New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe (Style CVX1)

In this review of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe the bottom line is simple: this is a durable, comfortable daily trainer best for walkers and road runners who prioritize soft cushioning and a roomy toe box. The shoe's standout feature is the Fresh Foam midsole that delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride while incorporating bio-based content to reduce environmental impact. Reviewers repeatedly call out the comfort, arch support for flat feet, and a lightweight feel that works equally well for long walks and everyday errands.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride with approximately 3% bio-based content for reduced carbon footprint and consistent comfort on long outings.
• Precision-engineered knit upper: Offers targeted ventilation and a comfortable, adaptive fit that helps keep feet cool during runs or extended walks.
• No-sew upper construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free interior that reduces friction and enhances overall comfort on long wear days.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Delivers underfoot comfort and reliable road traction while protecting the midsole foam from premature wear.
• 8 mm drop: Balances heel-to-toe transition for everyday running and walking, with the acknowledgment that the stated drop is approximate due to manufacturing variances.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is ideal for women who want a comfortable, supportive shoe for daily runs, long walks, or multi-hour wear while running errands. Its roomy toe box and supportive midfoot make it a good match for those with flatter arches who need more arch support without a heavy, bulky feel.

Runners seeking a maximalist racing shoe or a trail-specific model should look elsewhere, as this shoe is tuned for road running and everyday comfort rather than race-day speed or off-road grip. Those needing highly customized orthotic solutions may prefer a platform designed expressly for custom inserts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent cushioning and lightweight feel from the Fresh Foam midsole for long walks and daily runs.
• Wide toe box and supportive arch work well for users with flat feet, improving comfort on longer distances.
• Breathable knit upper with no-sew construction reduces hotspots and improves overall fit and comfort.
• Durable integrated rubber outsole helps preserve midsole performance and traction on paved surfaces.

Cons

• The shoe is designed for road running and everyday wear, so it lacks the aggressive traction and protection needed for trail running.
• Reported drop is approximate, so heel-to-toe feel may vary slightly between pairs.

Specifications

Model	Fresh Foam 680 V8
Gender	Women's
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	8 mm (approximate)
Use	Road running, walking, daily wear

Our Verdict

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a strong choice for walkers and everyday road runners who want plush cushioning, a roomy fit, and reliable underfoot comfort. It offers good value for anyone prioritizing all-day comfort and supportive cushioning, though those needing specialized trail performance or race-day speed should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long walks?
Yes, customers report excellent cushioning and comfort for long walks, and the Fresh Foam midsole helps reduce fatigue over extended distances.

Do they fit wide feet or flat arches?
The shoe has a roomy toe box and supportive midfoot that many with flat feet found comfortable, making it a solid option for wider feet.

Can I use these on trails?
They are optimized for road running and everyday wear; for trails, seek a shoe with more aggressive outsole protection and grip.