New Balance fresh foam 680 v8

Learn more about the New Balance fresh foam 680 v8 male 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, positioning it as a versatile, mid-range option in the New Balance lineup, ideal for everyday running and moderate training.

4 colorways

Colorway: Brighton Grey with Black and Cyber Jade

Widths available: normal, wide

Summary

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a well-rounded running shoe that combines comfort, support, and durability, making it an excellent choice for neutral runners seeking a reliable everyday trainer. This model is equipped with Fresh Foam cushioning, offering a plush and smooth ride suitable for both long runs and daily workouts. The engineered mesh upper provides a breathable and flexible fit, accommodating a range of foot shapes while providing adequate support. Positioned within New Balance's lineup, the Fresh Foam 680 v8 sits as an accessible option for runners who desire a balance of performance and affordability, bridging the gap between the entry-level models and the more specialized high-performance shoes like the Fresh Foam 1080 series. Its design ensures versatility, catering to both new runners and seasoned athletes looking for dependable comfort and quality.

Surface

road

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(25mm)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh( upper)

Weight

268g

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 6 wear-tester reviews.

Summary: The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 is a budget-friendly running shoe praised for its exceptional comfort, cushioning, and breathability, making it a solid choice for neutral runners and casual users. However, it may not meet the needs of those requiring additional stability or a more dynamic running experience..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Soft

The main points to note are that the shoes consistently provide excellent cushioning and comfort, but some users may find the cushioning too soft for their preference.

softness (2)

midsole (2)

Fresh Foam (1)

thickness (1)

weight (1)

forefoot (1)

type (1)

Pros

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

cushioning

comfort

"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

"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 main points to note are that the shoe's breathable upper and comfortable tongue are frequently mentioned as pros, while the lack of a gusseted tongue is a common con.

breathability (2)

tongue (1)

versatility (1)

details (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

Cons

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

tongue

gusset

movement

durability

The pros indicate that durability is a strong point for the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8, while the cons suggest some uncertainty about longevity compared to previous models.

overall (2)

longevity (1)

maintenance (1)

toebox (1)

wear-and-tear (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

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

daily use (1)

weight (1)

experience (1)

ride (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

Cons

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

heavy

weight

"The shoe provides a dull running experience."

dull

uninspiring

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

ride

enjoyment

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

The main points to note are that the shoe's effective lacing system and secure fit are mentioned multiple times as pros, while the need to size up for a proper fit is a common con.

adjustability (2)

versatility (2)

midfoot (1)

lacing (1)

removable (1)

sizing (1)

heel (1)

Pros

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

secure fit

comfort

support

"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 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

Cons

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

size

adjustment

comfort

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

slipping

sizing

fit

stability
Stability level: Less stable

The main points to note are that the shoe's supportive heel and midsole width are beneficial for stability, but it significantly loses stability after 20 minutes and is only suitable for neutral runners, which limits its versatility.

support (3)

heel support (1)

footing (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

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 both the pros and cons highlight concerns about value for money, with value being mentioned frequently in the pros and the cost-value ratio being a significant con.

style (2)

value (1)

design (1)

initial thoughts (1)

breathability (1)

lightweight (1)

daily use (1)

color-naming (1)

Pros

"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

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

color options

variety

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

design

aesthetics

"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 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

Cons

"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

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

cost

value

expensive

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

reflective

visibility

Model Updates

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680v8 features an upgraded Fresh Foam midsole, providing enhanced cushioning and support tailored specifically for comfort during long runs. Additionally, its redesigned mesh upper offers improved breathability and a more adaptable fit, enhancing overall comfort and performance compared to its predecessor.

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 (6)

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

Older Models

Newer Models

...

3.9/5

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