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

In this review the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe is presented as a practical, everyday road runner that focuses on comfort and cushioning. The single biggest reason to consider these shoes is the Fresh Foam midsole, which delivers an ultra-cushioned ride while incorporating about 3% bio-based content for a small eco benefit. The shoe aims to suit runners who want a soft, forgiving feel underfoot for daily miles or for anyone who prioritizes comfort while running errands.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that helps absorb impact and reduce strain on joints during regular runs.
• Bio-based content: Approximately 3% of the midsole is derived from renewable resources to slightly reduce the shoe's carbon footprint.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Offers targeted ventilation and a comfortable, adaptive fit where breathability is needed most.
• No-sew construction: Ensures a sleek, irritation-free interior for extended wear without hot spots.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Adds underfoot comfort and durable contact with road surfaces to maintain consistent cushioning step after step.
• 300 mm drop: A higher drop that favors heel-first runners and adds a stable feel on pavement.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 suits recreational runners and walkers who prioritize comfort and cushioning over racing responsiveness. It works well for daily road miles, recovery runs, and anyone who needs forgiving soles and solid arch support during long hours on their feet.

Runners seeking a lightweight, race-ready shoe or those who need a very wide fit may want to look elsewhere; customer feedback notes mixed opinions on width and long-term durability for heavy use. Those who demand minimal weight and maximum responsiveness should consider other models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very comfortable midsole cushioning that many customers find gentle on knees and joints.
• Good arch support and a soft underfoot feel praised by multiple users.
• Breathable knit upper with no-sew construction creates a snug, irritation-free fit.
• Shows solid value for money as an all-purpose road running shoe or daily trainer.

Cons

• Fit can run narrow for some wearers, so trying on before purchase is advisable.
• Durability reports are mixed; a few customers noted they did not hold up as long under heavy use.

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
Drop	300 mm (approximate)
Use	Road running / daily training

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice for runners who want a comfortable, cushioned everyday shoe that emphasizes joint protection and arch support. It represents good value for casual road runners and walkers, though those needing a very wide toe box or long-term rugged durability may prefer other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, the Fresh Foam cushioning is well suited to longer, low-to-moderate intensity runs thanks to its forgiving underfoot feel.

Do they fit wide feet?
Fit is mixed: some users find room to wiggle toes, while others report a narrow fit, so trying them on is recommended.

What kind of surfaces are they for?
They are intended for road running and everyday pavement use with an integrated rubber outsole for consistent contact.