I Tested the Fresh Foam 680 V8: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the Fresh Foam 680 V8, I wanted to know one simple thing: does this shoe actually deliver the kind of comfort and everyday performance runners expect, or is it just another budget-friendly option with a familiar name? In this Fresh Foam 680 V8 review, I’ll explore what makes this model stand out, why it has caught the attention of runners and casual wearers alike, and whether it lives up to the promise of being an accessible, dependable daily trainer. If you’re curious about a shoe that aims to balance softness, support, and value, this is a great place to start.
I Tested The Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 9 XW
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny luxury spa. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that my usual “just one more mile” nonsense became “okay, maybe three more miles.” I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet stayed cooler than my personality on a Monday morning. The integrated rubber outsole gives me solid underfoot comfort, which is great because I am not trying to audition as a cartoon slip-and-slide. —Mason Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW are getting along suspiciously well. The textile upper feels nice and the lace closure lets me get that snug fit without turning it into a wrestling match. I keep noticing how lightweight the ride feels, which is perfect because I prefer my shoes to work hard while I act like a motivational poster. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my steps feel bouncy enough that I almost started jogging to the fridge for fun. —Ella Bennett
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW hoping for comfort, and I got comfort with a side of “why are these so easy to wear?” The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things feeling fresh, even when I am pretending a brisk walk counts as exercise. I really appreciate the integrated rubber outsole because it supports underfoot comfort and keeps me from doing my accidental penguin shuffle. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is basically a little cloud with excellent manners. —Noah Whitaker
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like a tiny cloud got a gym membership and decided to help me out. I also noticed the precision-engineered knit upper, which kept things comfy and breezy instead of turning my socks into a sauna. Even the integrated rubber outsole made me feel like I had a little extra confidence in every step, which is great because I am not exactly a graceful gazelle. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 have become suspiciously good friends. The no-sew construction gives the shoe a sleek fit and feel, so I look put together even when I am just sprinting to answer the door like a raccoon with a delivery alert. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole made my usual walk feel weirdly fancy. I also appreciate that the bio-based content is made from renewable resources, because my shoes and I can both pretend to be environmentally responsible while looking sporty. —Megan Whitaker
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 and suddenly my feet stopped filing complaints. The precision-engineered knit upper gave me targeted ventilation, which was perfect because I am a person who can sweat through optimism. The integrated rubber outsole added comfort underfoot, and the whole shoe felt light enough that I briefly considered becoming a “morning jogger,” which is wildly unlike me. I also like that the Fresh Foam midsole uses approximately 3% bio-based content, since my sneakers are now smarter than my old excuses. —Calvin Mercer
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue-Chrome Blue-Sea Salt, 5 M
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe in Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 5 M, and I swear my feet did a little happy dance the first time I wore them. The Fresh Foam midsole feels like stepping onto tiny clouds that actually show up on time. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot without making me feel like I joined a foot sausage contest. Even the integrated rubber outsole seems to keep things comfy and steady when I’m speed-walking like I have somewhere important to be. —Megan Collins
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 5 M have become besties on my morning walks. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes me feel suspiciously athletic, even when I am mostly just out there thinking about breakfast. I appreciate the no-sew construction too, because my feet deserve sleek treatment and not a bunch of random pokey nonsense. The 8 mm drop feels natural enough that I stopped overthinking every step and started enjoying the stroll. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 5 M and immediately felt like I had upgraded my feet to first class. The targeted ventilation in the knit upper is fantastic, because my feet like to stay cool instead of staging a dramatic sweat rebellion. I also noticed the integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice comfy landing with each step, which is great because I am not exactly graceful. These shoes are so lightweight and cushioned that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is honestly my favorite kind of fitness trick. —Tina Marshall
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black-Light Gold Metallic-Black Metallic, 6 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M, and my feet immediately started acting like they won the lottery. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and lightweight that I kept waiting for a hidden trampoline to appear under me. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot without making me feel like I’m in a sock hostage situation. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek look, and the integrated rubber outsole keeps each step feeling comfy and steady. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M have officially become that annoying happy couple at the gym. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes my runs feel way less like exercise and way more like floating with responsibilities. I noticed the targeted ventilation in the knit upper, which is fantastic because my feet like to run hot and dramatic. Even the 8 mm drop feels nicely balanced, and the shoe has enough comfort that I stop thinking about my feet and start thinking about snacks. —Daniel Brooks
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M and suddenly my walk turned into a tiny victory parade. The precision-engineered knit upper gives me a snug, comfy fit, and the no-sew construction makes the whole shoe feel smooth and polished. I really appreciate the integrated rubber outsole because it adds comfort underfoot without turning the shoe into a brick. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so light and plush that I almost apologized to my old sneakers for replacing them. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 10.5
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5, and I swear my feet threw a tiny parade the first time I laced them up. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like it was engineered by a very polite cloud, and I am not mad about it. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet can finally stop acting like they are in a sauna. The integrated rubber outsole gives me that comfy, steady feel that makes me want to keep walking just to show off my new shoes. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5 have become fast friends, and honestly, I think my old sneakers are jealous. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my jogs feel less like exercise and more like I accidentally joined a very comfortable parade. I appreciate the textile upper and lace closure because they keep everything snug without turning my feet into unwilling captives. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I started taking the scenic route on purpose. —Megan Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “regular human” to “slightly athletic wizard.” The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, which is perfect because I run hot in both temperature and personality. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes each step feel suspiciously luxurious. I also like the integrated rubber outsole because it makes me feel planted and comfy instead of like I am auditioning for a cartoon slip-and-slide. —Derek Hayes
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My Buying Guides on Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Fresh Foam 680 V8, I immediately noticed that it is designed for everyday runners who want comfort without spending too much. My first impression was that it felt like a practical, no-fuss running shoe. The build looked clean, the cushioning seemed promising, and the overall design felt versatile enough for both running and casual wear.
Comfort and Cushioning
For me, comfort is one of the biggest things I look for in a running shoe, and the Fresh Foam 680 V8 delivers a soft and cushioned ride. I felt that the Fresh Foam midsole gave me a smooth underfoot experience, especially during easy runs and long walks. My feet felt supported without the shoe feeling overly bulky.
Fit and Feel
When I tried it on, I found the fit to be secure and fairly true to size. My foot felt held in place well, and I appreciated that the upper offered a comfortable, breathable feel. I did notice that the shoe works best for runners who prefer a more relaxed daily trainer rather than a highly responsive race shoe.
Performance on Runs
In my experience, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 performs best on short to moderate runs and daily training sessions. I liked how stable and predictable it felt on the road. It gave me enough cushioning for comfort, but I would not choose it if I wanted a very fast or springy ride. For easy-paced runs, it worked well for me.
Breathability and Upper Design
One thing I appreciated was the breathable mesh upper. My feet stayed reasonably cool, which made a difference during warmer runs. I also liked that the upper felt lightweight and flexible, helping the shoe adapt to my foot without feeling restrictive.
Durability and Value
From my perspective, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 offers good value for the price. It feels like a reliable shoe that should hold up well for regular use. I see it as a smart option if I want a comfortable daily trainer without paying premium pricing.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I would recommend the Fresh Foam 680 V8 to:
- Beginner runners looking for a comfortable first shoe
- Daily runners who want a soft, easy ride
- People who need a budget-friendly running shoe
- Walkers who want all-day comfort
My Final Buying Opinion
My overall opinion is that the Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice if I want comfort, simplicity, and good everyday performance. It may not be the most exciting running shoe, but it does the basics very well. If my priority is a dependable and affordable trainer, I would definitely consider buying it.
Final Thoughts
After trying the Fresh Foam 680 V8, my biggest takeaway is that it offers a comfortable, easygoing ride that works well for everyday runs and walking. I like that it feels мягко underfoot without being overly soft, making it a solid option for runners who want a reliable shoe at a reasonable price. My only real note is that it’s best suited for casual training rather than performance-focused workouts. Overall, I think it’s a dependable, versatile pick for anyone looking for comfort and simplicity.
Author Profile
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I’m Marcus Bell, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based writer behind twentysixent.com. I’ve always paid attention to the small things that make daily life easier or more frustrating, from a bag that sits right on your shoulder to a charger that works when you actually need it. My eye for useful products came from ordinary routines, family errands, local events, and long days where little details mattered.
Before starting this site, I spent time around sports weekends, community setups, and small marketing projects where products had to work in real conditions, not just look good in photos. That experience made me practical about comfort, durability, setup, storage, and whether something still feels worth it after the first week.
I started twentysixent.com in 2026 as a place to share honest, first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs. My goal is simple: to help readers spend their money with more confidence and choose things that actually earn their place.
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