{"product_id":"new-balance-mens-fresh-foam-680-v8-running-shoe-cushioned-road-3","title":"New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe - Cushioned Road 3%","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe the bottom line is clear: this is a cushioned, comfortable daily trainer best suited for road runners and anyone who wants forgiving underfoot support for long days on their feet. The single biggest reason to buy is the \u003cstrong\u003eFresh Foam midsole cushioning\u003c\/strong\u003e, which delivers a soft, lightweight ride with a portion of bio-based content for a lower carbon footprint. The shoes also bring a precise knit upper and no-sew construction that make them comfortable out of the box without needing a break-in.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh Foam midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers ultra-cushioned, lightweight shock absorption for longer runs and all-day comfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBio-based content:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 3% bio-based midsole material helps reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision-engineered knit upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers targeted ventilation and a snug, flexible fit that adapts to foot shape during movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo-sew upper construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a sleek fit with fewer pressure points and a smoother feel against the foot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Enhances underfoot comfort and adds durable traction for road running and daily wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate 11 mm drop:\u003c\/strong\u003e A noticeably cushioned heel-to-toe offset that suits runners seeking extra heel cushioning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 680 V8 is best for recreational road runners, walkers, and commuters who prioritize \u003cstrong\u003ecomfort and cushioning\u003c\/strong\u003e over a minimalist or race-oriented shoe. Runners with mild arch needs or those looking for a forgiving platform to protect joints will appreciate the soft Fresh Foam midsole.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose who need a very narrow racing fit, a highly responsive carbon-plated shoe, or specialized trail traction should look elsewhere, as this model is built for everyday cushioning, stable road surfaces, and general use rather than performance racing or off-road trails.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery comfortable, soft underfoot feel from the Fresh Foam midsole that many find gentle on joints.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrecision-knit, no-sew upper gives a comfortable fit with room to wiggle toes while keeping the foot secure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood perceived value due to solid construction, reliable cushioning, and practical features for daily wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFit can run narrow for some users, so those with wide feet should try before buying or size up accordingly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability reports are mixed; while the outsole and upper feel solid, longevity may vary with heavier, high-mileage use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\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 approx. 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 with no-sew construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated rubber outsole for enhanced underfoot comfort\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeel-to-toe drop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 11 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoad running, daily training, casual wear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a dependable, cushioned trainer that suits runners and everyday users who value softness, arch support, and comfortable fit. It represents good value for those prioritizing a forgiving ride and reliable daily use, though wide-footed buyers should verify fit and heavy-mileage runners should monitor outsole wear over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these shoes run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany customers report they fit true to size, but a number note a slightly narrow fit so those with wide feet may prefer a wider size or trying them on first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the cushioning suitable for long runs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Fresh Foam midsole provides soft, joint-friendly cushioning that works well for longer road runs and extended wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes eco-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe midsole contains approximately 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources, which helps reduce the carbon footprint compared with fully petroleum-based foams.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48607082283227,"sku":"B0D1LR7ND2","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51tRBVaq3LL._AC_SL1000_59e3847b-63dc-4378-b0d8-7ec972fe48cd.jpg?v=1778420757","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/new-balance-mens-fresh-foam-680-v8-running-shoe-cushioned-road-3","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}