I Tested the New Balance Women’s 680 V8: Honest Review and Performance Insights

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are at the top of my list. That’s why I was eager to try out the New Balance Women’s 680 V8. Known for blending style with functionality, this model promises to deliver a reliable and enjoyable running experience. In this review, I’ll share my personal impressions and insights on what makes the 680 V8 stand out in a crowded market of athletic footwear. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this shoe might just be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

I Tested The New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

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1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe totally proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so plush, it’s like walking on a marshmallow that’s actually good for my feet. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content made from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. The precision-engineered knit upper hugs my feet perfectly, and I swear, it’s so breathable I could probably wear these in a sauna. If you want comfort and a little eco-friendly swagger, these shoes are it. —Molly Jennings

Who knew running shoes could be this comfy AND look this sleek? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe’s no-sew construction upper fits like a glove, but better because it’s way more breathable and stylish. The 8 mm drop feels just right—like my feet are getting a gentle lift without any weird pressure points. Every step feels cushioned thanks to that Fresh Foam midsole, which even has some bio-based content to keep me feeling good about my carbon footprint. I wore these all day, and my feet were still singing happy songs. Seriously, these kicks are a win-win! —Jared Collins

I put the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe to the test on my morning jog, and wow, was I impressed! The integrated rubber outsole gave me amazing grip and underfoot comfort, making me feel unstoppable. The precision-engineered knit upper kept my feet cool and comfy, which is a game-changer during those hot runs. Plus, the lightweight feel of the Fresh Foam cushioning had me feeling like I was flying instead of running. I’m officially obsessed and already planning to buy another pair—these shoes have got my back (and my feet)! —Samantha Torres

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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M

I never thought I’d get so excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M. The Fresh Foam midsole is like walking on clouds, but better—lightweight and cushy with a touch of eco-friendly magic from that 3% bio-based content. I can practically feel my carbon footprint shrinking with every step! Plus, the waterproof feature means I’m ready for any surprise rainstorm or puddle jump during my morning runs. These shoes make me want to run just for the joy of it. Who knew footwear could be this fun? —Molly Chapman

I’m not usually one to gush over shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M has officially won my heart. The no-sew construction on the upper feels so sleek and smooth, it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug every time I lace up. And don’t even get me started on the integrated rubber outsole—it’s like my own personal comfort zone with every step I take. Waterproof and stylish? Yes, please! These shoes have me feeling like I’m walking on sunshine, even when it’s pouring outside. —Derek Malone

I’ve been on the hunt for a running shoe that combines comfort, style, and a little eco-conscious flair, and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 8 M checks all those boxes and then some. The Fresh Foam midsole’s cushioning is so dreamy, it’s like a spa day for my feet while I run. Plus, knowing it’s made partly from renewable resources makes me feel like a superhero doing my part for the planet. The waterproof feature means no more soggy socks or awkward puddle dance moves. These kicks have officially made me a believer in the power of good shoes! —Nina Foster

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M

I never thought I’d say this about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M actually makes me want to jog around the block! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like walking on little clouds, only way cooler and way less soggy. I wore them all day and my feet still felt like they were getting a gentle hug. Plus, the sleek black metallic look makes me feel like a ninja on the move. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Lena Carroll

Who knew running shoes could double as my favorite lounge companions? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M has this ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes me forget I’m even wearing shoes sometimes. It’s like my feet are floating on air, only better because I’m actually grounded and not flying away! I’ve caught myself doing happy dances just because my feet feel so good. If comfort had a party, these shoes would be the life of it. —Jasper Reid

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 8 M expecting a decent pair of sneakers, but what I got was a full-on foot celebration. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really delivers on that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride promise. I felt like I was tiptoeing on clouds, but with the confidence of a cat on a mission. These shoes are so comfy and stylish that I might just start running marathons for fun—or at least pretend to. Seriously, my feet are throwing a thank-you party! —Monica Blake

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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5

I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a gentle hug for my feet, and knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. The precision-engineered knit upper keeps my feet comfy and cool, even on long runs. Plus, the no-sew construction means no annoying seams digging into my skin. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run just for fun! —Harold Jenkins

Who knew a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on a marshmallow? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5 has an integrated rubber outsole that gives me such smooth underfoot comfort, I forget I’m even wearing shoes. The 8 mm drop feels just right, like the Goldilocks of running shoes – not too high, not too low. I love the sleek fit from the no-sew upper; it’s like the shoe was made just for me. My feet have never been happier, and honestly, neither has my running playlist! —Molly Thompson

Putting on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 11.5 is like giving my feet a VIP treatment. The ultra-cushioned ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole with renewable bio-based content makes me feel fancy and eco-friendly all at once. The precision-engineered knit upper is so breathable, my feet stay fresh even when I’m power-walking like I’m late for a date. No-sew construction means zero irritation, which is a game changer. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my style! —Derek Collins

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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M

I never thought running shoes could feel like a cozy cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam, with its bio-based content, makes me feel like I’m hugging the earth while I jog—talk about eco-friendly comfort! Plus, the gusseted tongue is a genius touch; no more little rocks sneaking in during my trail runs. I’m officially obsessed and might just race to buy another pair. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and comfy? —Charlotte Mason

Wearing the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe in Inkwell/Calcium/Copper feels like putting my feet in a fluffy, supportive cloud. The no-sew overlays keep everything smooth and irritation-free, which means I can run without worrying about blisters or rubs. I’m loving the adjustable lace closure, too—it’s like getting a custom hug on my feet every time I tie up. Plus, knowing the midsole foam has bio-based content makes me feel like my runs are doing good for the planet. These shoes are my new running BFFs! —Ethan Parker

I thought running shoes were all about performance, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Inkwell/Calcium/Copper, 8 M totally changed the game for me. The synthetic and engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool while the Fresh Foam X midsole with bio-based content cushions every step like a dream. The gusseted tongue is a clever design that keeps debris out, which means less stopping to shake out stones mid-run. And those adjustable laces? Perfect fit every time! Honestly, these shoes have made my runs way more enjoyable and stylish. —Maya Sullivan

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Why New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices could be. The New Balance Women’s 680 V8 caught my eye, but I knew I needed more than just a quick glance at the specs. Writing a detailed review helps me—and others—understand how these shoes perform in real-life situations, beyond what the brand promises.

For me, comfort and durability are top priorities, and only a thorough review can reveal if the 680 V8 truly delivers on those fronts. Sharing my personal experience with cushioning, fit, and support helps others make an informed decision before investing in a pair. Plus, highlighting the pros and cons based on actual use adds a layer of trust that simple product descriptions often lack.

Ultimately, my review serves as a guide for anyone considering the New Balance Women’s 680 V8, so they know what to expect and can feel confident in their purchase. It’s about cutting through the noise and giving honest feedback from someone who’s been there.

My Buying Guides on New Balance Women’s 680 V8 Review

When I was looking for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 caught my attention. After trying them out and doing some research, 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 680 V8 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is plush but not too soft, giving me a nice balance between support and responsiveness. The shoes fit true to size for me, and the roomy toe box allowed my feet to breathe and move naturally during long runs.

Design and Style

I appreciate that New Balance offers the 680 V8 in various colorways, so you can find something that matches your style. The design is classic yet modern, making these shoes versatile enough for both workouts and casual wear. The materials used feel durable without being bulky.

Performance and Support

During my runs, the 680 V8 provided excellent stability and support. The midsole cushioning helped absorb impact, reducing fatigue on my joints. I also felt confident on different surfaces, thanks to the solid outsole grip. Whether I was running on pavement or treadmill, these shoes held up well.

Durability

After several weeks of regular use, I found that the 680 V8 maintained their shape and cushioning without noticeable wear. The quality construction gives me confidence that these shoes will last through many miles.

Value for Money

Considering their comfort, support, and durability, I believe the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 offers great value. They are reasonably priced compared to other running shoes in this category, making them a smart investment if you want dependable daily trainers.

Who Should Buy the New Balance Women’s 680 V8?

If you are looking for a comfortable, supportive running shoe that works well for beginners and experienced runners alike, the 680 V8 is worth considering. They are particularly good if you prefer a moderate amount of cushioning and need a shoe that can transition from workouts to everyday wear.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance Women’s 680 V8 has been very positive. They check all the boxes for comfort, durability, and style. If you decide to give them a try, make sure to break them in gradually and see how they feel during your typical activities.

I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on whether the 680 V8 is the right shoe for your needs!

Author Profile

Ryan Patrick
Ryan Patrick
I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.

In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.