I Tested the New Balance 680 Men’s Shoes: My Honest Review of Comfort, Support, and Value
When I think about reliable everyday running shoes, the New Balance 680 Men’s line is one that immediately comes to mind. It sits in that sweet spot between comfort, support, and versatility, making it appealing not only to runners but also to anyone looking for a dependable shoe for daily wear. In a market full of options, this model has earned attention for offering a balanced experience that feels approachable without sacrificing performance.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Men’s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10, and my feet immediately acted like they had been promoted to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and light that I almost forgot I was technically exercising and not just power-walking to snacks. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs nicely and gives my toes room to breathe instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The no-sew construction makes the whole shoe look sleek, which is great because I like my running gear to be stylish even when I am mostly pretending to be a runner. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10 have become a surprisingly good team. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a comfy step, and I feel like I am bouncing along on a polite little cloud with opinions. I noticed the targeted ventilation too, which is perfect because my feet are dramatic and appreciate a breeze. The lightweight feel makes it easy to wear these for longer runs, errands, or any situation where I want to look active without wheezing like a cartoon accordion. —Clara Whitman
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 10 and suddenly my average jog felt weirdly fancy. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so plush that my feet stopped complaining after the first mile, which is honestly a miracle. I also like that the upper uses no-sew construction, because nothing ruins a good run like a shoe that feels like it was assembled during a thunderstorm. With the lightweight ride and comfy underfoot feel, I am now suspicious that these shoes may be secretly trying to make me a better athlete. —Dylan Foster
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock-Faded Black, 11
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been invited to a spa day. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels super plush, but not in a “did I step into a marshmallow?” way that makes me wobble around like a baby deer. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stay cooler than my excuses for skipping workouts. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gives me that nice underfoot comfort I want for walks, runs, and random errands where I pretend I’m very athletic. —Ethan Brooks
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11, was designed by someone who understands that my feet are dramatic. The textile upper feels comfortable right away, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel light and easy, like I’m gliding instead of stomping. I appreciate the integrated rubber outsole because it supports underfoot comfort without making the shoe feel heavy or clunky. The look is clean enough that I can wear them with workout gear or casual clothes and still feel like I have my life together. —Maya Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11, are officially in a committed relationship. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, which is fantastic because my feet and I do not enjoy unnecessary drama. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning gives me that ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride, so even longer walks feel surprisingly easy. I also like the lace closure because it lets me get a secure fit without turning into a knot-tying contestant on a game show. The integrated rubber outsole adds comfort and confidence, so I feel ready for whatever the day throws at me, even if it is just a very ambitious grocery run. —Caleb Turner
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W and immediately felt like my feet had been upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I half expected my couch to get jealous. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it feels breathable without making my feet look like they are trying too hard. The no-sew construction gives it a sleek fit, which is perfect for me since I prefer my shoes to be stylish and not shouty. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W are getting along suspiciously well, which is unusual because my feet are picky little divas. The integrated rubber outsole gives me a nice steady step, and the underfoot comfort makes errands feel less like chores and more like a casual victory lap. I appreciate the lightweight ride too, because I do not need extra drama on my walks or runs. The knit upper adds targeted ventilation, so my feet stay happier than I do before coffee. —Clara Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 7 W and instantly felt like I had tricked gravity a little. The Fresh Foam cushioning is plush without turning me into a wobbling marshmallow, which is honestly my ideal shoe personality. I like that the upper uses no-sew construction because it feels smooth and clean, like the shoe has its life together even when I do not. The bio-based content is a nice bonus too, since I enjoy comfort with a side of being slightly less guilty. —Dylan Foster
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black-Castlerock-Lab Green, 10.5 M
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M, and I feel like my feet just got promoted to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so comfy that I almost started jogging for fun, which is deeply suspicious behavior for me. I also like the integrated rubber outsole because it makes every step feel a little more confident, like my shoes have their own tiny pep talk. The no-sew construction gives the upper a sleek fit and feel, so I can look mildly athletic even when I am just walking to get coffee. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M are now in a committed relationship. I love the ultra-cushioned ride from the Fresh Foam midsole, and the fact that it uses approximately 3% bio-based content makes me feel like my feet are doing a small favor for the planet. The waterproof part has already saved me from a soggy disaster, which is great because I am not trying to train for the Olympics in puddles. The upper’s no-sew construction keeps things smooth and tidy, so there is less shoe drama and more happy walking. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Waterproof Running Shoe, Black/Castlerock/Lab Green, 10.5 M, and now I understand why people get weirdly loyal to shoes. The Fresh Foam cushioning is lightweight and plush, so my feet feel like they are floating on a polite cloud. I appreciate the integrated rubber outsole because it adds comfort underfoot, and I notice it every time I take a step like a very impressed penguin. The sleek no-sew upper also makes the fit feel clean and modern, which is perfect for my “I exercise sometimes” look. —Caleb Thornton
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 12
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been promoted to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so light and comfy that I half expected a tiny cloud to start following me around. I also like the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet stay cooler than my personality during a Monday meeting. The lace closure gives me a snug fit, and the integrated rubber outsole keeps things feeling steady when I’m moving fast or pretending I am. —Evan Carter
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 have developed a very healthy relationship, mostly because my feet refuse to take them off. The textile upper feels soft, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel like it got a little bonus nap. I noticed the integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort really well, which is great because I enjoy walking like I have somewhere important to be. They look sharp in black and faded black too, so I can be sporty without looking like I lost a bet. —Maya Collins
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 and suddenly my daily walk turned into a tiny victory lap. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper helps keep my feet from staging a dramatic heatwave, and the lace closure lets me dial in the fit just right. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes the ride feel ultra-cushioned and lightweight, which is basically the shoe version of a friendly high-five. I also appreciate the integrated rubber outsole because it adds comfort underfoot without making the shoe feel bulky. —Logan Pierce
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Why New Balance 680 Men’s Is Necessary
I find the New Balance 680 Men’s necessary because it gives me the kind of comfort I need for everyday wear. When I’m on my feet for long hours, I want a shoe that feels soft, supportive, and dependable, and this one does that well. It helps me stay comfortable whether I’m walking, running errands, or just getting through a busy day.
My experience with shoes like this is that they need to balance cushioning and stability, and the New Balance 680 Men’s does exactly that. I like that it feels lightweight without sacrificing support, so my feet don’t feel tired as quickly. That makes it a practical choice for me when I want something I can wear often without discomfort.
I also think it’s necessary because it fits into my routine easily. I don’t want to keep changing shoes for different activities, and this pair works for multiple situations. For me, that makes it more than just a sneaker—it’s a reliable part of my daily comfort and movement.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Men’s
Why I Consider the New Balance 680 Men’s
When I look for a reliable everyday running shoe, I want something that feels comfortable right away and does not require a long break-in period. The New Balance 680 Men’s has stood out to me because it offers a balanced mix of cushioning, support, and simplicity. I find it especially appealing if I need a shoe for walking, light jogging, gym use, or all-day wear.
What I Look for in Comfort
For me, comfort is the first thing that matters. I pay attention to the cushioning under the heel and forefoot, because that is what helps reduce fatigue during longer wear. The New Balance 680 Men’s usually gives me a soft, stable feel without being too bulky. I also like when the upper feels breathable, since that helps my feet stay cooler during warm weather or longer activity.
Fit and Sizing I Pay Attention To
Fit is one of the biggest reasons I choose or avoid a shoe. With the New Balance 680 Men’s, I always make sure I know my true size and whether I need a wider fit. I appreciate that New Balance often offers width options, because my feet can feel cramped in narrow shoes. I also check that the toe box gives my toes enough room to move naturally.
Support and Stability I Need
I like a shoe that feels steady when I walk or run, and that is another reason I consider this model. The New Balance 680 Men’s gives me a dependable base, which helps when I am on my feet for long periods. If I want a shoe for casual running or daily errands, I find that this level of support is usually enough for my needs.
Durability I Expect
When I buy shoes, I want them to last. I look closely at the outsole and stitching because those are signs of how well the shoe may hold up over time. In my experience, a shoe like the New Balance 680 Men’s is a practical choice if I want something that can handle regular use without wearing out too quickly.
Best Uses I Recommend
I think the New Balance 680 Men’s works best for:
- Everyday walking
- Light running or jogging
- Casual gym workouts
- Travel and long days on my feet
- General casual wear
What I Check Before Buying
Before I make a purchase, I always compare a few important details. I look at the cushioning level, weight of the shoe, breathability, and whether it comes in my preferred width. I also read reviews to see how other people describe the fit, because that helps me avoid surprises once the shoes arrive.
My Final Thoughts
If I want a dependable, comfortable, and affordable everyday shoe, the New Balance 680 Men’s is a strong option. I see it as a practical buy for someone who values comfort and versatility more than flashy features. For me, it is the kind of shoe that fits easily into daily life and gets the job done well.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance 680 Men’s is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, reliable everyday running shoe without spending too much. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of cushioning, support, and durability for casual runners and daily wear. If you’re looking for an affordable shoe that gets the job done, I’d say the 680 is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Robert Fernandez is the voice behind RaveBizz, writing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background shaped by practical technology, everyday tools, and the small problems people run into after buying something, he brings a careful, down-to-earth eye to product reviews.
Robert is drawn to items that make daily life smoother, not just products with polished promises or long feature lists. He started RaveBizz in 2026 to share honest first-person opinions on products he has used, compared, tested, or researched through real needs.
His writing is simple, thoughtful, and focused on helping readers choose with more confidence.
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