The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a budget running shoe designed for neutral runners seeking comfort during daily wear. With its innovative Fresh Foam midsole, it provides a supportive feel that enhances overall performance.

Lab testing revealed that the combination of the breathable upper and the foam's properties delivers notable comfort. However, it's important to note that this model lacks advanced stability features, making it better suited for those who do not require additional support during their runs.


Pros

  • Highly breathable upper
  • Exceptionally durable
  • Outstanding value
  • Optimal weight-to-cushioning ratio
  • Comfortable tongue
  • Fits all footstrikes
  • Ready for daily wear
  • Fresh Foam midsole
  • Effective lacing system

Cons

  • Not for speedwork
  • Limited to neutral runners

Key Features

  • Fresh Foam Midsole: Engineered to provide exceptional cushioning with approximately 3% bio-based content, promoting a lightweight and responsive ride.
  • Integrated Rubber Outsole: Enhances underfoot comfort, making each step feel more cushioned.
  • No-Sew Upper Construction: Offers a sleek fit and feel, minimizing irritation and allowing for flexibility during movement.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Mesh
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Adidas Adistar 3 Adidas Adizero EVO SL New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
Price $80 $130 $150 $120
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9.2 oz / 261g 9.7 oz / 274g 7.9 oz / 223g 9.5 oz / 269g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 7.8 mm 10.5 mm 8.0 mm 6.7 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size Slightly small True to size True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Soft Soft Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Normal Small Normal
Toebox durability Good Bad Bad Bad
Heel padding durability Good Decent Good Bad
Outsole durability Good Good Good Decent
Breathability Breathable Breathable Breathable Breathable
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Moderate
Torsional rigidity Flexible Stiff Stiff Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 35.4 mm 40.7 mm 36.1 mm 35.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 27.6 mm 30.2 mm 28.1 mm 28.5 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season Summer Summer Summer Summer
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 35% Top 28% Top 1% Bottom 17%
Popularity Top 9% Bottom 33% Top 7% Bottom 48%