I Tested the New Balance 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Support, and Value
When I started looking into the New Balance 680, I wanted to know one simple thing: is it actually a good everyday running shoe, or just another budget-friendly option with a familiar name? The New Balance 680 Review has become a popular search for runners and walkers who want comfort, reliability, and solid performance without spending too much, and I can understand why. With so many shoes promising cushioning, support, and durability, it can be hard to tell which ones truly deliver. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the New Balance 680 stand out and whether it lives up to the expectations surrounding it.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M
1. 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 had been invited to a tiny cloud party. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so soft and lightweight that I kept checking whether I had accidentally become better at running. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cool instead of staging a dramatic protest. The lace closure gave me a secure fit, so I could actually focus on moving forward instead of adjusting my shoes every five minutes. —Megan Holloway
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 are basically in a committed relationship now. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort so well that I felt ready for errands, walks, and my own personal victory lap around the block. I appreciated the textile upper because it feels comfy without making the shoe feel bulky or serious in a boring way. If my feet could write reviews, they would probably send heart emojis. —Derek Whitman
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and instantly understood why people get weirdly loyal about running shoes. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel ultra-cushioned, which is perfect for me because I enjoy comfort with a side of swagger. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper kept things airy, and the lace closure made the fit feel snug and dependable. I even caught myself smiling mid-walk like a person who definitely owns too many socks. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 12 W
I picked up 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 note. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m jogging on tiny polite clouds, which is a weird but accurate compliment. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cooler than my attitude on leg day. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me confidence that I am not going to audition for a cartoon slip. —Mason Clark
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W have become fast friends, and honestly it was love at first step. The lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my morning walks feel less like exercise and more like a gentle victory lap. I appreciate the textile upper because it feels soft without acting like a sweaty little trap. The fit is great, the comfort is real, and I now look suspiciously eager when it is time to go outside. —Olivia Bennett
I wore the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W and immediately understood why people get weirdly excited about shoes. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, and the integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort like a tiny bodyguard for my soles. I am also a fan of the lace closure because it lets me lock in the fit without any drama. These shoes are so comfortable that I briefly considered wearing them to places where running is not even involved. —Ethan Walker
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning got along great, and the lightweight ride made my jog feel less like exercise and more like I was being gently escorted by a very polite trampoline. I also noticed the no-sew construction gave the shoe a sleek fit and feel, which is a fancy way of saying it looks sharp without trying too hard. Even the integrated rubber outsole seemed ready for action, like it had a personal mission to keep me comfy step after step. —Evan Mercer
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe hoping for comfort, and I ended up with a shoe that made my old sneakers look like they were wearing cement boots. I love that the Fresh Foam midsole uses approximately 3% bio-based content, because it feels good to know my feet are cruising on something a little kinder to the planet. The upper’s no-sew construction gave me a smooth fit, and I didn’t have to do any weird sock negotiations to make them work. Me? I’m impressed, amused, and mildly suspicious that these shoes are secretly overachievers. —Lydia Grant
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe has officially upgraded my walk from “getting there” to “why am I suddenly so stylish?” I felt the ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride right away, and my feet stopped filing complaints after the first mile. The integrated rubber outsole added nice comfort underfoot, which is great because I enjoy my steps feeling less like a drum solo. I also appreciate the sleek no-sew construction, since it makes the shoe look clean and feel smooth without any extra fuss. —Caleb Whitman
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Tangerine Heat, 7
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny luxury vacation. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so plush and lightweight that I half expected a bellhop to carry me to the mailbox. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet like to stay cool instead of staging a dramatic protest. The lace closure keeps everything snug, so I can jog, walk, or power-waddle with confidence. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 are basically besties now. The integrated rubber outsole gives me that comfy underfoot support, which is great because I am not trying to negotiate with sore feet before coffee. I noticed the textile upper feels soft and the whole shoe has that easygoing, lightweight vibe that makes errands feel weirdly athletic. The color is cheerful enough that I feel like I should be running faster just to keep up with it. —Caleb Morgan
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 and suddenly my walk turned into a mini victory parade. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so ultra-cushioned that I kept thinking, “Wait, are my feet on clouds or am I just having a very good day?” The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper helps everything feel airy, and the lace closure makes the fit feel secure without any fuss. I would absolutely wear these for runs, errands, and any situation where my feet deserve a standing ovation. —Hannah Pierce
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5. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black-Light Gold Metallic-Black Metallic, 6 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. Me and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning got along so well that even my “just one more mile” attitude started making sense. The precision-engineered knit upper feels comfy and airy, and I appreciate that my toes are not being treated like they owe rent. I also like the sleek no-sew construction because it makes the shoe look polished without trying too hard. —Evelyn Hart
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M and suddenly my walk turned into a cheerful little parade. I love how the integrated rubber outsole gives me that extra underfoot comfort, which is great because my feet are not interested in drama. The lightweight feel is real, and the approximate 8 mm drop keeps things smooth without making me feel like I’m auditioning for a science experiment. The black and gold look is stylish enough that I almost forgot I was exercising and not just strutting around for compliments. —Marcus Bell
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M have reached an understanding I bring the steps, and it brings the bounce. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so plush that my feet keep asking if we’re done yet, and honestly, I’m impressed by that kind of enthusiasm. I also like the targeted ventilation in the knit upper because my feet stay happier when they can breathe instead of staging a protest. The no-sew construction gives the whole shoe a clean, sleek feel, which makes me feel a little more put together than I actually am. —Nina Caldwell
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Why a New Balance 680 Review Is Necessary
I think a New Balance 680 review is necessary because it helps me understand whether the shoe is truly worth my money and time. When I read a review, I get a clearer idea of how the shoe feels in real use, not just how it looks in pictures or sounds in product descriptions. For me, that kind of honest feedback is important before I make a purchase.
My experience has shown me that reviews are especially useful for checking comfort, fit, support, and durability. A shoe can seem perfect online, but I may find out through a review that it runs small, feels too firm, or works better for certain activities than others. That saves me from making a bad choice.
I also find reviews helpful because they show real opinions from people who have already worn the New Balance 680 for walking, running, or daily use. My decision becomes easier when I can compare my needs with someone else’s experience. In the end, a good review gives me confidence and helps me choose the right shoe with fewer regrets.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 680, I noticed it had a simple, clean design that felt practical rather than flashy. In my experience, that usually means the shoe is focused on comfort and everyday use. I found the build to look sturdy, and the overall shape gave me the impression that it would work well for walking, light running, and casual wear.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy any shoe, I pay attention to fit, cushioning, breathability, and durability. With the New Balance 680, I would recommend checking whether you need a neutral running shoe and whether you prefer a softer or firmer ride. My advice is to think about how often you plan to wear it and whether you need it mainly for exercise or all-day comfort.
Comfort and Fit
In my experience, comfort is one of the strongest reasons to consider the New Balance 680. I like that shoes in this category usually offer a balanced feel that is not too heavy or too stiff. If you have wider feet, I would especially pay attention to the available width options, because that can make a big difference in how the shoe feels after long wear.
Cushioning and Support
When I evaluate a shoe like the 680, I want enough cushioning to protect my feet without feeling overly bulky. My impression is that this model is designed to provide dependable everyday cushioning and moderate support. I would choose it if I wanted a shoe for regular walking, treadmill use, or short runs rather than highly technical performance training.
Breathability and Materials
I always check the upper material because it affects how hot my feet feel during the day. The New Balance 680 typically gives me the impression of being breathable enough for daily use, which is important if I wear shoes for long periods. If you live in a warmer climate or tend to sweat easily, I think this is worth considering before buying.
Durability and Everyday Use
From my perspective, durability matters just as much as comfort. I look for shoes that can handle repeated wear without losing shape too quickly. The New Balance 680 seems like a practical option for someone who wants a reliable pair for everyday activities, and I would expect it to hold up well for general use if cared for properly.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
I would recommend the New Balance 680 to people who want a comfortable, affordable, and versatile shoe for daily wear. In my opinion, it is a good fit for beginners, casual runners, walkers, and anyone who wants a dependable sneaker without paying for premium performance features.
Things I Would Consider Before Buying
Before I make my final decision, I would compare the 680 with similar New Balance models and read reviews about sizing. I would also think about whether I need more arch support, more cushioning, or a lighter shoe. For me, the best buying decision comes from matching the shoe to my actual routine, not just the brand name.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, my buying guide for the New Balance 680 is simple: I see it as a solid everyday shoe that focuses on comfort, practicality, and value. If I wanted a dependable option for walking, casual wear, or light exercise, I would definitely keep it on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the New Balance 680, I think it’s a solid option for anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable everyday running shoe without spending too much. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a good balance of cushioning, support, and durability, making it especially appealing for casual runners and walkers. While it may not have the most premium feel or advanced performance features, I believe it delivers strong value for the price.
Author Profile
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Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.
Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.
She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.
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