Catalogue/New Balance/Fresh Foam 680 v8
NNew Balance
Budget Trainer
79Score

CoreScore breakdown

0 reviews · 0 expert tests

Comfort80
Durability80
Performance75
Value95
Fit accuracy83

New Balance

Fresh Foam 680 v8

Fresh cushion. Fresh start.

Weight

274g

Heel drop

8mm

Stack

28mm

roadtreadmillRemovable insole

Best for

Budget runnersBeginnersWide feetGym sessions

Not ideal for

RacingHigh mileage

Best price

$140

RRP

$75

From DICK'S Sporting Goods · Updated today

DICK'S Sporting Goods · $140

Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a solid performer — a budget trainer scoring 79/100 in SoleHunt's data-driven evaluation, drawing on 0 consumer reviews and 0 independent expert tests. Tipping the scales at 274g, it is standard weight for a budget trainer. The 28mm heel stack — a moderate stack — delivers a medium-firm ride at 32 HC, returning 50% of impact energy and feeling moderately responsive underfoot. Geometrically, the Fresh Foam 680 v8 runs on a mid 8mm drop that works with most running gaits, with a 20mm forefoot stack that maintains the traditional heel-elevated geometry runners with tight calves often prefer. Fit-wise, the toebox measures 94mm — roomy, with space for wider feet and swelling on long runs — and the upper is available in D/2E/4E widths. Wide width range. Best budget NB runner. The removable insole makes it compatible with custom orthotics. It is designed for budget runners, beginners, wide feet, gym sessions, and performs less well for racing or high mileage.

01

Lab measurements

Weight

274g

UK size 9 men's

Heel drop

8mm

Moderate

Heel stack

28mm

Forefoot stack

20mm

Midsole hardness

32HC

Soft

Energy return

50%

Higher = bouncier

Toebox width

94mm

Breathability

74/100

Outsole grip

78/100

Flexibility

68/100

Heel counter

3/5

Ankle hold

Sustainability

16%

Recycled content

02

Fit guide

Sizing specs

SizingWide width range. Best budget NB runner.
Size rangeUS 5–16
Width optionsD, 2E, 4E
Arch supportneutral
Removable insoleYes
Orthotic readyYes

Best for

Budget runners
Beginners
Wide feet
Gym sessions

Not ideal for

Racing
High mileage
03

Price tracker

7-month price history

No price history yet.

Current prices

New Balance
$75
Amazon
$77
DICK'S Sporting GoodsBest
$140

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04

Construction

upper

midsole

outsole

insole

heel Counter

lacing

05

What people say

0

Reviews

0

Expert tests

0

Sentiment

What people love

Community reviews coming soon.

Common complaints

COMMUNITY

Signals

Width feeltrue to widthSizingtrue to sizeStrike patternmidfootCushionmediumDurabilityaverageWeatherversatileEnergy feelneutralBreak-inshort 1 weekHeel biteoccasionalToe roomadequateWater resistancenoneNoiseminimalOdouraveragePronationnoneValue over timeholds value

Synthesized from common user reports via AI analysis. Confidence-weighted.

Featured in guides

New Balance 680v8 Review (2026): Budget Fresh Foam Daily TrainerRead →New Balance 680v8 vs Nike Pegasus 41 (2026): Budget vs Premium Daily TrainerRead →

How it compares

New Balance 680v8 vs Nike Pegasus 41: Budget vs Premium Daily TrainerCompare →
07

Frequently asked questions

Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8?+

The Fresh Foam 680 v8 suits budget runners, beginners, wide feet — particularly on road and treadmill surfaces. The 8mm heel drop works well for heel strikers and runners with tight calves. SoleHunt scores it 79/100 overall, placing it in the solid mid-range of budget trainer options.

Does the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 run true to size?+

Wide width range. Best budget NB runner. The Fresh Foam 680 v8 is available from UK 4–15 in D, 2E, 4E widths. Its 94mm toebox is roomy, with space for wider feet and swelling on long runs.

How heavy is the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8?+

The Fresh Foam 680 v8 weighs 274g (UK size 9 men's reference weight). That is standard weight for a budget trainer. It should not feel heavy underfoot even on longer efforts.

Can I use orthotics with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8?+

Yes — the Fresh Foam 680 v8 has a removable insole and is rated orthotic-friendly. With 28mm of heel stack and a medium-firm midsole at 32 HC, there is sufficient volume to accommodate standard custom orthotics without the overall stack feeling excessive.

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