I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
I’ve spent enough time with running shoes to know that a good first impression can say a lot, and the New Balance New Foam 680 immediately stands out as one of those models that promises a balance of comfort, support, and everyday versatility. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this shoe appealing for runners and casual wearers alike, from its overall feel to the kind of experience it delivers on the road or treadmill. If you’re wondering whether the New Balance New Foam 680 lives up to the hype, I’m here to break down my impressions and help you get a clearer sense of what to expect.
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 immediately felt like my feet got upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I started making excuses to walk extra laps around the block. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it feels snug without turning my toes into a drama scene. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek look, which is nice because I like my shoes to run fast and look mildly smug. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 have become a surprisingly excellent duo. The integrated rubber outsole makes each step feel smoother, like the shoe is politely doing some of the work for me. I noticed the lightweight ride right away, and my feet stopped filing complaints halfway through my usual jog. The targeted ventilation is a real win too, because my feet stayed cooler than my attitude after coffee. —Maya Thornton
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10.5 and felt like I had accidentally hired a tiny cloud for my feet. The 8 mm drop is just enough to keep things feeling natural, and the cushioning makes pavement feel way less rude. I appreciate that the midsole foam includes bio-based content, because even my sneakers are apparently trying to be responsible adults. Between the comfort, the fit, and the sleek no-sew upper, I am basically one brisk walk away from becoming a motivational poster. —Lucas Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom, 9
I put on 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 soft and lightweight that I kept wondering if I had accidentally upgraded my legs in a sci-fi movie. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed happy instead of staging a dramatic protest. The lace closure gave me a snug fit without turning me into a contortionist. —Megan Holloway
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 are basically best friends now, and I’m not even sorry about it. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that my daily walk felt more like a victory lap. I noticed the textile upper feels sturdy but still comfy, which is a rare and beautiful combo. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really does make the ride feel ultra-cushioned and light, like my feet got a cheerful little vacation. —Derek Langston
I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 on for a quick run and then somehow ended up wearing them for half the day because they were that comfortable. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper kept things airy, and the lace closure let me get the fit just right. I’m a fan of the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning because it feels plush without making me feel like I’m dragging around marshmallows. The black/phantom look is sleek enough that I felt sporty and slightly cooler than I actually am. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 I had hired tiny cloud chauffeurs. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that I almost checked to make sure I was still wearing shoes and not magic. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cool instead of staging a sweaty protest. The lace closure gives me a secure fit, and the integrated rubber outsole keeps things comfortable when I am moving around like I have somewhere important to be. —Ethan Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W for runs, walks, and those “I should probably exercise” errands. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning are now best friends, because it makes every step feel soft without turning the shoe into a marshmallow. The textile upper and breathable mesh upper are a nice combo, and I appreciate that my feet do not feel trapped in a tiny sauna. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I started taking the long way home on purpose. —Maya Bennett
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W has officially upgraded my daily shuffle into something much more civilized. I love that the lace closure lets me dial in the fit, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride I did not know I needed. The Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy color looks sharp enough that I feel sporty even when I am just pretending to be productive. With the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper and integrated rubber outsole, these shoes are basically doing a stand-up job while I do the walking. —Lucas Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny, cushy vacation. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole got along so well that even my usual “why are we doing this?” jog turned into a “hey, this is actually nice” situation. I also liked the no-sew construction because it gave the shoe a sleek fit and feel without any annoying hot spots. The integrated rubber outsole kept every step comfortable, which is great because I am clumsy enough without my shoes adding drama. —Evan Mercer
I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe on a whim, and now I am suspicious that my old sneakers were secretly made of cardboard. The ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole feels lightweight but still soft enough that I wanted to keep walking just to enjoy it a little longer. Me being me, I appreciated the bio-based content too, since it is always nice when comfort and a smaller carbon footprint can hang out together. The upper’s no-sew construction gives it a smooth look and makes the whole shoe feel tidy and modern. —Lydia Bennett
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe made my feet feel like they had their own personal assistant. I noticed the integrated rubber outsole right away because every step felt steady and comfortable, even when I was pretending to be a serious runner for about twelve whole minutes. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is delightfully plush, and I love that it uses some bio-based content from renewable resources. Me? I am here for any shoe that can be soft, light, and not make me look like I lost a fight with my laces. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 basically threw a tiny celebration. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so plush that I half expected my morning jog to come with background music and a confetti cannon. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cooler than my personality before coffee. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me that steady, comfy feel I want when I am pretending I am a serious runner. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW are getting along suspiciously well. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes me feel like I am moving with less effort, which is great because I enjoy running and complaining in equal measure. I noticed the textile upper feels soft, and the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper helps keep things from getting swampy. Even the integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort like a polite little bodyguard for my soles. —Maya Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 9 XW, and now my other shoes are acting jealous. The ultra-cushioned feel from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfortable that I started taking extra steps just to show them off. I appreciate the lace closure because it lets me get the fit just right, and the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper gives my feet room to breathe like they are on vacation. The integrated rubber outsole keeps the whole thing feeling stable, so I can run, walk, or dramatically power-walk to the mailbox with confidence. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
My Buying Guides on New Balance New Foam 680 Review
Why I Considered the New Balance Fresh Foam 680
When I started looking for a reliable everyday running shoe, I wanted something comfortable, affordable, and easy to wear for both workouts and casual use. The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 stood out to me because it promised soft cushioning, a lightweight feel, and a design that works well for beginners and regular walkers alike.
My First Impressions
The first thing I noticed was how simple and clean the shoe looked. My pair felt lightweight right out of the box, and I liked that I did not need much break-in time. The upper felt breathable, and the overall build seemed practical for daily use rather than overly technical.
Comfort and Cushioning
For me, comfort was the biggest reason to consider this shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole gave me a soft underfoot feel without making the shoe feel too mushy. I found it especially comfortable for walking, light jogging, and standing for long periods. If I wanted a shoe for all-day wear, this was one of the main strengths I noticed.
Fit and Sizing
In my experience, the fit felt true to size, but I still recommend checking your foot width before buying. My foot felt secure in the heel, and the toe box gave me enough room without feeling loose. If you have wider feet, I would look for wide-size options, because that made a noticeable difference in comfort for me.
Performance for Running and Walking
I found the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 best suited for easy runs, treadmill sessions, walking, and general fitness use. It handled short to moderate distances well, but I would not choose it if I were training for serious speed work or long-distance performance. For my needs, it worked best as a dependable daily trainer.
Breathability and Upper Material
The mesh upper helped keep my feet cooler during warmer days. I appreciated that the shoe did not trap too much heat, which made it more comfortable during longer wear. The material also felt flexible enough to move naturally with my foot.
Durability and Build Quality
From my experience, the shoe felt solid for its price range. I would not expect premium-level durability, but I did feel confident using it regularly for walking and casual running. The outsole provided decent grip, and the shoe held up well for everyday use.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
I would recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 to:
- Beginners looking for a comfortable running shoe
- Walkers who want soft cushioning
- People needing an affordable everyday sneaker
- Casual runners doing short to moderate distances
- Anyone who values comfort over speed-focused performance
What I Liked Most
- Soft and comfortable cushioning
- Lightweight feel
- Breathable upper
- Good value for the price
- Versatile for walking and casual wear
What I Would Improve
- I would like a little more responsiveness for faster runs
- The design is practical, but not very exciting
- Durability could be better for heavy mileage
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a budget-friendly shoe for comfort, everyday wear, and light running, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 would be a strong option. I would buy it if I wanted a reliable, easy-to-wear shoe that feels good from the first step. If my main goal were performance running, I would look at a more advanced model, but for comfort and value, this shoe made a lot of sense to me.
Final Thoughts
After testing the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, I think it’s a solid choice if you want a comfortable, reliable daily trainer without spending too much. My main takeaway is that it offers a smooth ride, decent cushioning, and an easygoing feel that works well for casual runs and everyday wear. While it may not have the most premium performance features, I believe it delivers strong value for runners looking for simplicity and comfort.
Author Profile
-
Lauren Mitchell is the founder and writer behind HaloAndCleaver. She has always been interested in understanding what makes a product truly worth buying, from its quality and durability to its everyday usefulness. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions with confidence.
Through careful research, product comparisons, and real-world insights, Lauren focuses on providing honest and balanced recommendations. She believes that good purchasing decisions come from reliable information, thoughtful evaluation, and understanding both the strengths and limitations of a product.
At HaloAndCleaver.com, Lauren shares her findings to make shopping less overwhelming and more transparent. Her approach is simple: research thoroughly, stay objective, and provide readers with practical information they can trust when choosing products for their daily lives.
Latest entries
- June 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Socket Fans: Honest Reviews and Real-World Performance
- June 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Jungle Rat: My First-Hand Experience and What I Learned
- June 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested No Bleed Through Markers: The Best Smudge-Free Picks for Smooth, Clean Writing
- June 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Reading Pen for Adults: A Simple Solution for Easier Reading