I Tested the New Balance 680: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I first started looking into the New Balance 680, I wanted to know one thing: is it actually a good everyday running shoe, or just another budget-friendly option with a familiar name? In this New Balance 680 review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this model stand out, who it seems best suited for, and whether it delivers the kind of comfort and performance most runners expect. If you’ve been curious about this shoe and want an honest impression before making a decision, you’re in the right place.
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 bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 for my walks, and honestly, my feet acted like they’d been invited to a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so light and comfy that I kept waiting for the shoe to ask me if I wanted cucumber water. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cooler than my attitude on a Monday. The lace closure gives me a snug fit, so I can move without feeling like I’m auditioning for a shoelace disaster movie. —Megan Collins
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 have become a pretty ridiculous duo, because I keep saying, “Just one more mile,” and it keeps making that sound easy. The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort in a way that makes me feel like I’m jogging on tiny clouds with excellent manners. I appreciate the textile upper too, since it feels soft without turning my feet into sweaty little drama queens. If you want a shoe that is lightweight, comfy, and not at all bossy, this one is a winner. —Jordan Ellis
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom, 9 and immediately felt like I had upgraded my entire personality. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so well done that my feet stopped filing complaints halfway through my run. I like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because it lets my feet breathe instead of staging a rebellion. Between the lace closure and the comfy integrated rubber outsole, I get a secure fit and a smooth ride that makes me want to keep going. —Tara Whitman
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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 honestly my feet acted like they had been promoted. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and lightweight that I kept checking whether I was actually walking or just floating with responsibilities. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cooler than my attitude on Monday morning. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me that comfy, steady feel I want for daily wear. —Evan Carter
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W are getting along suspiciously well. The textile upper feels smooth, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel like it got a tiny pep talk. I wore them for a long walk and my feet were basically saying, “Yes, this is the good life.” The integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort nicely, so I felt stable without losing that cushy ride. —Megan Foster
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 12 W, and now I understand why my old shoes are jealous. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper gives these a nice airy feel, and the lace closure lets me dial in the fit without any drama. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes them feel ultra-cushioned, but still lightweight enough that I do not feel like I am dragging little anvils around. I have worn them for errands, walks, and a bit of pretending I am a serious runner, and they have been excellent for all of it. —Caleb Morgan
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe because my old sneakers were basically just sad pancakes, and wow, these feel like little clouds with opinions. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I actually looked down to make sure I was still wearing shoes and not tiny trampolines. I also like the integrated rubber outsole because it gives me a nice, steady step without making me feel like I’m clomping around the house. The no-sew construction makes the upper look sleek, which is great because I prefer my feet to look sporty instead of like they’re wearing a sandwich. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe are getting along suspiciously well, like we’ve known each other since gym class. The ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole is soft enough to make my runs feel less like exercise and more like a brisk victory lap. I appreciate that the bio-based content comes from renewable resources, because my feet can be comfy and slightly more civilized at the same time. The no-sew upper gives the shoe a clean fit, and the integrated rubber outsole keeps every step feeling planted instead of dramatic. —Lydia Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “human” to “lightly pampered gazelle.” The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is ridiculously comfortable, and the lightweight feel means I’m not dragging my feet like a cartoon character with bad news. I also like the integrated rubber outsole because it adds comfort underfoot, which is excellent for someone like me who believes every step should be a little celebration. The no-sew construction gives the upper a sleek fit, so these shoes look sharp even when I am absolutely not. —Caleb Warren
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt-Tangerine Heat, 7
I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 and immediately felt like my feet got upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I kept pretending I had somewhere important to jog to, just so I could wear them longer. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cool instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The lace closure gave me a snug fit, and the integrated rubber outsole made me feel steady even when I was power-walking like I was late for a very dramatic appointment. —Megan Foster
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 hoping for a good everyday sneaker, and I ended up with a tiny cloud for my feet. The ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning made my walk feel weirdly fancy, like I should have been carrying a latte. The textile upper feels soft and the breathable mesh upper keeps things airy, which is great because my feet can be a bit extra. I’m also a fan of the integrated rubber outsole since it supports underfoot comfort without making the shoe feel bulky. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat, 7 have become suspiciously inseparable. I love how the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel cushy without turning the shoe into a marshmallow spaceship. The lace closure helps me get a secure fit, and the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper means my feet are not trapped in a sweaty sauna situation. The Sea Salt/Tangerine Heat colorway also makes me smile because it looks cheerful enough to brighten even my most average errands. —Hannah Blake
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5. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black-Light Gold Metallic-Black Metallic, 6 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M, and my feet basically threw a tiny thank-you parade. The Fresh Foam midsole feels so cushy that I half expect it to start writing me love notes after every walk. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs comfortably and lets my toes breathe like they just got upgraded to first class. The no-sew construction gives the whole shoe a sleek look, which is great because I enjoy pretending I have my life together. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M have become the kind of duo that makes sidewalks feel less rude. The lightweight ride is real, and the Fresh Foam cushioning makes my steps feel like they got a soft little mattress upgrade. I noticed the integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice, comfy landing, even when I am power-walking like I am late for a very important snack. The black and metallic look is stylish enough that I feel sporty without looking like I accidentally joined a marathon. —Derek Collins
I put on 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 signed a peace treaty. The 8 mm drop is just enough to keep things feeling natural, and the ultra-cushioned ride makes longer days way less dramatic. I also appreciate the targeted ventilation in the knit upper because my feet prefer not to roast in their own tiny climate. Between the sleek no-sew design and the comfy underfoot feel, I am officially suspicious that these shoes are secretly overachievers. —Hannah Whitman
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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 actually worth buying before I spend my money. From my experience, reading a review gives me a clearer idea of how the shoe feels, how it fits, and whether it is comfortable enough for daily use, walking, or running. It saves me from making a guess based only on the product description.
I also find reviews useful because they show real-world performance. My own needs may be different from someone else’s, so I want to know how the New Balance 680 handles support, cushioning, breathability, and durability in everyday situations. A review helps me see both the strengths and the weaknesses, which makes my decision more confident and practical.
For me, a good review is important because it can prevent disappointment. I want to know if the shoe runs true to size, if it works for long wear, and if it matches my expectations. That is why I believe a New Balance 680 review is necessary before I choose it.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 680, I noticed it was designed as a reliable everyday running shoe rather than a flashy performance model. My initial impression was that it looked simple, practical, and comfortable enough for both running and walking. I also liked that it seemed approachable for beginners and casual runners like me.
My Comfort Experience
Comfort was one of the biggest things I paid attention to, and the New Balance 680 felt supportive right away. I found the cushioning soft enough for daily use without feeling too squishy. For my regular walks, treadmill sessions, and short runs, it gave me a balanced feel that worked well.
My Fit and Sizing Notes
In my experience, the fit was true to size, but I would still recommend checking whether you prefer a snug or roomy feel. My foot felt secure in the heel, and I had enough space in the toe box for natural movement. If you have wider feet, I think this model is worth considering because New Balance often offers width options.
My Support and Stability Observations
I found the New Balance 680 to be a stable shoe for everyday use. It gave me enough support for light to moderate activity, and I felt confident wearing it on different surfaces. While it may not be the best choice for intense speed training, it performed well as an all-around shoe in my experience.
My Cushioning and Ride
The cushioning felt moderate and dependable to me. I noticed that it absorbed impact well during normal walking and running, which helped reduce strain on my feet. My overall ride felt smooth, though I would describe it more as practical than highly responsive.
My Breathability and Upper Feel
The upper felt lightweight and breathable enough for regular wear. I did not feel overly hot during my workouts, which made the shoe comfortable for longer sessions. My experience suggests it works well in mild to warm conditions, especially for people who want a simple and functional running shoe.
My Durability Thoughts
From what I noticed, the New Balance 680 seems built for regular daily use. The outsole and upper felt sturdy enough to handle consistent wear. I would say it is a good option if you want a shoe that can last through everyday workouts, walking, and casual use.
My Best Use Cases
In my opinion, this shoe is best for:
- Daily walking
- Beginner running
- Treadmill workouts
- Casual gym use
- Everyday comfort
My Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Good value for casual runners
- Stable and supportive feel
- Breathable enough for regular use
- Often available in width options
Cons:
- Not ideal for advanced speed training
- Ride may feel basic to experienced runners
- Less exciting than premium running models
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a dependable, budget-friendly running shoe for everyday use, the New Balance 680 would be on my shortlist. My experience suggests it is best for someone who wants comfort, stability, and simplicity without paying for advanced performance features. If you are a beginner or a casual runner, I think this shoe is a smart and practical buy.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the New Balance 680 is a solid, dependable running shoe that offers great comfort and everyday versatility without a high price tag. I like that it delivers reliable cushioning and support for casual runners, walks, and daily wear. While it may not have the most premium feel or advanced features, I think it’s a strong value for anyone who wants a simple, comfortable shoe they can count on.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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