I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
I’ve found that when a running shoe promises comfort, versatility, and everyday wearability, it immediately deserves a closer look—and that’s exactly why the New Balance New Foam 680 has caught my attention. In this review, I’m exploring what makes this model stand out, how it feels on foot, and whether it lives up to the expectations set by New Balance’s reputation for reliable performance and comfort. If you’re considering a shoe that blends cushioning, practicality, and value, this is one worth paying attention to.
I Tested The New Balance New Foam 680 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on a polite cloud that still knows how to work out. I also noticed the precision-engineered knit upper keeps things comfy and lets my feet breathe instead of staging a rebellion. Even the no-sew construction gives the shoe a sleek look, which makes me feel slightly more athletic than I probably am. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 have become suspiciously good friends. The integrated rubber outsole gives me solid comfort underfoot, so I am not clomping around like a cartoon villain on a wooden floor. I love that the Fresh Foam midsole is lightweight but still super cushioned, because my knees deserve a little luxury. The 8 mm drop feels natural to me, even if I pretend I know exactly what that means on a science level. —Lydia Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 and suddenly my errands felt like a victory lap. The knit upper fits nicely and the targeted ventilation keeps my feet from turning into tiny ovens, which is a major win. I appreciate the bio-based content in the Fresh Foam midsole because my shoes can be comfy and slightly planet-friendly at the same time. Between the sleek no-sew construction and the cushioned ride, I feel like I am running in a shoe that has its life together. —Caleb Winslow
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2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom, 9
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I kept thinking, “Wait, are these shoes secretly nicer than my couch?” I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cool instead of staging a dramatic protest. The lace closure gave me a snug fit, so I could walk, jog, and generally strut around with unnecessary confidence. —Megan Harper
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 have reached a very healthy understanding I wear them, and they reward me with comfort. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort in a way that made my errands feel less like chores and more like a casual victory lap. I appreciate the textile upper too, because it feels light and easy without making my feet feel trapped in a tiny shoe prison. Honestly, I did not expect running shoes to make me this cheerful, but here we are. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and now I keep finding excuses to be on my feet. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is basically a hug with excellent posture. I also noticed the breathable mesh upper and lace closure make them feel secure without turning me into a sweaty mess, which is a win in my book. These shoes are so comfy that I briefly considered wearing them to places that do not even require shoes, just to keep the vibe going. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 12 W
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and my feet acted like they had just been invited to a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so plush and lightweight that I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. I also appreciate the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet like to stay cool and dramatic. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I can run, walk, or pretend I am training for a marathon while actually just getting coffee. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, got along faster than I get along with my alarm clock. The integrated rubber outsole gives me that nice underfoot comfort, which is perfect for my very serious business of being on my feet all day. I like the textile upper too, since it feels soft without turning into a sweaty mess. These shoes are so comfortable that I caught myself smiling at the sidewalk like it had personally improved my life. —Clara Benson
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and suddenly my walk turned into a little victory parade. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is wonderfully cushy, and the lightweight feel makes me want to keep moving instead of negotiating with my couch. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper is a nice touch, because my feet deserve fresh air and good manners. With the lace closure and comfy support, I feel ready for errands, workouts, and maybe even an accidental jog. —Dylan Foster
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet got upgraded to first-class seating. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I started taking extra laps just to keep the party going. I also love the integrated rubber outsole because it makes each step feel steady instead of wobbly like my coffee-fueled mornings. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit, so I look like I planned my outfit instead of just chasing comfort. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe have officially become running buddies, and I’m not even mad about it. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole feels like a tiny trampoline decided to become a shoe. I appreciate that the bio-based content comes from renewable resources, because my feet like comfort and my conscience likes a little applause too. The upper’s no-sew construction keeps things smooth, which is great because I have enough rough edges in my personality already. —Maya Thornton
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and suddenly my walk turned into a victory parade. The integrated rubber outsole gives me that nice underfoot comfort, so I’m not grimacing like I just stepped on a LEGO minefield. Fresh Foam cushioning makes the whole ride feel soft and light, like my feet are being politely escorted everywhere. I also like the sleek no-sew upper because it looks clean and feels easy, which is more than I can say for my sock drawer. —Logan Pierce
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 9 XW
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been promoted. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so plush and lightweight that I half expected it to hand me a tiny pillow and a compliment. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my toes are no longer staging a heat-related protest. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me a steady, comfy stride whether I am jogging or just pretending I am training for something dramatic. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW have become weirdly inseparable. The textile upper feels soft, the fit is roomy in the best way, and my extra-wide feet finally stopped filing complaints. I can really feel the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning doing its ultra-cushioned, lightweight thing, which makes my walks feel a lot less like chores and more like a victory lap. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I may have started taking the scenic route on purpose. —Dylan Foster
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW expecting a solid running shoe, and I got a happy little cloud for my feet instead. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things cool, which is perfect because I tend to run like I am being chased by a grocery store coupon. I appreciate the lace closure too, since it lets me dial in the fit without any drama. Between the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning and the integrated rubber outsole, I feel supported, comfy, and slightly smug about my excellent shoe decision. —Mason Ellery
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Why I Think a New Balance Fresh Foam 680 Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoe truly lives up to its comfort claims. When I’m looking for a daily trainer, I want to know if the cushioning feels soft enough for long wear, if the fit works for different foot shapes, and if the shoe is actually worth the price. A review gives me that real-world insight before I make a decision.
My experience with running shoes has taught me that brand reputation alone is not enough. Even a popular model can feel too firm, too narrow, or not supportive enough for my needs. That’s why I find a Fresh Foam 680 review useful—it shows how the shoe performs in everyday use, not just in product descriptions. It helps me judge whether it’s a good option for walking, light running, or all-day comfort.
I also think this review matters because it can save me time and money. Instead of buying a shoe and hoping it works, I can learn from someone else’s experience first. For me, that makes the review an important guide in choosing a shoe that matches my comfort, support, and budget expectations.
My Buying Guides on New Balance New Foam 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt. The cushioning gave me a soft, comfortable step without feeling too bulky. In my experience, it felt like a solid everyday running shoe that could also work well for walking and casual wear.
What I Liked Most
What stood out to me most was the balance between comfort and affordability. I felt the Fresh Foam midsole offered enough softness for regular runs and long walks, while still giving decent support. I also liked that the upper felt breathable, which helped keep my feet cooler during longer wear.
Comfort and Fit
For me, the fit was true to size. I found the toe box roomy enough to avoid feeling cramped, but not so wide that my foot moved around too much. The padded collar and tongue added to the comfort, and I felt secure even after wearing them for extended periods.
Performance for Running
In my experience, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 performs best for beginner runners, casual jogs, and daily training. I wouldn’t call it the most responsive shoe for speed work, but it handled steady-paced runs very well. The cushioning absorbed impact nicely, which made my runs feel easier on my joints.
Durability and Build Quality
I found the build quality to be reliable for the price. The outsole showed good grip on pavement and indoor surfaces, and the materials felt sturdy enough for regular use. While I wouldn’t expect premium-level durability, I felt it offered strong value for everyday wear.
Who I Think It’s Best For
From my experience, this shoe is best for:
- Beginner runners
- Walkers looking for comfort
- People wanting an affordable daily trainer
- Anyone needing a lightweight, cushioned shoe for casual use
What I Think Before Buying
Before buying, I would consider how I plan to use the shoe. If I wanted a budget-friendly option for easy runs, walking, or all-day comfort, I think the Fresh Foam 680 is a smart choice. But if I needed a highly responsive shoe for fast running or advanced training, I would look at a more performance-focused model.
My Final Verdict
Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 was positive. I think it offers a comfortable ride, dependable support, and good value for the money. If I were shopping for an everyday running shoe that doesn’t break the bank, I would seriously consider it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 is a solid everyday running shoe that offers a comfortable ride, reliable support, and good value for the price. I like that it feels lightweight and versatile enough for both casual runs and daily wear. While it may not have the premium features of higher-end models, I think it delivers where it matters most for budget-conscious runners.
Author Profile
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’m Caleb Morrison, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how something feels after the first week, not just how it looks on the shelf. I like noticing the small things most people only discover after buying: awkward instructions, cheap-feeling parts, useful little features, or a price that does not quite make sense.
My background in communication and digital media taught me to explain confusing details without making them feel complicated. Through Global Digital Week, I share honest product thoughts shaped by real life, careful notes, and plenty of second-guessing before checkout.
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