New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe - Cushioned Ride 352

In this review of the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe the bottom line is simple: this is a comfortable, everyday running shoe built for runners who want plush cushioning and reliable support without a high price tag. The most compelling reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole, which delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride with a modest percentage of bio-based content that reduces environmental impact. The shoe balances softness and responsiveness for road miles, daily walks, and active errands.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that soaks up impact and feels forgiving on joints during runs or long days on your feet.
• Bio-based content: Contains approximately 3% bio-based material made from renewable resources to help reduce the shoe's carbon footprint.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Offers targeted ventilation and a comfortable, adaptive fit that helps keep feet cool while moving.
• No-sew construction: The seamless upper reduces irritation and creates a sleek, comfortable fit across the forefoot and midfoot.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Enhances underfoot comfort and provides dependable traction for road running and daily wear.
• 8 mm nominal drop: An approximately 8 mm heel-to-toe differential that supports a natural running stance while acknowledging manufacturing variances.

Who It's For

These shoes suit recreational road runners, fitness walkers, and anyone who values soft cushioning and arch support for everyday use. Runners seeking a forgiving shoe that eases joint stress will appreciate the soft soles and comfortable arch support noted by many customers.

Those who need a narrow, performance race shoe or a highly durable trail shoe should look elsewhere, as opinions on width and long-term durability are mixed and this model is optimized for road comfort rather than aggressive mileage or off-road use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, plush cushioning that reduces impact and feels forgiving on joints.
• Supportive arch and secure fit that still allows some toe wiggle for comfort.
• Lightweight knit upper with targeted ventilation keeps feet breathable in varied conditions.
• Good value for the level of cushioning and materials used.

Cons

• Fit can run narrow for some feet, so trying on or checking width options is recommended.
• Durability reports are mixed; some users find long-term wear less robust than hoped for heavy mileage.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 680 V8
Midsole	Fresh Foam 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 (352 mm drop reference)
Use	Road running and everyday wear

Our Verdict

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice for runners and walkers who prioritize cushioning, comfort, and value. With a plush Fresh Foam midsole, breathable knit upper, and supportive feel, it performs well for road miles and daily wear; those needing a roomier last or maximum durability for high-mileage training may prefer other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, they are well suited for recreational long runs and daily mileage thanks to the cushioned Fresh Foam midsole, though heavy high-mileage training may show wear sooner for some users.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is generally true to size for length, but some customers report a narrower feel in width, so consider trying them on if you have wide feet.

Is the shoe eco friendly?
The midsole contains approximately 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources, which helps reduce the product's carbon footprint compared with fully petroleum-based foams.