New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe (Style 7VQP)

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe the bottom line is simple: these are durable, cushioned trainers built for women who want a soft, lightweight ride for daily running and long walks. The single biggest reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which delivers an ultra-cushioned feel with some bio-based content for reduced environmental impact. Reviewers repeatedly praised the fit and support, making these a dependable option for road running and extended wear.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that helps reduce impact on long runs and extended walks.
• Bio-based content: Approximately 3% of the midsole comes from renewable resources to help lower the shoe's carbon footprint.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Offers targeted ventilation and a comfortable hold that adapts to the foot during activity.
• No-sew upper construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free fit that reduces hot spots during long wear.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Enhances underfoot comfort and durability for consistent traction on road surfaces.
• 8 mm drop: A moderate heel-to-toe offset that supports a natural running stride while remaining stable for walking.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is well suited to women who run on roads, log frequent walking miles, or need a reliable everyday trainer that emphasizes cushioning and support. People who appreciate a wider toe box and good arch support, including those with flatter arches, will find the fit accommodating and comfortable.

Runners seeking a highly technical racing shoe, maximalist cushion beyond a moderate profile, or trail-specific traction should look elsewhere. Also, those who need a pronounced heel stack or custom orthotic-only fit may prefer a platform designed specifically for those needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable cushioning that performs well on long walks and multi-mile runs.
• Supportive fit with a wide toe box and noticeable arch support for many users.
• Lightweight construction paired with a breathable knit upper keeps fatigue low over long use.
• Durable outsole and no-sew upper reduce wear points and improve longevity.

Cons

• Only about 3% of the midsole is bio-based, so the sustainability improvement is modest rather than extensive.
• The 8 mm drop is approximate and may feel different between pairs due to manufacturing variances.

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
Heel-to-toe drop	8 mm (approximate)
Use	Road running, walking, everyday wear

Our Verdict

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid choice for women who want a comfortable, supportive daily trainer without excess weight. Its Fresh Foam cushioning and breathable knit upper deliver dependable comfort for road miles and long walks, making it good value for runners who prioritize cushioning, fit, and everyday durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long walks?
Yes. Customers report excellent cushioning and comfort on long walks, and the integrated rubber outsole helps with underfoot comfort.

Do they fit wide feet well?
The toe box is noted as nicely wide by many users and the knit upper provides a forgiving fit for wider forefeet.

How sustainable are these shoes?
The midsole contains approximately 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources, which modestly reduces environmental impact but is not a comprehensive sustainability solution.