New Balance 680v8 Review (2026): Budget Fresh Foam Daily Trainer
The New Balance 680v8 answers a specific question: "What do you get if you want a real running shoe for $75?" The answer is more than most people expect — particularly on the midsole, where Fresh Foam X appears in a shoe that costs half what most Fresh Foam models command.
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At a glance
| Spec | 680v8 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 274g (men's US 10) |
| Heel drop | 8mm |
| Heel stack | 28mm |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
| CoreScore | 79/100 overall · 95/100 value |
| MSRP | $75 |
The value score is the headline
The 680v8 scores 79/100 overall — a solid score, not exceptional. What makes it stand out is the 95/100 value score, the highest of any shoe in its category. At $75 retail with Fresh Foam X underfoot, wide-width availability, and proven durability, the cost-to-performance ratio is genuinely exceptional compared to budget alternatives that use basic EVA foam.
Why Fresh Foam X matters here
Most shoes under $100 use dense, flat EVA foam. Fresh Foam X is a nitrogen-infused midsole compound New Balance spent years refining in its $150+ lineup (the 1080, Zante, and Beacon). In the 680v8, it shows up in a budget package. The difference is tangible: the 680v8 feels softer and more compliant underfoot than competing shoes at the same price point, and the foam does not compress or flatten prematurely on longer runs.
Midsole hardness measures at 32 HC — comfortably cushioned, not plush. Energy return is 50%, which is lower than premium daily trainers (the Pegasus 41 returns 64%) but entirely appropriate for a shoe prioritising comfort over pace.
Ride character
At 274g, the 680v8 is light for its price bracket. The 8mm heel drop positions it in the traditional mid-range, compatible with heel strikers and the majority of everyday runners. Stack height of 28mm at the heel provides enough protection for daily training miles without going maximal.
The ride is quiet and absorptive — the foam wants to absorb miles, not propel you through them. For easy runs, recovery days, and beginner training blocks, this is exactly right. For tempo work or race training, you would want a more energetic midsole.
Fit
The 680v8 stands out for fit options: D (standard), 2E, and 4E widths across a UK 4–15 size range. The wide-width availability is uncommon in budget shoes and makes it the go-to recommendation for runners with broader feet who do not want to spend $130+.
Toebox measures 94mm — medium width in the standard D fitting. Sizing runs true. The engineered mesh upper is flexible and does not create pressure points in most foot shapes.
Who should buy the New Balance 680v8?
Best for: Beginner runners who want Fresh Foam without the premium price. Recovery or easy-run shoe for experienced runners. Wide-foot runners (2E/4E options available). Gym cross-training where running shoe cushioning helps.
Not ideal for: Runners training for a race or doing speed work — the 50% energy return and medium-firm midsole are not optimised for fast paces. Runners who supinate significantly.
Verdict
The New Balance 680v8 scores 79/100 overall but 95/100 for value — the highest value score in the budget trainer category. If your budget is $75 and you want a genuine running shoe with Fresh Foam X and wide-width options, the 680v8 is the obvious answer.