New Balance fresh foam 680 v8

Learn more about the New Balance fresh foam 680 v8 female running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

New Balance fresh foam 680 v8

Price

$180

Rating

Average

Popularity

Low

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 offers a balanced blend of cushioning and support for neutral runners and sits as an entry-level option in the Fresh Foam lineup, positioned below the premium 1080 series but offering more cushioning than the 480 series.

2 colorways

Colorway: Reflection with Sea Salt and Gold Metallic

Widths available: wide, extra-wide

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Summary

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a versatile running shoe that offers a blend of cushioning, comfort, and durability suitable for both beginners and regular runners. As part of New Balance's Fresh Foam lineup, the 680 v8 features a plush, supportive underfoot experience thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole, which provides a well-cushioned yet responsive ride. It fits into New Balance’s lineup as a reliable daily trainer option, making it less specialized than the elite-focused models like the Fresh Foam 1080 and more cushioned than budget-friendly options such as the Arishi. The 680 v8 is designed to balance performance and comfort, catering to those looking for a dependable shoe for variety in their running routine.

Surface

road

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(25mm)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh( upper)

Weight

218g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

10mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal, wide, extra-wide

Grip

LowMediumHighMax

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the New Balance fresh foam 680 v8 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 8 wear-tester reviews.

Summary: The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is generally praised for its comfort, cushioning, and affordability, making it a solid choice for casual runners and beginners. However, it may not be ideal for those requiring additional stability or a more dynamic running experience, with some reviewers suggesting better alternatives for serious runners..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Soft

The pros of the shoe's cushioning, such as its soft and comfortable feel, appear frequently, while the cons highlight that some may find the cushioning too plush, indicating a mixed experience for different runners.

midsole (3)

softness (2)

Fresh Foam (1)

thickness (1)

weight (1)

forefoot (1)

type (1)

Pros

"The Fresh Foam cushioning provides a soft and comfortable running experience."

cushioning

comfort

"These shoes offer plush and comfortable cushioning that enhances the running experience."

cushioning

comfort

responsiveness

"The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 has a thicker sole for improved cushioning."

thicker sole

cushioning improvement

"The shoe maintains an optimal weight-to-cushioning ratio, ideal for daily running."

lightweight

cushioning

"The Fresh Foam midsole adds to the cushioning and energy return capabilities of the shoe."

Fresh Foam

cushioning

energy return

"The Fresh Foam midsole provides a plush underfoot feel, ideal for long runs."

cushioning

Fresh Foam

comfort

"The midsole is soft, providing a pleasant underfoot feel during runs."

softness

cushioning

"Its design provides excellent forefoot cushioning, making it suitable for long runs."

forefoot cushioning

long runs

Cons

"The shoe's foam is less advanced compared to other models, affecting its comfort."

fresh foam

cushioning

outdated

"The shoe may feel overly plush for runners seeking firmer cushioning."

overly plush

soft cushioning

"The midsole may feel overly plush for some runners."

plush

cushioning

runner preference

comfort
Breathability: More breathable

The pros of the shoe highlight its breathability and comfortable tongue, which are mentioned frequently, while the only con is that the tongue may shift during use due to its design.

breathability (2)

tongue (1)

versatility (1)

details (1)

general (1)

design (1)

Pros

"The upper of the shoe is designed for breathability, enhancing overall comfort during runs."

mesh upper

breathable

comfort

"The New Balance 680 v8 has an exceptionally breathable upper, contributing to overall comfort during runs."

breathability

comfort

upper

"It offers a comfortable tongue that balances thickness and comfort for a secure fit."

tongue padding

comfort

secure fit

"It is ready for daily wear, providing comfort for both running and casual use."

daily wear

comfort

"Users have noted the shoe's comfortable tongue, which adds to the overall snug fit."

tongue

comfort

fit

"These shoes are considered one of the most comfortable pairs owned by the reviewer."

overall comfort

cushioning

Cons

"The tongue of the shoe is not gusseted, which may cause it to shift during use."

tongue

gusset

movement

durability

The main points to note are that the shoe is frequently praised for its outstanding durability and reliability for daily wear, but there are concerns about its outsole thickness and potential wear in certain areas.

overall (2)

longevity (1)

maintenance (1)

toebox (1)

wear-and-tear (1)

outsole (1)

wear (1)

Pros

"The reviewer anticipates increased durability from the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 compared to the previous model."

durability

long-lasting

"Alternating between multiple pairs of shoes may improve their longevity."

sneaker rotation

improved lifespan

"It showcases remarkable durability, ensuring it withstands daily wear."

durability

daily use

"The shoe offers outstanding durability, making it a reliable choice for daily wear."

durability

long-lasting

value

"The shoe features good toebox durability, enhancing its lifespan."

toebox durability

lifespan

Cons

"The reviewer hopes the new sneakers will last longer than their previous pair, which took a beating."

durability

previous-model

longevity

"The shoe's outsole is not as thick as some competitors, which may affect durability."

outsole

thickness

durability

"Although the shoe performs well, it has somewhat bare areas in the middle, which could lead to wear over time."

bare spots

rubber coverage

performance
Distance suited: Medium (10-20km)
Rocker: Less rocker

The main concerns about the shoe are its weight, which some runners find heavy, and the overall running experience, which has been described as dull and not enjoyable.

weight (2)

daily use (1)

running experience (1)

experience (1)

ride (1)

responsiveness (1)

stability (1)

Pros

"The shoe is suitable for daily training and general running purposes."

training

versatility

"The weight-to-cushioning ratio is optimal, balancing performance and comfort well."

weight

cushioning

performance

"The shoes are light for daily trainers, weighing 287g in size US1."

lightweight

daily trainer

"The shoes performed well during a 10 km run, providing a pleasant running experience."

10 km

running

Cons

"The shoe feels heavy, which may be a concern for some runners."

heavy

weight

"The shoe's weight may not suit all runners, as some may prefer lighter options."

weight

daily trainers

"The shoe provides a dull running experience."

dull

uninspiring

"The ride of the shoe is described as not enjoyable."

ride

enjoyment

"Despite being marketed as a budget shoe, some features may not match higher-end options in terms of responsiveness."

budget

performance

comparison

"The shoe may not provide the same level of performance as more expensive models, as stated in the comparison."

stability

performance

comparison

fit
True to size: Runs small
Toebox width: Average
Heel width: Narrower
Orthotic friendly: Yes

The most common points are that the shoe has an effective lacing system and provides a secure fit, which were mentioned multiple times in the pros.

adjustability (2)

versatility (2)

midfoot (1)

lacing (1)

removable (1)

lockdown (1)

toe box (1)

heel (1)

Pros

"The extra eyelet provides a more secure fit, preventing heel slippage."

fit

heel slippage

"The effective lacing system allows for a secure and customized fit during runs."

lacing

fit

customization

"The stretchy mesh provides a secure fit around the midfoot, contributing to overall comfort."

secure fit

comfort

support

"The shoe fits all footstrikes well, thanks to its versatile design and moderate drop."

versatile

drop

"The shoe is suitable for a variety of footstrikes, making it versatile for different runners."

fit

versatility

footstrikes

"The shoe features an effective lacing system that secures the foot comfortably during runs."

secure fit

lacing system

"The shoe is equipped with a removable insole for those who prefer custom orthotics."

removable insole

custom orthotics

"The lockdown of the shoe is effective, preventing heel slippage."

heel fit

midfoot

"The toe box allows for comfortable wiggle room, enhancing comfort for the user."

wiggle room

comfort

Cons

"The fit may require sizing up to prevent slipping at the heel."

slipping

sizing

fit

"The shoes tend to run slightly small, requiring a size adjustment for proper fit."

size

adjustment

comfort

stability
Stability level: Less stable

The main points to note are that the shoe's stability is significantly reduced after 20 minutes of running and it is primarily designed for neutral runners, which limits its versatility.

support (3)

heel support (1)

footing (1)

transition (1)

arch support (1)

flexibility (1)

degradation (1)

Pros

"The supportive heel cup and well-padded heel counter offer excellent lockdown, improving stability."

heel cup

lockdown

support

"The shoe features a sufficient midsole width, balancing comfort and stability for neutral runners."

stability

neutral

midsole

"The design includes a rocker and heel bevel that enhance the shoe's transition from landing to toe-off."

heel bevel

rocker

smooth transitions

"The stability under the arch is highlighted as a strong point of the shoe."

stability

support

"These shoes are described as flexible, enabling natural foot movement."

natural movement

adaptive

Cons

"Stability decreases significantly after 20 minutes of running, making it less reliable."

instability

long distance

performance

"The shoe is limited to neutral runners, reducing its versatility."

neutral

limited support

"The lack of stability features may not support runners with overpronation or similar issues."

lack of stability

overpronation

"The shoe is limited to neutral runners and may not be suitable for those requiring stability features."

neutral

stability

pronation

grip

wet (1)

traction (1)

Pros

Cons

"Traction on wet surfaces is inadequate, posing a slipping risk."

slipping

poor grip

"The shoe has poor traction on wet surfaces."

wet conditions

traction

other

The main points to note are that many users appreciate the shoe's great value for its price and its appealing design, while some concerns include the unfavorable cost-value ratio and the lack of reflective elements for safety.

style (2)

design (2)

breathability (2)

value (1)

initial thoughts (1)

lightweight (1)

daily use (1)

price (1)

Pros

"The shoe has a nice aesthetic appeal, scoring high in style."

design

aesthetics

"Having multiple color options allows for personal expression and variety."

color options

variety

"The Fresh Foam material at such an affordable price provides excellent value for runners on a budget."

affordability

budget-friendly

"The 680 v8 provides outstanding value for the price point, making it an excellent budget choice."

cost-effective

budget-friendly

"It provides excellent value for its price point, especially for beginners."

value

budget-friendly

entry-level

"The larger 'N' branding is an appealing aesthetic detail on the 680 V8."

aesthetic

branding

"The New Balance 80 V8 has a modern and clean design that doesn't appear cheap."

aesthetics

style

first impressions

"The review gives the impression of a positive first encounter with the product."

first impression

anticipation

"The shoe features an exceptionally breathable upper for enhanced ventilation."

breathable

upper construction

"The shoe offers good breathability, making it suitable for various environments."

ventilation

season adaptability

"The lightweight design, weighing just 9.2 oz, enhances comfort without sacrificing cushioning."

lightweight

design

"The shoe is ready for daily wear, making it a practical choice for regular use."

daily wear

practicality

everyday

"The price point of $80 is competitive and considered a good value for money."

value

budget-friendly

"They serve well not only as running shoes but also as casual wear."

dual purpose

casual use

Cons

"The cost-value ratio is not favorable for the quality provided."

cost

value

expensive

"The color names for the sneakers are overly detailed and long."

color

naming

details

"The review does not provide a detailed status of mileage and walking."

mileage

walking

updates

"There are no reflective elements in the shoe, which might be a safety concern for some."

reflective

visibility

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Model Updates

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680v8 features an updated Fresh Foam midsole that is engineered to deliver a more cushioned and responsive ride than the previous version. Additionally, the upper has been redesigned with a more breathable mesh material and a better fitting structure to enhance comfort and support during runs.

Older Models

Newer Models

Reviews

Read reviews about the New Balance fresh foam 680 v8 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

...

Wear-tester reviews (8)

3.9/5

Prices

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New Balance fresh foam 680 v8

New Balance fresh foam 680 v8

Surface

Cushioning

Category

Breathability

Weight

Heel-to-Toe Drop

Support

Width options

Grip

Suitability

Based on your running style and needs

Want to know if the New Balance fresh foam 680 v8 is right for you?

Pros & Cons

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion

Pros

Cons

comfort

Pros

Cons

durability

Pros

Cons

performance

Pros

Cons

fit

Pros

Cons

stability

Pros

Cons

grip

Pros

Cons

other

Pros

Cons

Need help picking the right size?

Older Models

Newer Models

...

3.9/5

Similar Shoes

Find out if the New Balance fresh foam 680 v8 is right for you.