{"product_id":"new-balance-mens-fresh-foam-680-v8-running-shoe-cushioned-ride-515","title":"New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe - Cushioned Ride 515","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 finds a durable, well-cushioned daily trainer best suited to runners and walkers who want a forgiving, comfortable ride without flashy features. The single biggest reason to buy is the \u003cstrong\u003eFresh Foam midsole\u003c\/strong\u003e, which blends lightweight cushioning with about 3% bio-based content for a plush feel that still keeps the shoe responsive for road use. Fit and build are straightforward: a precision-engineered knit upper and no-sew construction deliver a smooth, secure fit while the integrated rubber outsole adds underfoot durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh Foam midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers ultra-cushioned, lightweight shock absorption that helps reduce impact on joints during runs or long days on your feet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBio-based content:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 3% of the midsole foam is made from renewable resources, reducing the carbon footprint without compromising cushioning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision-engineered knit upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers targeted ventilation and comfort where it matters most, keeping the foot cooler and reducing pressure points.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo-sew construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creates a sleek fit and minimizes irritation from seams for a smoother, more comfortable inside feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Enhances underfoot comfort and durability to handle regular road use and everyday wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate drop:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built with a 8 mm target drop (listed as 515 mm due to variation), which supports a neutral running stance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fresh Foam 680 V8 is ideal for recreational runners, walkers, and anyone seeking a comfortable daily trainer with generous cushioning and supportive arch feel. It suits people who prioritize joint comfort-several users described the shoe as forgiving on knees and ankles and likened the cushioning to walking on gel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need a very narrow fit, a minimal racing shoe, or a trail-ready outsole should look elsewhere; opinions on sizing vary, and a few users noted the fit felt small while others liked the wider toe box. If you need heavy-duty durability for extreme mileage, consider a shoe with reinforced high-wear materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery comfortable cushioning that reduces joint impact on daily runs and walks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality construction and knit upper provide a soft, secure fit with good ventilation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated rubber outsole adds reliable underfoot comfort and longevity for road use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppealing looks and sensible design make it versatile for errands as well as training.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizing is mixed across customers; some find the fit too small while others praise the toe box width.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability opinions vary with heavier runners questioning longevity under very high mileage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNew Balance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh Foam 680 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh Foam with ~3% bio-based content\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrecision-engineered knit, no-sew construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated rubber outsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximate 8 mm (listed 515 mm due to variation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice for runners and everyday users who want plush cushioning and comfortable support at a fair value. It stands out for its soft Fresh Foam ride and comfortable knit upper, making it a reliable daily trainer if you accept mixed sizing and moderate durability trade-offs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes good for long runs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Fresh Foam midsole provides plush cushioning that helps on longer runs, though very high-mileage runners should monitor outsole wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizing is mixed among customers; many find the fit accurate while some recommend trying a half size up or checking toe box width if you have wider feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the shoe environmentally friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe midsole contains approximately 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources, which modestly reduces its carbon footprint compared with fully petroleum-based foam.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48749394100443,"sku":"B0C2B2133N","price":79.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51lxJ7oAS1L._AC_SL1000_96815720-8d16-4cd3-b94d-b6e8f673cba3.jpg?v=1778863251","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/new-balance-mens-fresh-foam-680-v8-running-shoe-cushioned-ride-515","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}