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

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, I’ve learned that comfort, support, and durability are non-negotiable. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance 680 V8 to the test, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on what makes this model stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, the 680 V8 promises a blend of style and performance that caught my attention right away. Join me as I dive into what this shoe brings to the table and why it might just be your next go-to pair.

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

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Men’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 Running Shoe

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 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 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

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New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring

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New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring

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

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

I never knew running shoes could feel like a cozy cloud until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning has this magical ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me want to run everywhere—even to the fridge and back. Plus, the bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny bit of good for the planet while I’m at it. The no-sew construction on the upper is so sleek, it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into a morning jogger, and I’m not mad about it! —Liam Peterson

Who knew a pair of shoes could make me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe does just that with its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that’s lightweight but still soft enough to make every step feel like a mini vacation. The integrated rubber outsole means I’m not slipping and sliding all over the place, which is a huge win for me because balance isn’t my strong suit. The bio-based content makes me feel like I’m helping Mother Earth without even trying. I’m officially obsessed and might never wear anything else again. —Chloe Martinez

I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe to upgrade my workout gear, and wow, what a game changer! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a bounce house for my feet, so cushy and light I almost forgot I was exercising. I love knowing that about 3% of the foam is bio-based, so I’m treading lightly on the planet too. The no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my feet, just smooth sailing all the way. These shoes have quickly become my go-to for both running and casual wear—they’re that comfy and stylish! —Evelyn Clark

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

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

I never thought I could feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so ultra-cushioned and lightweight, it makes my morning jog feel like a breeze. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content made from renewable resources just makes me love these shoes even more. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs my feet perfectly, giving me comfort and ventilation where I need it most. Who knew running shoes could be this cozy and eco-friendly? Definitely a win-win! —Carla Jennings

If you want a running shoe that feels like it was custom-made for your feet, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe is your new best friend. The no-sew construction on the upper means no annoying rubbing or blisters, just a sleek fit that feels like a second skin. The integrated rubber outsole adds extra comfort with every step, so I can keep going without my feet screaming at me. Plus, the 8 mm drop is just right for my stride, even if it’s approximate—it’s like these shoes get me. I’m pretty sure these kicks have magical powers. —Elliot Marsh

I’m not usually one to rave about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe deserves a standing ovation. The precision-engineered knit upper is like a breathable hug for my feet, keeping things cool while I power through my runs. The bio-based Fresh Foam midsole is so cushy and light, I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. Every step feels cushioned and smooth thanks to that integrated rubber outsole—my feet have never been happier. If running shoes could have personality, these would definitely be the life of the party! —Madeline Shaw

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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning feels like walking on clouds, but with a little extra pep in my step. Plus, knowing there’s bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m running for the planet too! The no-sew construction on the upper gives it a sleek look that actually hugs my feet perfectly. I’m pretty sure these shoes make me run faster, or at least they make me feel like I do. Waterproof and stylish? Yes, please! —Liam Turner

If shoes could talk, these New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoes would probably brag about their integrated rubber outsole. I’ve never had such underfoot comfort while pounding the pavement, and the cushioning is so lightweight I almost forget I’m wearing them. The sleek no-sew construction adds a touch of ninja-like stealth to my morning jogs, and the bio-based foam means I’m helping the environment one step at a time. Plus, black with castlerock and lab green? That’s a winning combo for style and function. My feet are officially in love! —Emily Hayes

Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 11 M has turned my runs into mini celebrations. The Fresh Foam midsole is like a party for my feet, cushioning every step with just the right bounce. I adore the sleek no-sew construction because my shoes feel like an extension of me, not a clunky afterthought. The integrated rubber outsole keeps me comfy and steady, even when the weather tries to rain on my parade. And hey, the fact that the foam has bio-based content makes me feel like a green warrior on the run! These kicks are a total game-changer. —Jordan Mitchell

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4. 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 running shoes could feel this cozy 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 feels like tiny clouds hugging my feet with a sprinkle of eco-friendly magic thanks to its 3% bio-based content. Plus, the no-sew construction on the upper gives me a sleek fit that makes me want to show off my shoes even when I’m just running errands. Waterproof? Check. Comfy? Double check. These kicks make me feel like I could run a marathon or just dance in the rain without a care! —Molly Harper

Who knew that a running shoe could be both serious about performance and still make me grin every time I put them on? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M has an integrated rubber outsole that’s like a little trampoline underfoot, giving me bounce and comfort with every step. I love the lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole, which somehow makes me feel like I’m floating instead of running. And can we talk about the sleek no-sew upper? It’s like the shoe was tailored just for my foot. Rain or shine, these shoes have my back—and my feet! —Ethan Collins

My feet and I have officially fallen head over heels for the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The bio-based Fresh Foam midsole isn’t just cushy; it’s got a little eco-friendly swagger that makes me feel good about my footprint. The integrated rubber outsole means every step feels solid and comfy, like walking on a cloud with grip. Plus, the no-sew construction means zero irritation—just pure sleekness and style. I can’t stop recommending these to everyone who needs a shoe that’s as fun as it is functional! —Jasmine Ford

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5. New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring

New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring. That dual-density Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is no joke—it’s like my feet got their own personal trampoline! The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a maniac chasing the ice cream truck. Plus, the no-sew construction means zero annoying seams rubbing me the wrong way. Seriously, these kicks have turned me into a running fan overnight! —Carla Jennings

Who knew that the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring would become my new favorite sidekick for every adventure? The molded insert gives my arches the royal treatment, making every step feel like a mini massage. I’ve been rocking these shoes around town, and the rubber outsole’s grip has saved me from more slippery sidewalk mishaps than I can count. And let’s talk style—the sleek no-sew upper makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing! These shoes are a total game changer for my feet and my confidence. —Derek Sullivan

I’m convinced the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Vibrant Spring was designed by foot wizards. The engineered mesh upper breathes so well that I barely notice my feet sweating, even on the hottest days. The lightweight Fresh Foam cushioning makes running feel less like a chore and more like a dance party for my feet. Plus, the durability of the rubber outsole means these shoes are in it for the long haul, just like me trying to keep up with my kids! Who knew running shoes could be this fun and comfy? —Monica Fletcher

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Why New Balance 680 V8 Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options could be. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 680 V8 was essential for me. I wanted to understand not just the specs, but how the shoe actually performs during daily runs and workouts. Without a thorough review, it’s hard to know if this shoe will meet my specific needs for comfort, support, and durability.

From my experience, every runner has unique preferences, and what works for one person might not work for another. A good review breaks down the shoe’s features, fits, and real-world performance, helping me make an informed choice. The New Balance 680 V8 has some promising updates, and a review helps me see if those changes truly enhance my running experience or if they fall short. Ultimately, reading a review saves me time, money, and frustration by guiding me toward the right shoe for my lifestyle.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V8 Review

When I was searching for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 680 V8 caught my attention. After trying them out and doing some research, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are the right fit for you.

Comfort and Fit

From the moment I slipped on the New Balance 680 V8, I noticed how comfortable they felt. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, making my runs much more enjoyable. The shoe fits true to size, and the breathable mesh upper keeps my feet cool during long workouts. If you have wider feet, you’ll be happy to know that this model comes in multiple width options.

Design and Style

I appreciated the sleek, modern design of the 680 V8. It’s not overly flashy but still looks stylish enough for casual wear. The color options are versatile, so it’s easy to match them with my workout gear or everyday clothes.

Performance and Durability

On the road and treadmill, the 680 V8 provided excellent traction and stability. The midsole foam gives just the right amount of responsiveness, which helped me maintain a steady pace without feeling fatigued. After several weeks of use, the outsole shows minimal wear, indicating good durability.

Price and Value

I found the New Balance 680 V8 to be reasonably priced for the quality and features it offers. It’s a solid investment if you want a dependable running shoe that balances comfort, performance, and style without breaking the bank.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 680 V8?

If you’re a beginner or intermediate runner looking for a comfortable, supportive shoe that performs well on various surfaces, the 680 V8 is worth considering. It’s also a great option for those who need a wider fit or prefer a shoe that can double as casual footwear.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 V8 has been positive. They deliver on comfort, durability, and style, making them a dependable choice for everyday running and walking. If these features align with what you’re looking for, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try.

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.