Fresh Foam 680 V8 Men's Running Shoe - Soft Cushioned Ride

In this review of the Fresh Foam 680 V8 Men's Running Shoe, the bottom line is simple: this is a comfortable, well-cushioned daily trainer best suited for road running and everyday wear where joint comfort matters. The shoe's standout attribute is its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which delivers an ultra-cushioned yet lightweight ride and includes a small portion of bio-based content aimed at lowering environmental impact. For runners and walkers who prioritize soft underfoot feel and solid arch support, this shoe earns a recommendation for everyday miles and errands.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that helps reduce impact on joints during runs or long days on your feet.
• Bio-based content: About 3% of the midsole foam comes from renewable resources, offering a modest environmental benefit without changing performance.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Delivers targeted ventilation and a comfortable, adaptive fit that helps keep feet cool during activity.
• No-sew upper construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free interior for a smoother fit and less rubbing on longer outings.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Enhances underfoot comfort and durability where you need traction and wear resistance on road surfaces.
• Approximate 8 mm drop: The heel-to-toe offset is around 8 mm, offering a balanced platform for neutral runners and walkers.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is ideal for men who want a forgiving, cushioned daily trainer for road running, brisk walking, and general active use. It suits runners who value comfort and arch support over a highly responsive racing shoe, and it performs well for people who spend long periods on their feet looking for softness and joint relief.

Runners seeking a narrow, race-oriented shoe or a maximal-stability model should look elsewhere; while the 680 V8 is stable for everyday use, some customers report it runs narrow for certain foot shapes and its durability can vary depending on mileage and terrain. It is not intended as a trail shoe or high-mileage racing flat.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very comfortable cushioning that is gentle on joints and good for recovery runs or long days on foot.
• Supportive arch and soft sole feel praised by multiple users for day-to-day wear.
• Breathable, precision knit upper and no-sew construction reduce irritation and improve fit.

Cons

• Fit can run narrow for some customers, so those with wide feet may need to try a wider option.
• Durability reports are mixed; longevity may vary by user and mileage.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 680 V8
Midsole	Fresh Foam cushioning with ~3% bio-based content
Upper	Precision-engineered knit with no-sew construction
Outsole	Integrated rubber outsole for enhanced underfoot comfort
Heel-to-toe drop	Approximately 8 mm
Primary use	Road running and everyday wear

Our Verdict

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice for men who want a soft, supportive daily trainer that emphasizes comfort and arch support at a reasonable price. It is best for runners and walkers who prioritize cushioning and underfoot comfort; those with wide feet or seeking extreme durability may want to evaluate fit and longevity before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shoes run true to size?
They generally fit true to size but can feel narrow for some wearers, so try on or consider a wider width if you have broad feet.

Are these suitable for long runs?
Yes, the Fresh Foam midsole offers forgiving cushioning that works well for long runs and recovery miles on roads.

How eco-friendly is the foam?
About 3% of the midsole foam is bio-based from renewable resources, which modestly reduces the carbon footprint compared with fully fossil-derived foam.