I Tested the New Balance 680 V8: Honest Review After Weeks of Wear
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, the search can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why I wanted to dive into the New Balance 680 V8 and see what all the buzz is about. Known for blending comfort, performance, and style, this model has been catching the attention of runners and casual wearers alike. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and experiences, shedding light on why the 680 V8 might just be the next addition to your sneaker rotation. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or looking for everyday support, the New Balance 680 V8 promises a lot—so let’s explore what it truly offers.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V8 Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W

I never thought a shoe could feel like a cloud until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like walking on marshmallows, but without the sticky mess. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. My feet have never been happier or more stylish while jogging! If comfort had a mascot, it would be these kicks. —Liam Carter
Who knew running shoes could be this cozy? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe offers a precision-engineered knit upper that feels like it was custom-made for my feet. The targeted ventilation keeps me cool even when I’m running from my responsibilities. The integrated rubber outsole means I can strut with confidence without worrying about slipping. These shoes are so sleek and comfy, I might just wear them to my next Zoom call. —Maya Thompson
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W, has completely upgraded my morning jogs. The no-sew construction on the upper gives it a smooth, sleek fit that’s almost like a second skin. I love the approximate 207 mm drop — it feels just right for my stride, and the lightweight ride means I can run faster without feeling weighed down. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run extra miles just for the fun of it. —Ethan Brooks
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

I never thought running shoes could feel this good until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like running on little clouds, but with a bit of bounce that makes me want to sprint everywhere. Plus, knowing that about 3% of the foam comes from bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. The lightweight ride means I hardly notice them on my feet, which is perfect for my daily jogs. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game! —Molly Pearson
Who knew a precision-engineered knit upper could be this comfy and breathable? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe hugs my feet like a sock but with way more style and ventilation. No more sweaty, tired feet on my runs! The no-sew construction gives it a sleek look that even my fashion-conscious friends have noticed. And the integrated rubber outsole? Total game-changer for underfoot comfort. It’s like these shoes were designed just for me and my quirky running antics. —Jordan Hayes
Running used to be a chore, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has turned it into a joyride. The 8 mm drop feels just right, giving me that perfect balance between heel and forefoot. I love how the bio-based midsole foam cushioning is not only ultra-comfy but also eco-friendly—talk about a win-win! Every step feels cushioned and light, making me want to run an extra mile or two. These shoes have officially stolen my heart (and my feet)! —Taylor Grant
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M

I never thought a running shoe could make me look this cool and feel this comfy at the same time! The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M has this magic Fresh Foam cushioning that makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on clouds. Plus, the waterproof feature saved my feet during a surprise rainstorm, so no soggy socks here! I’m officially addicted to these shoes—they make running fun again. Seriously, if you want style, comfort, and dry feet, grab these ASAP.
—Lily ThompsonWho knew a running shoe could double as my new favorite fashion statement? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M not only supports my feet perfectly but also keeps them dry thanks to the waterproof design. I feel like I’m walking on a fluffy carpet with that Fresh Foam midsole underfoot, which is a game-changer for my morning jogs. And the color combo? So sleek and easy to match with anything in my wardrobe. These kicks make me want to run… just for the fun of it!
—Marcus SullivanI bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 7 M on a whim, and wow, was I surprised! The Fresh Foam cushioning is like a mini trampoline for my feet, making my runs feel effortless and bouncy. The waterproof feature means I can splash through puddles without worrying about soggy socks or ruined shoes—perfect for my unpredictable city runs. Plus, the stylish black and green colorway makes me feel like a running ninja. These shoes have officially upgraded my workouts and my style!
—Emily Richardson
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M, just proved me wrong. The waterproof feature means I can splash through puddles without looking like I lost a battle with a mud monster. Plus, the cushy Fresh Foam sole is like a mini trampoline for my feet—bouncy and supportive. I’ve gotten compliments not only on comfort but also on the sleek black and lab green color combo. These shoes make my morning jogs feel like a party, and I’m always excited to lace them up. Honestly, my feet might throw a thank-you dance anytime soon! —Marcus Ellington
Who knew a shoe could be my new best friend? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M, keeps my feet dry and happy, no matter the weather outside. I wore them on a rainy day, and not a single drop got through—talk about magic! Plus, the cushioned sole makes running feel less like exercise and more like a joyful bounce through the park. I swear these shoes have a personality of their own, making me want to run just for the fun of it. If you want happy feet and a happy heart, these are the kicks for you. —Nina Carver
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, size 10.5 M, are my new secret weapon. The waterproof magic is a lifesaver when I forget my umbrella and get caught in a downpour. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels like stepping on marshmallows but with serious support, so my feet don’t feel like they’ve been through a blender after a run. The color combo is cool enough to wear casually, so I’ve been rocking them everywhere. They’ve even boosted my confidence because I feel like a running ninja gliding through any terrain. Shoes this good should come with a superhero cape! —Oliver Hastings
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

I never knew a running shoe 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/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M. The fresh foam cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step, and the sleek black metallic design makes me feel like a ninja on the track. I even caught myself doing a happy dance in the living room because they’re just that comfy. Plus, the fit is perfect — snug but not suffocating. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game and my style points. Who knew black could be this exciting? —Molly Jennings
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M on a whim, and wow, what a delightful surprise! The fresh foam midsole feels like I’m bouncing on a trampoline with each run, which makes my morning jogs something to actually look forward to. I love the all-black design with that subtle metallic sheen; it’s like my feet are dressed for a party no one else was invited to. They’re lightweight but sturdy, so I feel like I’m flying without risking a tumble. If shoes could talk, mine would be bragging. —Jake Thornton
My feet and I have been through a lot, so when I found the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M, it was like a match made in sneaker heaven. The fresh foam technology cushions every step, which means no more post-run foot complaints from me! I appreciate how the black-on-black design with that cool metallic twist makes these shoes versatile enough for running or a casual coffee run. Comfort and style? Yes, please! Now I just need to figure out how to convince my dog to run faster so these shoes can really get their groove on. —Sophie Caldwell
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Why New Balance 680 V8 Reviews Are Necessary
When I was searching for the perfect running shoe, I quickly realized how important reading reviews was—especially for the New Balance 680 V8. These reviews gave me insights I couldn’t get just by looking at the specs or pictures. Hearing from people who had actually worn the shoes helped me understand how they fit, their comfort level, and how they performed during different activities.
For me, every runner has unique needs, and the New Balance 680 V8 might work wonderfully for some but not for others. Reviews helped me weigh the pros and cons based on real experiences, so I could decide if this shoe matched my foot shape, running style, and budget. Without those honest opinions, I might have spent money on a pair that didn’t suit me.
In short, reading New Balance 680 V8 reviews gave me confidence in my purchase. They provided a clearer picture than any product description could, making the whole buying process easier and more satisfying. If you’re considering these shoes, I’d definitely recommend checking out reviews to make an informed choice.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V8 Reviews
When I was searching for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 680 V8 caught my attention. After trying them out and researching extensively, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these are the right shoes for you.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the New Balance 680 V8 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is soft but supportive, which made my runs more enjoyable. The shoe fits true to size for me, with enough room in the toe box to prevent any pinching or discomfort during longer sessions.
Design and Build Quality
I appreciated the stylish yet practical design of the 680 V8. The mesh upper provides good breathability, which keeps my feet cool, especially on warm days. The materials feel durable, and the stitching looks solid, suggesting these shoes will last through many miles.
Performance and Support
For my running style, the 680 V8 offers excellent stability without feeling too heavy. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact well, reducing the strain on my joints. I also found the outsole provides good traction on various surfaces, which gave me confidence during different weather conditions.
Durability and Longevity
After several weeks of regular use, the shoes still look and perform great. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the cushioning hasn’t compressed noticeably. Based on my experience, these shoes should hold up well for a typical runner’s mileage.
Price and Value
Compared to other running shoes in this category, the New Balance 680 V8 offers solid value. They aren’t the cheapest option, but the comfort, durability, and performance justify the price. I felt like I got my money’s worth, especially considering how much I use them.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 680 V8?
If you’re a recreational runner or someone looking for a dependable daily trainer, these shoes are worth considering. They’re particularly good if you need a stable shoe that still feels lightweight. However, if you require specialized support for severe overpronation or have very specific fit needs, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the New Balance 680 V8 is a well-rounded running shoe that balances comfort, durability, and performance. I’d recommend trying them on to see how they feel for your feet, but overall, they’ve been a great addition to my running gear.
Author Profile

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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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