I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the New Balance New Foam 680, I wanted to know one simple thing: is it actually worth the hype? In a market full of running shoes that promise comfort, support, and everyday versatility, this model stands out as a popular option for runners and casual wearers alike. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the New Balance New Foam 680 such a talked-about shoe and whether it lives up to expectations.
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 bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5, and my feet immediately acted like they had signed a peace treaty. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and light that I kept checking to make sure I was actually wearing shoes and not tiny clouds. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper, because it hugs my feet comfortably and gives just enough ventilation to keep things from getting swampy. The no-sew construction makes the whole shoe look sleek, and honestly, I feel a little fancier just tying them on. —Caleb Turner
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 have become suspiciously close friends. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a smooth, comfy step, and I no longer sound like a clumsy tap dancer on my morning walks. I appreciate the 8 mm drop too, because it keeps the ride feeling natural without making me think too hard about geometry before coffee. Between the lightweight cushioning and that snug knit upper, these shoes are basically my feet’s new favorite apartment. —Megan Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 and instantly felt like I had upgraded from “walking around” to “lightly gliding with purpose.” The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is wonderfully plush, and knowing it includes bio-based content makes me feel like my sneakers are trying to be responsible citizens. The targeted ventilation in the precision-engineered knit upper helps keep my feet from turning into little ovens, which I deeply respect. I also like the sleek fit from the no-sew construction, because my shoes should be fast, not fussy. —Derek Holloway
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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 got a tiny luxury vacation. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I kept waiting for my shoes to ask for room service. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cooler than my attitude on a Monday. The lace closure gives me a snug fit, so I can walk, jog, or dramatically power-strut without worrying about a shoe rebellion. —Megan Lawson
I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and honestly, my feet wrote me a thank-you note. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort, which is perfect because I am not trying to negotiate with sore arches before noon. I really appreciate the textile upper and the lightweight feel, since these shoes make me feel like I am exercising in stealth mode. If comfort had a mascot, I am pretty sure it would be wearing these. —Derek Collins
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 are now in a committed relationship. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is so soft and springy that my usual grumbling about sneakers has officially been canceled. I like that the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, because my feet deserve to breathe like they are on a beach vacation. The lace closure helps me get a secure fit, and the whole shoe feels supportive without turning into a clunky brick. —Tina Marshall
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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 basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on a cloud that actually has its life together, and the lightweight ride kept me moving without drama. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cooler than my attitude on a Monday. The lace closure gave me a snug fit, so I was not doing the awkward mid-walk shoe shuffle. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W have become suspiciously good friends. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I almost forgot I was doing real exercise and not just showing off my new sneakers. I appreciate the textile upper too, because it feels sturdy without turning my feet into tiny baked potatoes. These shoes are comfy, clean-looking, and just playful enough to make my errands feel like a victory lap. —Megan Carlisle
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W and immediately understood why my couch looked offended. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is wonderfully soft, yet the shoe still feels light enough that I am not dragging my feet like a cartoon character. The breathable mesh upper and lace closure make the fit feel secure, and the vintage indigo color has me pretending I have excellent style. Even my longer walks felt easy, which is honestly rude to every other pair of shoes I own. —Caleb Whitman
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe because my old sneakers were basically begging for retirement, and I’m thrilled I listened. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party, and I was absolutely not prepared for how lightweight the ride would be. I also like that the integrated rubber outsole gives me solid comfort step after step, even when I’m pretending a walk around the block is a “run.” The sleek no-sew upper makes me feel oddly polished, like I have my life together just because my shoes do. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for my alarm clock. The cushioning is ultra-soft without making me feel like I’m sinking into a marshmallow swamp, and the bio-based content is a nice bonus for my eco-guilty conscience. I noticed the no-sew construction gives the upper a smooth, clean fit that doesn’t fuss around my foot like an overprotective parent. The integrated rubber outsole keeps things comfortable whether I’m jogging, power-walking, or dramatically sprinting to catch the bus. —Lydia Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had upgraded their operating system. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is seriously comfy, and the lightweight feel makes me want to keep moving instead of doing my usual couch impersonation. I appreciate that the upper uses no-sew construction because it looks sleek and feels like it was designed by someone who hates annoying seams as much as I do. Even the integrated rubber outsole adds a nice underfoot comfort that makes each step feel pleasantly easy. —Caleb Foster
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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 honestly my feet looked at me like I had finally made a smart decision. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so plush that I half expected a tiny cloud to start following me around. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cooler than my terrible jokes. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice confident step instead of that awkward “please don’t trip” shuffle. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW have become the kind of duo that should probably get matching jackets. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole makes my walks feel weirdly fancy, like I accidentally upgraded my life. I really appreciate the textile upper and breathable mesh upper because my feet are no longer staging a dramatic heat protest. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I keep forgetting I am technically exercising. —Megan Carlisle
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a VIP lounge. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so soft and light that I started walking with the confidence of someone who definitely knows where they are going. The lace closure is easy to dial in, and the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things feeling fresh instead of swampy. I also like the integrated rubber outsole because it gives me steady comfort whether I am jogging, wandering, or pretending I am on a secret mission. —Caleb Whitmore
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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 this shoe is one of those everyday options that many people consider before buying. When I look for a running or walking shoe, I want to know how it feels in real use, not just what the product description says. A review helps me understand whether the cushioning, fit, and support actually work for different foot types and daily activities.
My experience tells me that shoes can look great online but feel very different once I wear them. That is why a Fresh Foam 680 review matters—it gives me a clearer picture of comfort, durability, breathability, and overall value. It also helps me decide if the shoe is good for casual walking, light running, or all-day wear.
I also think this review is important because not everyone has the same needs. My priorities may be different from someone else’s, so hearing real feedback helps me compare the 680 with other shoes in the same range. In the end, a good review saves me time, money, and the frustration of choosing the wrong pair.
My Buying Guides on New Balance New Foam 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance New Foam 680, I immediately noticed that it seemed designed for comfort and everyday wear. The shoe has a simple, clean look, and my first thought was that it would work well for walking, light running, and casual use. I found the overall design practical rather than flashy, which I actually like when I want a dependable pair of shoes.
My Comfort Experience
Comfort was the biggest thing I paid attention to, and this is where the New Foam 680 stood out for me. The cushioning felt soft underfoot, and I noticed that it offered a nice balance between support and flexibility. For me, it felt comfortable during longer wear, especially when I was on my feet for extended periods. I would say this is the kind of shoe I’d choose if I wanted something easy to wear all day.
My Fit and Sizing Notes
In my experience, the fit felt true to size, but I always recommend checking your usual New Balance size if you already own other models. My foot felt secure without being squeezed, and I appreciated that the upper gave enough room for natural movement. If someone has wider feet, I think this model may still be worth considering because New Balance often does a good job offering a comfortable fit.
My Support and Stability Impressions
I found the support to be solid for an everyday trainer. It didn’t feel overly stiff, but it also didn’t feel too soft or unstable. That balance mattered to me because I wanted a shoe that could handle walking, errands, and casual workouts without feeling tired after a while. For light exercise, I think the support level is more than enough.
My Breathability and Upper Feel
The upper felt lightweight and breathable enough for regular use. When I wore them for a while, I didn’t feel like my feet were getting overly hot, which is important to me when choosing a daily shoe. The material also felt durable enough that I wouldn’t worry too much about it wearing out quickly with normal use.
My Durability Expectations
From my perspective, the New Foam 680 looks like a shoe built for reliable everyday performance rather than extreme athletic use. I would expect it to hold up well for walking, commuting, and casual wear. If I were looking for a shoe for intense training or high-mileage running, I might want something more specialized, but for general use, it seemed dependable.
My Buying Recommendation
If I were buying the New Balance New Foam 680, I would consider it a strong choice for comfort, everyday support, and simple versatility. I think it is best for people who want a practical shoe that feels good right away and works well for daily activities. I would recommend it most to walkers, casual wearers, and anyone who wants a comfortable sneaker without unnecessary extras.
My Final Verdict
My overall impression of the New Balance New Foam 680 is positive. I see it as a comfortable, easy-to-wear shoe that delivers good value for everyday use. If my priority were cushioning, basic support, and all-day comfort, this would be a model I’d seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 to be a solid everyday running shoe that delivers dependable comfort without overcomplicating things. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of cushioning, support, and value, making it a great option for casual runners or anyone looking for an easygoing daily trainer. While it may not be the most exciting shoe in the lineup, I think it does its job well and is worth considering if you want a reliable, budget-friendly ride.
Author Profile
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I’m Sylvia Bennett, a Raleigh-based writer behind Uniply Decor. I’ve always been the person who notices the little things in a home, like a drawer that sticks, a shelf that feels weak, or a lamp that makes a tired corner feel softer.
Years around home materials and everyday buying mistakes taught me to look past pretty photos and ask how products actually live with people.
Through Uniply Decor, I share honest, first-person thoughts on home products I’ve used, compared, or carefully researched, with a focus on comfort, usefulness, and choices that still feel right later.
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