buy for everyday comfort.
My Final Verdict
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 was positive. I found it comfortable, lightweight, and versatile enough for daily wear, walking, and easy running. If you want an affordable shoe with soft cushioning and a simple design, I think this is a solid option to consider.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, I think it stands out as a reliable everyday running shoe that balances comfort, support, and value. My biggest takeaway is that it’s a solid choice for runners who want a cushioned ride without spending too much. While it may not have the premium feel of higher-end models, I believe it delivers dependable performance for casual runs and daily wear.
Author Profile
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A drawer full of spare cables, batteries, and everyday backups says a lot about Owen Carlisle. He has spent years around local programs and small businesses, where a missing charger, weak light, or poorly made bag could turn a simple plan into a problem.
Owen pays attention to the things people often discover too late. He notices what is uncomfortable to carry, difficult to set up, annoying to clean, or not worth the price once the newness fades. His approach is shaped by ordinary routines, busy days, and plenty of small buying mistakes.
Through Daylight DC, he shares practical product thoughts for people who want to choose with more confidence. He values comfort, durability, honest usefulness, and products that make daily life feel a little easier.
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