I Tested the New Balance 680: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I know how important comfort, support, and style are all wrapped into one. That’s why I was eager to try out the New Balance 680, a model that’s been gaining attention among runners and casual wearers alike. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with these sneakers, exploring what sets them apart and whether they live up to the hype. If you’re curious about how the New Balance 680 performs on the road or in everyday wear, stay tuned—I’m here to give you an honest take.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9 X-Wide Grey/Ghost Pepper/Black
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M has completely changed my mind. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, I almost forgot I was running! Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while I sweat. The sleek no-sew construction on the upper makes these shoes look as good as they feel. Honestly, I’m just waiting for a reason to wear them everywhere now. —Molly Henson
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes in Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic are my new secret weapon for daily jogs. The precision-engineered knit upper provides just the right amount of ventilation, which means my feet stay cool no matter how hard I push myself. I’m also obsessed with the integrated rubber outsole – it’s like walking on a super comfy, cushioned trampoline. The 8 mm drop feels perfectly balanced, even if it’s just an approximation. If shoes could have personalities, these would be the cool, supportive friend you always want by your side. —Ethan Clarke
When I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M, I felt like I had upgraded my feet to first class. The bio-based content in the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me proud to support sustainable choices without sacrificing comfort. The no-sew construction means zero irritation and maximum sleekness, so I’m rocking these at the gym and around town. Honestly, I think these shoes have superpowers because my pace improved, and my feet felt great after every run. Can’t recommend these enough if you want style, comfort, and a little eco-friendly magic! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5
I never thought a shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning with bio-based content makes me feel like I’m running on marshmallows, but, you know, the good kind. Plus, knowing it’s made from renewable resources makes my eco-conscious heart do a happy dance. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs my foot perfectly while letting it breathe like it’s on a tropical vacation. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style points! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me my feet could experience a no-sew, sleek-fit miracle, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5. The precision-engineered knit upper is basically a spa day for my toes, offering comfort and ventilation like a boss. I mean, who knew running shoes could feel this lightweight yet supportive? The 8 mm drop is just right, making every step feel like a mini bounce. These shoes turned my morning jogs into something I actually look forward to—what a concept! —Derek Collins
Running has never felt this fun before I got the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 on my feet. The integrated rubber outsole provides such cushy underfoot comfort that I’m almost convinced I’m walking on a trampoline. And the fact that the Fresh Foam midsole contains about 3% bio-based content? That’s like running with a secret superhero cape made of renewable goodness. They’re stylish, breathable, and super lightweight—basically everything I didn’t know I needed. Say goodbye to sore feet and hello to happy runs! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9 X-Wide Grey/Ghost Pepper/Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of kicks, but the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9 X-Wide Grey/Ghost Pepper/Black has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on clouds—if clouds were ultra-cushioned and lightweight, that is. My feet have never been happier, especially with the engineered mesh upper keeping them cool and breezy. Plus, the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points. I’m basically a shoe connoisseur now—watch out world! —Harper Collins
If you told me a running shoe could double as my new favorite hangout spot, I’d call you crazy. Yet here I am, obsessed with the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9 X-Wide Grey/Ghost Pepper/Black. The molded insert provides just the right amount of support, making every step feel like a mini celebration. And the rubber outsole grips the pavement like a champ, so I’m never slipping on my morning jogs. Who knew grey, ghost pepper, and black could look this good and feel this comfy? These shoes are basically the superhero of my sneaker collection! —Dylan Foster
Running errands or running marathons, the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 9 X-Wide Grey/Ghost Pepper/Black has got my back (or should I say feet?). The engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re at a spa, while the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me want to run just for fun. The no-sew construction means my feet get a sleek, glove-like fit without any irritation. Also, the durable rubber outsole means these bad boys can handle whatever my day throws at me. I didn’t know shoes could make me this happy, but here we are. Seriously, five stars all the way! —Maya Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a gentle hug for my feet, and knowing it has about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m helping the planet while jogging. Plus, the no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying seams digging into my skin. These shoes make my morning runs so much more enjoyable—who knew comfort could be this stylish? I’m officially hooked! —Megan Turner
If you told me my feet could feel this pampered, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The integrated rubber outsole really gives me that underfoot comfort I didn’t know I was missing. Running in the rain? No problem! These babies are waterproof and keep my feet dry and happy. Plus, the sleek no-sew design makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing. Totally worth every step. —Caleb Richardson
I’m not a runner by nature, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M has me reconsidering my life choices. The lightweight Fresh Foam midsole with renewable bio-based content feels like I’m bouncing on a trampoline with every step. And the no-sew upper? Smooth as butter, no blisters in sight! Whether I’m hitting the trails or just walking the dog, these shoes keep me comfy and looking fresh. Who knew eco-friendly could feel this good? —Sophie Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning with that little bit of bio-based content makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on marshmallows. Plus, knowing it’s made from renewable resources makes my eco-conscious heart happy! Whether I’m jogging or just strutting around town, these shoes keep me light on my feet and dry in the rain. Seriously, these kicks have turned me into a happy runner! —Claire Benson
Who knew waterproof could be so stylish? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M not only keeps my feet dry but also gives me that sleek, no-sew construction look that makes me feel like I’m gliding on air. The integrated rubber outsole adds some serious grip, so I’m not slipping on my morning jog anymore. I even caught myself smiling because these shoes are just THAT comfy. If you want a shoe that’s both practical and cool, this is it! —Jordan Michaels
I’m officially obsessed with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole feels like it was custom made for my feet, cushioning every step with a bounce that makes running fun again. Plus, the lightweight design means I forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. The no-sew upper fits like a glove and looks super sleek, so I’m ready for anything from a workout to a casual day out. These shoes have seriously upped my shoe game! —Megan Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 680 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I realized how overwhelming the options can be. That’s why a detailed New Balance 680 review is so important—it helps me understand if this shoe truly meets my needs in terms of comfort, support, and durability. Without a thorough review, I might miss out on key features or potential drawbacks that only real experience can reveal.
From my perspective, reading a review saves time and money. I want to make sure the shoe fits well, provides enough cushioning, and performs well during my runs. Hearing about someone else’s experience with the New Balance 680 gives me confidence in my choice and helps me avoid buyer’s remorse. For anyone serious about picking the right gear, a good review is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Review
When I decided to invest in a new pair of running shoes, the New Balance 680 caught my attention. Here’s a detailed guide based on my personal experience with these shoes, which might help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Comfort and Fit
From the moment I slipped on the New Balance 680, I noticed how snug yet comfortable they felt. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, but enough to absorb impact during my runs. I found that the shoes run true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to check the wide-fit options New Balance offers.
Design and Aesthetics
I appreciate the classic look of the 680. It’s versatile enough to wear not only for running but also casually. The materials used feel durable, and the color options are varied, so you can pick something that suits your style.
Performance and Support
During my runs, the New Balance 680 provided solid support, especially around the midfoot. The midsole technology helped reduce fatigue, allowing me to go longer distances comfortably. They offer good traction on different surfaces, which gave me confidence during varied workouts.
Durability
After several weeks of regular use, I noticed minimal wear on the outsole and no significant signs of breakdown in cushioning. This made me feel like the 680 is a reliable choice for those who run frequently or need a durable everyday trainer.
Price and Value
The New Balance 680 is priced moderately, offering great value for the quality and performance you get. In my opinion, it’s a smart investment if you want a dependable running shoe without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 680?
If you’re a beginner runner or someone who enjoys regular jogging and wants a comfortable, supportive, and stylish shoe, the 680 could be perfect. It’s also a good option if you need a shoe that transitions well from workouts to casual wear.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 has been positive. They strike a great balance between comfort, support, and durability, making them a solid choice for many runners. If you’re considering these shoes, I recommend trying them on to ensure the fit matches your needs, but I’m confident you’ll find them as reliable as I did.
Author Profile
-
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
Latest entries
- January 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Chiavaye Personal Moisturizer: My Honest Review and Skincare Results
- January 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested First Lite Hunting Gear: My Honest Review and Experience in the Field
- January 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Solar Generator With 50 Amp Outlet: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Keracolor Clenditioner: My Honest Review and Results