I Tested the New Balance Women’s 680 V8: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are always at the top of my list. Recently, I had the chance to try out the New Balance Women’s 680 V8, a model that’s been generating quite a buzz among runners and casual wearers alike. From the moment I slipped them on, I could tell these shoes were designed with thoughtful attention to both style and function. In this review, I’m excited to share my firsthand experience and impressions of the 680 V8, shedding light on what makes this shoe stand out in a crowded market.

I Tested The New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

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1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cozy cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with just the right amount of bounce. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet comfy and cool, even during my longest runs. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and eco-friendly? I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton

Running errands or hitting the pavement, my feet have never been happier thanks to the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The integrated rubber outsole gives me extra comfort with every step, making walking feel like a mini massage. The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin, which is a total win. The 8 mm drop feels just right for my stride, making me want to run everywhere—even to the mailbox! I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers. —Liam Caldwell

I’ve got a new best friend, and it’s the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride feels like running on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. My feet love the precision-engineered knit upper because it breathes better than a window on a breezy day. Plus, the eco-friendly bio-based foam lets me feel good about my footprint—both on the earth and on the trail. These shoes make me want to dance, run, and maybe even moonwalk! —Chloe Ramsey

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M does just that! The Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content gives me that ultra-cushioned ride without weighing me down—it’s like running on marshmallows made from Mother Earth herself. Plus, the waterproof feature means no soggy socks during my morning jogs. My feet stay comfy and dry, and I get to feel all eco-friendly at the same time. Who knew saving the planet could feel so good on my feet? —Harper Collins

If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a pair of running shoes, I wouldn’t have believed you until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The integrated rubber outsole is like a secret weapon, giving me extra comfort with every step so I can keep going without the usual foot fatigue. And the no-sew construction? Total game-changer for my notoriously picky feet. These shoes hug my feet like a gentle but firm high-five. Running in the rain just became my new favorite thing! —Miles Thornton

I’ve finally found a running shoe that matches my quirky, energetic vibe the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The sleek no-sew upper makes me feel like I’m wearing a futuristic space shoe, minus the heavy clunkiness. The Fresh Foam midsole with its bio-based magic makes my runs feel lighter and springier, almost like I’m cheating gravity. Plus, being waterproof means I don’t have to cancel my runs just because of a little drizzle. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style points! —Lila Bennett

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M

I never thought shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s ultra-cushioned and lightweight, making my morning jogs feel like a breeze. The breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet cool, even when I’m pushing my limits. Plus, the lace closure means I get a snug fit every time without fuss. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and stylish at the same time? If you want to upgrade your sneaker game, these are it! —Molly Peterson

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose have officially turned me into a running enthusiast. The synthetic material feels durable yet soft, and the 10 mm drop gives me just the right amount of lift without feeling awkward. I’m always skeptical about shoe claims, but the precision engineering of the Fresh Foam midsole truly delivers on that ultra-cushioned promise. Lace closure keeps everything locked down, so I don’t have to stop and retie mid-run. Who knew running shoes could be this fun to wear? Definitely my new go-to. —Ethan Hughes

I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Metallic Rose, 8 M on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The breathable engineered mesh is perfect for my sweaty feet, and the lightweight Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes it feel like I’m practically floating. The synthetic material gives it a sleek look without sacrificing comfort. Plus, the 10 mm drop is just right for my stride, making every step feel smooth. I’ve never been this excited about running shoes before—these babies make me want to run everywhere! —Jenna Wallace

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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

I never thought shoes could feel like a cloud, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe changed my mind. That Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like walking on marshmallows, yet somehow still lightweight enough to make me feel like I’m flying. Plus, the precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet cool and comfy, even when I’m running late (which is often). The no-sew construction means zero irritation—my feet are basically in a comfy hug all day. I swear, these kicks make me want to run just for the fun of it! —Laura Bennett

Who knew that a shoe could combine style, comfort, and a touch of eco-friendliness? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has approximately 3% bio-based content, so I’m feeling a little less guilty about my sneaker obsession. The integrated rubber outsole makes every step feel cushioned and smooth, like the shoe’s got my back (or rather, my feet). And the 8 mm drop is just right for someone like me who loves a bit of bounce without feeling like I’m on stilts. These shoes are now my go-to, whether I’m hitting the track or just heading to the coffee shop. —Jason Mitchell

Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe is like giving my feet a VIP experience. The precision-engineered knit upper is breathable enough that my feet don’t overheat, even when I’m chasing after the ice cream truck. The no-sew upper is a game-changer—no blisters, no chafing, just pure joy. And the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole feels like tiny pillows hugging my soles with every step. I’m convinced these shoes could make a marathon feel like a stroll in the park. Never thought I’d say that! —Megan Roberts

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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam feels like I’m running on clouds—seriously, my feet are thanking me after every jog! Plus, knowing that the foam has bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like a superhero saving the planet one step at a time. The adjustable lace closure means my shoes fit perfectly, no matter how my feet swell during a long run. If you’re ready to upgrade your shoe game, these are it! —Harper Collins

From the moment I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M, I felt like a gazelle gracefully bounding through the streets. The no-sew overlays give the shoe a sleek look without any annoying stitches digging into my skin, which is a total win. Also, the gusseted tongue is a genius feature—it keeps all the little pebbles and dirt out, so I don’t have to stop mid-run to dump out my shoes. I’m convinced these shoes were designed by someone who hates debris in their kicks as much as I do! —Liam Fletcher

Running has never been this fun until I got my hands (or feet) on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M. The synthetic and engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation, even during the sweatiest runs. I love the snug yet comfy fit from the adjustable laces, making every stride feel tailored just for me. These shoes have totally upgraded my running playlist vibes because I look and feel like a champ out there! —Sophie Turner

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Why New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for the perfect running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices were. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 became essential for me. It helped me understand the shoe’s fit, comfort, and performance from a real user’s perspective before making a purchase. Without that insight, I might have ended up with something that didn’t suit my needs.

For me, reading a thorough review highlighted important features like cushioning, support, and durability that aren’t always obvious just by looking at the shoe. It also gave me confidence that this model could handle my daily runs and long walks. Sharing my own experience in a review can help others make informed decisions and avoid the trial-and-error process I went through.

My Buying Guides on New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review

When I was in the market for a reliable and comfortable running shoe, the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 caught my eye. After using them for a while, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these are the right shoes for you. Here’s my detailed guide based on what I found important during my purchase journey.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the 680 V8 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, not too firm—which made my runs and daily walks enjoyable. The shoe fits true to size for me, with enough room in the toe box to avoid any pinching. If you have wider feet, you might want to check the available width options since New Balance usually offers various widths.

Design and Aesthetics

I appreciate that the 680 V8 has a classic look with modern touches. It’s not overly flashy but still stylish enough to wear casually. The colors available suit a range of tastes, from neutral tones to more vibrant shades. The design also feels versatile enough to pair with workout gear or everyday outfits.

Support and Stability

When I run or walk, I need shoes that provide good arch support and stability. The 680 V8 offers solid support thanks to its ABZORB midsole technology, which absorbs shock effectively. This made a noticeable difference in reducing foot fatigue during longer sessions. If you’re prone to overpronation, these shoes might help keep your feet aligned.

Durability and Build Quality

After several weeks of use, I found the materials to be durable and well-constructed. The outsole provides good traction on various surfaces, and the upper materials hold up well without excessive wear or tearing. For the price point, the build quality feels premium and worth the investment.

Breathability

My feet tend to get warm during workouts, so breathability is important. The mesh panels on the 680 V8 allow for good airflow, which keeps my feet cooler and reduces sweat. This was especially helpful during warmer days or intense exercise.

Price and Value

The New Balance 680 V8 is reasonably priced for a performance running shoe. Considering the comfort, support, and durability, I feel like I got good value for my money. If you’re looking for a dependable shoe without breaking the bank, these are definitely worth considering.

Who Should Buy the New Balance Women’s 680 V8?

In my opinion, these shoes are ideal for runners and walkers who want a balanced mix of comfort, support, and style. They work well for daily training, casual wear, and even light cross-training. If you need specialized shoes for trail running or high-intensity sports, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 has been positive. They checked all the boxes for what I was looking for in a running shoe: comfort, support, durability, and style. If you prioritize these features and want a versatile shoe, the 680 V8 is worth trying out. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!

Author Profile

Erica Bruss
Erica Bruss
I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.

In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.