New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe (Style 95KB)

Our review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe finds it best for runners and active walkers who want a plush, lightweight daily trainer with reliable support. The single biggest reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole, which delivers noticeable cushioning and a smooth ride while incorporating about 3% bio-based content for a modest sustainability boost. Reviewers consistently note comfort and a roomy toe box, making this shoe a practical choice for long shifts, everyday miles, and anyone seeking a supportive shoe for flat feet.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight shock absorption for longer comfort on runs and long days on your feet.
• Bio-based content: Uses approximately 3% renewable material in the midsole to reduce carbon footprint without compromising performance.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Delivers targeted ventilation and a comfortable stretch that adapts to foot shape during activity.
• No-sew construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free fit by minimizing seams along the upper for smoother contact with the foot.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Enhances underfoot comfort and durable traction for road running and daily wear.
• 8 mm drop (approximate): Promotes a balanced heel-to-toe transition suited to most recreational runners.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is well suited to recreational runners, walkers, and people who spend long shifts on their feet; customers report comfort for multi-hour wear and praise the shoe for arch support and a wide toe box. Its lightweight cushioning makes it a good daily trainer for road miles, recovery runs, and errands when comfort matters more than race-level responsiveness.

Those who need a maximalist cushioned shoe, a highly responsive racer, or specialty trail traction should look elsewhere; the 680 V8 is designed for pavement and everyday use rather than aggressive off-road footing or competition-level speed work.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable Fresh Foam cushioning provides plush support for long periods of wear.
• Roomy toe box and good arch support make it friendly for flat feet and wider forefeet.
• Lightweight knit upper and no-sew construction reduce irritation and improve fit.
• Durable integrated rubber outsole offers reliable underfoot comfort and traction on roads.

Cons

• The 8 mm drop is approximate and may not suit runners seeking precise heel-to-toe measurements for gait tuning.
• Not intended as a high-performance racing shoe or for technical trail running.

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	Approx 8 mm
Intended use	Road running and everyday wear

Our Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a smart, value-oriented daily trainer for runners and workers who prioritize cushioning, fit, and comfort. With a plush Fresh Foam midsole, a breathable knit upper, and thoughtful construction, it delivers dependable support for everyday miles and long shifts, making it a practical buy for most recreational runners and people on their feet a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long shifts?
Yes. Customers report comfort during 12-hour shifts and extended wear thanks to the cushioned midsole and roomy toe box.

Is the shoe suitable for flat feet?
Many buyers with flat feet note improved arch support and a comfortable fit, making it a solid choice for mild to moderate support needs.

Can I use these for trail running?
They are designed primarily for road running and daily use; for technical trails, a dedicated trail shoe with aggressive tread is recommended.