I Tested the New Balance 680 Mens Shoes: Honest Reviews, Comfort, and Performance
When I started looking into the New Balance 680 Mens Reviews, I wanted to know one thing above all: whether this shoe actually delivers the comfort, support, and everyday value that so many runners and walkers seem to expect from it. The New Balance 680 has built a reputation as a dependable, no-fuss option for men who want a versatile athletic shoe, but as with any popular model, the real story comes from the experiences of people who’ve worn it. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the New Balance 680 stand out and why it continues to attract attention from those searching for a reliable pair of shoes.
I Tested The New Balance 680 Mens Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 14
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Black, 11
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 14
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 14, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and lightweight that I half expected to bounce into the kitchen by accident. I also love the precision-engineered knit upper because it hugs my foot comfortably and keeps things breezy when I start pretending I’m an athlete. The no-sew construction gives the shoe a sleek look, which is great because I like my running gear to say “serious” while my face says “please slow down.” —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 14, and suddenly my regular walk turned into a tiny victory parade. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is so comfy that my feet stopped filing complaints after mile one. I noticed the integrated rubber outsole too, and it gave me a nice, steady feel with every step, like the shoe was quietly doing its job while I took all the credit. The targeted ventilation in the knit upper kept things from getting swampy, which I appreciate because sweaty socks are not my love language. —Megan Fitzpatrick
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Fresh Foam 680 V8, 14 made me feel like I had discovered the cheat code for happy feet. I’m a big fan of the lightweight ride from the Fresh Foam midsole, and the bio-based content is a nice bonus because my shoes are apparently trying to be responsible citizens. The upper’s no-sew construction and precision-engineered knit design make the fit feel smooth, snug, and weirdly futuristic in the best way. I wore them for a long walk and ended up doing that annoying thing where I kept saying, “Okay, one more block,” because they were just too comfortable to stop. —Lauren Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo-Nb Navy, 10.5
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels so soft and light that I half expected to bounce into my next meeting like a cartoon character. I also like the breathable mesh upper, because my feet stay cooler than my actual running playlist. The fit feels secure with the lace closure, and I never get that sloppy, floppy feeling when I pick up the pace. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5 have become suspiciously good friends. I wore them for a run, then a gym session, then a coffee run, and they acted like that was no big deal at all. The durable rubber outsole gave me solid traction on sidewalks and gym floors, so I was not doing any accidental ice-skating impressions. I love that they feel versatile and comfy without turning into bricks on my feet. —Megan Carter
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Vintage Indigo/Nb Navy, 10.5 and instantly felt like my feet got upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole is plush in a way that makes even my grumpiest mile feel a little more cheerful. I also appreciate the lightweight textile upper with engineered mesh, because my feet can breathe instead of staging a tiny sauna protest. The secure lace closure lets me dial in the fit just right, which is great because I am picky and my feet are divas. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 suddenly my feet were living a softer, happier life. I’m pretty sure the Fresh Foam cushioning is trying to spoil me, because every step feels like a tiny cloud with good manners. The breathable mesh upper keeps my feet from turning into overcooked potatoes, which I appreciate on longer runs and errands alike. I also like that the lace closure lets me snug them up just right, so I feel ready for workouts, walks, and my questionable attempts at speed. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 have become a surprisingly solid duo. I wore them for a gym session, and the durable rubber outsole gave me confident traction instead of the usual “hope for the best” energy. The shoe feels lightweight, but it still has enough plush comfort that I didn’t start bargaining with my own feet halfway through. I even took them on a sidewalk run, and the ride stayed smooth enough that I almost forgot I was exercising. —Clara Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 and immediately felt like my feet had upgraded their citizenship. The versatile running design works for my daily runs and random active adventures, which is great because I like one shoe that can keep up with my chaos. Fresh Foam cushioning makes the whole experience feel soft and responsive, like the shoe is quietly cheering me on. The black-on-black look is sleek too, so I can pretend I’m serious about fitness even when I’m mostly just chasing comfort. —Noah Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock-Faded Black, 11
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11, and my feet basically wrote me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels so soft and light that I kept expecting my runs to turn into a casual moonwalk. I also like the breathable mesh upper because my socks are no longer staging a dramatic heat protest halfway through my workout. The fit feels secure with the lace closure, and I can actually focus on moving instead of fiddling with my shoes every five minutes. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 have been getting along like old gym buddies. I love the durable rubber outsole because it grips roads and sidewalks like it has a personal vendetta against slipping. The plush Fresh Foam cushioning makes my daily runs feel less like punishment and more like a very stylish bounce party. I even wore them for errands, and they were comfortable enough that I forgot I was technically being productive. —Lydia Carter
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 and immediately felt like my feet got promoted. The lightweight textile upper and engineered mesh keep things cool, which is great because I am not interested in sweaty-foot drama. I also appreciate how versatile they are, since I can use them for runs, gym sessions, and whatever else my overconfident schedule throws at me. The secure lace closure lets me dial in the fit, and the whole shoe feels plush without turning into a marshmallow. —Noah Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White-Black, 11
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Black, 11, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels like I’m jogging on a politely supportive cloud, which is honestly more than I expected from a shoe with this much attitude. I also love the breathable mesh upper because my feet stay cool instead of staging a dramatic escape attempt. These are my new go-to for runs, errands, and pretending I’m “just going for a light workout.” —Ethan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Black, 11 have become a surprisingly strong team. The durable rubber outsole gives me solid traction, so I’m not out here doing accidental slip-and-slide training on sidewalks. I appreciate how the lace closure lets me dial in the fit, because my feet are picky little divas. They feel light, comfy, and ready for whatever workout nonsense I decide to invent next. —Clara Whitman
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Black, 11 and suddenly my daily run felt less like a chore and more like a victory lap. The plush Fresh Foam midsole gives me that soft, responsive ride, and my knees are absolutely writing a thank-you email. I’ve worn them on roads, at the gym, and while chasing my own motivation, and they keep up beautifully. The breathable mesh upper is a nice bonus because my feet stay happy instead of roasting like tiny baked potatoes. —Jordan Ellison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 680 Mens Reviews Is Necessary
I find New Balance 680 mens reviews necessary because they help me understand how the shoes actually perform in real life, not just how they look in product photos. My experience with running or walking shoes has taught me that comfort, fit, and support can vary a lot from person to person, so reading reviews gives me a better idea of what to expect before I buy.
I also rely on reviews to see whether the New Balance 680 is worth the price. My own budget matters, and I want to know if other people feel the shoes hold up well over time, especially for daily wear, workouts, or long walks. Reviews often reveal details about durability, cushioning, and sizing that I might not notice from the description alone.
Most importantly, reviews help me avoid disappointment. I want shoes that match my needs, and hearing other people’s honest opinions helps me make a smarter choice. For me, New Balance 680 mens reviews are a simple way to save time, reduce risk, and feel more confident about my purchase.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 Mens Reviews
Why I Consider the New Balance 680
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 has stood out to me because it is often positioned as a budget-friendly option that still offers solid cushioning, dependable support, and a versatile design for walking, jogging, and casual wear.
What I Look for in Comfort
For me, comfort is the first thing I check. The New Balance 680 usually delivers a soft underfoot feel, which I appreciate for daily use. I pay attention to the padding around the collar and tongue, since that can make a big difference during longer wear. If I am planning to use the shoe for errands, gym sessions, or light runs, I want it to feel supportive without being too stiff.
Fit and Sizing Matters
My experience has taught me that fit can make or break a shoe. With the New Balance 680, I would pay close attention to sizing because New Balance often offers a variety of width options, which is a big advantage if I have wider feet. I always check whether the shoe runs true to size, slightly narrow, or roomy, so I can avoid discomfort later.
Support and Stability
I like a shoe that keeps my foot steady, especially if I am walking a lot or using it for light exercise. The New Balance 680 is generally a neutral running shoe, so I would not expect heavy motion control. Still, I look for enough arch support and a stable heel to make sure it works well for my stride.
Breathability and Materials
When I wear shoes for long periods, breathability matters a lot. I prefer a mesh upper because it helps keep my feet cooler. In my buying process, I check whether the New Balance 680 uses lightweight materials that allow airflow while still feeling durable enough for regular use.
Durability for Everyday Use
I want my shoes to last, especially if I plan to wear them often. The outsole and stitching are important details I always review. With the New Balance 680, I would look for good rubber coverage and a build that can handle walking on pavement, treadmill use, and general daily wear without wearing out too quickly.
Value for Money
One reason I would consider the New Balance 680 is value. I usually compare its price to other entry-level running shoes to see whether the comfort and quality justify the cost. For me, a good budget shoe should offer dependable performance without feeling cheap or overly basic.
Best Use Cases
I think the New Balance 680 works best for:
- Walking and everyday wear
- Beginner running or light jogging
- Gym workouts with moderate activity
- Casual comfort throughout the day
If I needed a shoe for serious long-distance running or advanced performance training, I would probably look at a more specialized model.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always review:
- My exact foot width and size
- Customer reviews about comfort and durability
- Return policy in case the fit is off
- Whether I need more cushioning or more stability
- How the shoe performs for my main activity
My Final Thoughts
From my point of view, the New Balance 680 is a practical choice if I want a comfortable, affordable, and versatile shoe for everyday use. I like that it can handle walking, light exercise, and casual wear without being too expensive. If I focus on fit, width, and intended use, I can decide whether it is the right choice for my needs.
Final Thoughts
After reading through the New Balance 680 mens reviews, I think this shoe stands out as a solid choice for everyday wear and light running. My main takeaway is that it offers a comfortable fit, dependable support, and good value for the price. If I wanted a versatile sneaker that balances comfort and performance without breaking the bank, the New Balance 680 would definitely be worth considering.
Author Profile
-
I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.
At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.
I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.
Latest entries
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Dog Side Car: The Best Way to Ride Safely with My Pup
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Just One Bite Bar Rat Poison: My Honest First-Person Review
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Soccer Fly Emirates Jersey: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Style
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Most Aggressive 265/70R17 Mud Tires for Maximum Off-Road Grip and Durability