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

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, the bottom line is simple: these are durable, comfortable trainers best suited to women who want reliable cushioning for long walks, daily runs, or all-day wear. The single biggest reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole, which delivers a plush, lightweight ride while incorporating a small percentage of bio-based content to reduce environmental impact. The shoe balances softness with enough structure for everyday mileage without feeling bulky.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Precision engineered foam provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight shock absorption ideal for long walks and shorter runs.
• Bio-based content: Approximately 3% of the midsole is made from renewable resources, lowering the carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: The knit construction offers targeted ventilation and a comfortable, sock-like fit for breathability during activity.
• No-sew upper construction: A seamless design reduces irritation and creates a sleek, comfortable fit around the foot.
• Integrated rubber outsole: The outsole enhances underfoot comfort and provides dependable durability for road surfaces.
• 8 mm drop: A moderate heel-to-toe drop that supports a natural running stride while remaining suitable for walking and everyday use.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice for women who spend a lot of time on their feet, whether that means daily runs, long walks, or running errands. Runners looking for a cushioned, lightweight trainer with a wide toe box and good arch support will find this shoe particularly comfortable.

Those who need specialized performance features such as aggressive stability control, racing-level responsiveness, or trail traction should look elsewhere. Similarly, runners seeking maximalist cushioning or thick, high-stack racing shoes may prefer a different model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable Fresh Foam cushioning that is plush without feeling heavy.
• Breathable, precision-engineered knit upper with a no-sew finish for reduced friction.
• Supportive feel for runners with flatter arches and a roomy toe box that many customers praise.
• Lightweight construction and multiple color options make it versatile for daily wear.

Cons

• 8 mm drop is approximate and may not satisfy runners who prefer ultra-low or ultra-high offsets.
• Cushioning is tuned for everyday comfort rather than race-pace responsiveness.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Fresh Foam 680 V8
Midsole	Fresh Foam with approx 3% bio-based content
Upper	Precision-engineered knit with no-sew construction
Outsole	Integrated rubber outsole
Heel-to-toe drop	Approximate 8 mm
Intended use	Road running, walking, everyday wear

Our Verdict

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a dependable everyday running shoe that blends plush cushioning, breathable knit comfort, and a supportive fit at a reasonable value. It is an excellent pick for walkers and casual runners who prioritize comfort, a roomy toe box, and lightness rather than race-day performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these good for long walks?
Yes, the Fresh Foam cushioning and supportive arch make them comfortable for extended walking sessions.

Do they run true to size?
Most customers report a true-to-size fit with a pleasantly wide toe box, but those between sizes may prefer a half size up for extra room.

Is the midsole eco-friendly?
The midsole contains approximately 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources to help reduce the shoe's carbon footprint.