New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe - Cushioned Ride

Our review of the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe finds it best for runners and everyday users who want a plush, forgiving ride without extra weight. The single biggest reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that blends softness and support, easing joint impact whether doing daily runs or long errands. The shoe balances comfort and durability with a precision-engineered knit upper and integrated rubber outsole, giving a responsive but protected feel underfoot for most road-running and casual wear scenarios.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride with approximately 3% bio-based content to reduce environmental impact.
• Precision-knit upper: Offers targeted ventilation and a close, comfortable fit that moves with the foot without excessive hot spots.
• No-sew construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free interior that improves overall comfort on longer outings.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Delivers consistent underfoot comfort and reliable road traction without adding unnecessary stiffness.
• Approximate 8 mm drop: Gives a balanced heel-to-toe transition suitable for neutral runners and daily wear.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is ideal for neutral road runners who prioritize cushioning and joint comfort, plus anyone who spends long days on their feet and wants a soft, supportive shoe. It also suits runners looking for a shoe with mindful materials, as the midsole includes a small percentage of bio-based content.

Those who need a very wide last or maximal stability features should look elsewhere, since some customers find the fit on the narrower side and the shoe is not built as a motion-control model. Trail runners or people needing aggressive outsole lugging will also want a more specialized option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very comfortable cushioning that many customers call forgiving on joints and easy for long miles.
• Good arch support and a soft sole that users report as supportive for everyday wear.
• Quality construction and value for money relative to the comfort and materials provided.
• Breathable knit upper with a sleek no-sew finish improves fit and reduces irritation.

Cons

• Fit can run narrow for some feet, so those needing extra width may find them tight.
• Durability reports are mixed; a few users felt longevity varied depending on use patterns.

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
Heel-to-toe drop	Approximate 8 mm drop (381 mm reference)

Our Verdict

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a smart pick for runners and active people who want plush, joint-friendly cushioning and a comfortable knit fit without paying premium prices. It delivers reliable daily comfort and sensible materials, making it a good value for those who do mostly road running or long days on foot; however, folks needing wider fits or heavy-duty durability may prefer alternative models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these run true to size?
The shoes generally fit true to size but can feel a touch narrow for some wearers; consider trying half a size up if you have wider feet.

How cushioned are they for daily runs?
They are well-cushioned and forgiving on joints thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole, suitable for daily road runs and long walks.

Are there eco-friendly materials in this model?
Yes, the midsole uses approximately 3% bio-based content derived from renewable resources to reduce carbon footprint.