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

In this review of the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, the bottom line is clear: this is a comfortable, versatile road running shoe best suited to everyday runners and anyone who prioritizes soft, joint-friendly cushioning. The biggest reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole which delivers a plush, lightweight ride with about 3% bio-based content that reduces environmental impact without sacrificing comfort. Built with a precision-engineered knit upper and no-sew construction, it balances breathability and a sleek fit for daily miles or casual wear.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight impact protection for longer training runs and all-day wear.
• Bio-based content: Incorporates approximately 3% renewable material in the foam to help reduce the shoe's carbon footprint.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Offers targeted ventilation and a comfortable, adaptive fit across the forefoot and midfoot.
• No-sew construction: Creates a sleek, low-irritation interior that reduces hotspots during runs.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Delivers consistent underfoot comfort and durability where most runners strike.
• Approximate 8 mm drop: Designed for a balanced heel-to-toe transition suitable for road running and daily use.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is ideal for recreational road runners, walkers, and anyone who needs forgiving cushioning that is gentle on joints. It works well for moderate weekly mileage, recovery runs, or as a comfortable shoe for errands and standing workdays thanks to its soft sole and arch support.

Runners seeking a race-day speed shoe, a maximal-stability orthotic platform, or a model with a very wide toe box should look elsewhere; some customers report a narrower fit and mixed durability impressions, so those needs may be better served by a stiffer, more structured trainer or a shoe designed specifically for wide feet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very comfortable cushioning that many users say feels forgiving on joints.
• Good arch support and a soft sole make it reliable for daily wear and recovery runs.
• Precision-knit upper and no-sew construction provide a breathable, sleek fit without rubbing.
• Solid value for money given the combination of comfort and materials.

Cons

• Fit can run narrow for some feet, so those needing extra width should try before buying.
• Mixed reports on long-term durability suggest heavy-mileage runners may wear them faster than more robust trainers.

Specifications

Model	Fresh Foam 680 V8
Midsole	Fresh Foam cushioning with approx 3% bio-based content
Upper	Precision-engineered knit with no-sew construction
Outsole	Integrated rubber outsole for underfoot comfort
Heel-to-toe drop	Approximate 8 mm (272 mm reference)
Intended use	Road running, daily training, casual wear

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a practical choice for runners and everyday users who want cushioned comfort, breathable knit fit, and reasonable environmental consideration via bio-based foam content. It represents good value for those who need a soft, joint-friendly trainer, but shoppers requiring a wide fit or extreme durability for high mileage should compare other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, they are suitable for moderate long runs and recovery miles thanks to plush Fresh Foam cushioning, though very high mileage runners may prefer a more durable trainer.

Do they run true to size?
Most customers find the length true to size, but width can feel narrow for some wearers, so consider trying them on if you need extra room.

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