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

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe the bottom line is simple: this shoe is for runners and active women who want plush, reliable cushioning without excess weight. The standout reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole, engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride while including approximately 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources. Reviewers consistently note the comfortable fit, wide toe box and supportive feel that make these shoes usable for long shifts, long walks and daily runs.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride and noticeable underfoot comfort for daily runs and long periods on your feet.
• Bio-based content: Approximately 3% of the midsole material is from renewable resources, helping reduce carbon footprint without compromising cushioning.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Delivers a snug, breathable fit with targeted ventilation where the foot needs it most.
• No-sew upper construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free interior that reduces friction and enhances overall comfort.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Offers durable underfoot protection and consistent traction for road running and errands alike.
• 8 mm drop: Delivers a balanced heel-to-toe transition suitable for neutral runners, with the note that the 8 mm is approximate due to manufacturing variances.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is best for women who want a comfortable, cushioned road running shoe that doubles as an all-day trainer. It suits walkers, shift workers and runners seeking a wide toe box and reliable arch support, especially those with neutral stride patterns or mild flat feet who appreciated the supportive feel in customer feedback.

Women seeking a maximalist trail shoe, ultra light racing flat, or a minimal barefoot experience should look elsewhere, as this model prioritizes plush cushioning and everyday comfort over extreme weight savings or aggressive trail grip.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, well-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole praised by customers who logged long miles.
• Supportive knit upper and no-sew construction reduce hotspots and enhance fit for extended wear.
• Durable integrated rubber outsole gives reliable underfoot protection for road running and daily use.
• Lightweight feel and available color options make them versatile for work or exercise.

Cons

• The cushioning focus makes this a less suitable choice for runners wanting a race-day speed flat or very responsive minimal shoe.
• The 8 mm drop is approximate and may vary slightly between pairs due to manufacturing tolerances.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a smart buy for women who value cushioning, support and long-wear comfort at a reasonable value. Its renewable-content midsole and breathable knit upper create a dependable everyday running shoe that doubles as a comfortable work or walking shoe for those who need arch support and a roomy toe box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long shifts?
Yes. Customers report comfortable wear for long shifts and extended walking thanks to the cushioned midsole and supportive fit.

Do they run true to size?
The knit upper and roomy toe box make fit forgiving, but those between sizes may prefer to try the next size for exact comfort.

Is the bio-based content significant?
The midsole contains approximately 3% bio-based content to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the Fresh Foam cushioning feel.