New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe (Style D39N)

In this review the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 running shoe is evaluated as a daily trainer for walkers and road runners who want reliable cushioning and a comfortable fit. The single biggest reason to buy is the Fresh Foam midsole that delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride with approximately 3% bio-based content, offering notable underfoot comfort for long walks or multiple short runs. The shoe reads as a practical, durable option rather than a high-performance racer, and the review focuses on comfort, support, and everyday usability.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Provides plush, lightweight cushioning that makes long walks and easy runs feel less fatiguing.
• Bio-based content: Includes approximately 3% renewable materials in the midsole to reduce environmental impact while retaining cushioning performance.
• Precision-knit upper: Delivers targeted ventilation and a snug yet breathable fit for extended wear.
• No-sew construction: Creates a sleek, irritation-free interior that reduces hotspots and improves overall comfort.
• Integrated rubber outsole: Enhances underfoot comfort and durability for consistent road use.
• 8 mm drop (approximate): Offers a balanced heel-to-toe feel suited to neutral runners and daily walkers.

Who It's For

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is best for women who prioritize cushioning and comfort for daily runs, long walks, or all-day wear. It suits neutral runners and people with low to moderate arches who appreciate a wider toe box and supportive midsole for longer sessions.

Runners seeking a lightweight race shoe, maximal stability for heavy overpronation, or a trail-specific outsole should look elsewhere; this model is designed for road running and everyday cushioning rather than racing or off-road use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable Fresh Foam cushioning that many customers praise for long walks and reduced fatigue.
• Supportive fit with good arch support and a roomy toe box, helpful for flat feet and wide forefeet.
• Lightweight construction and breathable knit upper make it pleasant for daily wear.

Cons

• The 8 mm drop is approximate and may feel different between pairs due to manufacturing variances.
• Not optimized for racing or technical trail use; best suited to pavement and casual training.

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	8 mm (approximate)
Use	Road running, daily training, walking

Our Verdict

The Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a solid daily trainer for women who want comfortable, cushioned miles without fuss. It offers reliable underfoot comfort, breathable knit fit, and sensible durability for road use, making it good value for walkers and neutral runners who prioritize comfort over race-day performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long walks?
Yes. The Fresh Foam midsole and supportive fit make them comfortable for extended walking and multi-mile sessions.

Do they run narrow or wide?
Customers report a nice, wide toe box and good overall fit, so they suit those who prefer a little extra room in the forefoot.

Is the shoe environmentally friendly?
It includes approximately 3% bio-based midsole content made from renewable resources, which modestly reduces the carbon footprint compared with fully petroleum-based foam.