Between my morning coffee run and evening walks with the neighborhood group, I’ve been searching for that perfect everyday shoe that could handle both my fitness goals and busy mom life. Last month, when my workout buddy mentioned these New Balance Fresh Foam 680s during our post-run chat at Starbucks, I was intrigued but honestly skeptical – could a $70 shoe really compete with my beloved Hokas? Sarah here, and after 8 weeks of putting these through every real-world scenario I could think of, I’m excited to share whether New Balance delivered on their “ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride” promise.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $70 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.2 oz (women’s size 8)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Fresh Foam with dual density construction
- 👟 Upper material: Engineered mesh with no-sew overlays
- 🏃♀️ Category: Daily training/lifestyle running shoe
- 🎯 Best for: Recreational running, walking, all-day wear
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 45+ runs/walks, 180+ miles
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
The first thing that caught my attention when I unboxed these was how much lighter they felt compared to my previous New Balance shoes. The engineered mesh upper has this modern, almost sock-like feel that immediately suggested all-day comfort. New Balance designed these with a no-sew overlay construction, which I initially thought was just a cost-cutting measure – but after weeks of wearing them, I’ve come to appreciate how this creates fewer pressure points and hotspots.
The light blue colorway with the contrasting green sole is absolutely gorgeous in person – exactly as vibrant as the product photos suggested. I’ve gotten more compliments on these shoes than any pair I’ve owned recently. However, I need to be real with you ladies – that beautiful light blue shows every speck of dirt and dust. After one rainy morning walk, they looked like I’d been hiking through mud. The good news? They clean up surprisingly well with just a damp cloth and mild soap.
Fresh Foam Cushioning – The Real Deal
Let me start with what everyone wants to know – does this Fresh Foam technology actually deliver on that “ultra-cushioned” promise? After logging over 180 miles in these shoes across everything from 3-mile neighborhood runs to 45-minute treadmill sessions to full days of errands and kid activities, I can confidently say the cushioning is legitimately impressive for this price point.
During my first 5K test run at my usual 8:45 pace, the cushioning felt plush without being mushy. There’s definitely a cloud-like quality to the ride – not quite as luxurious as my Hoka Bondis, but surprisingly close considering these cost less than half the price. The dual density midsole really shines during longer sessions. I noticed that even after 45 minutes on the treadmill, my feet felt fresh and energized rather than beaten down.
The arch support deserves special mention. As someone who’s dealt with plantar fasciitis in the past, I’m always cautious about shoes that claim good arch support. The 680s provide that perfect middle ground – supportive enough that I never felt like I needed to add insoles, but not so rigid that they felt uncomfortable during casual wear. During my testing, I wore these for a 6-hour shopping day at the mall, and my feet felt happy the entire time.
On-the-Road Performance
Taking these through various running and walking conditions revealed both their strengths and limitations. On smooth pavement and treadmill runs, they absolutely shine. The lightweight construction (8.2 oz in my size 8) makes them feel almost effortless during easy-paced runs. The Fresh Foam provides excellent energy return – I could definitely feel that slight bounce-back with each step that makes longer distances more comfortable.
However, I did notice some limitations during more challenging conditions. On wet pavement during an early morning drizzle, the traction felt adequate but not exceptional. The outsole pattern provides decent grip, but I found myself being extra cautious on painted crosswalk lines and smooth concrete. For serious trail running or technical terrain, you’ll definitely want something with more aggressive tread.
The breathability has been excellent throughout my testing period. Even during humid summer runs in 85-degree weather, my feet never felt swampy or overheated. The engineered mesh upper allows great airflow while still providing enough structure and support.
Performance in Various Lifestyle Conditions
Between you and me, the real test of any “lifestyle running shoe” isn’t just how it performs during workouts – it’s how well it handles the chaos of real life. These have been my go-to shoes for everything from school pickup lines to grocery store marathons to weekend family adventures, and they’ve consistently delivered.
During a particularly busy Saturday that included a 4-mile morning run, two hours at my daughter’s soccer tournament (standing on uneven grass), and an afternoon of house cleaning, these shoes never made me think twice about foot comfort. That’s honestly rare for me – I usually find myself changing shoes at least once during such varied activities.
The temperature versatility has been impressive too. I’ve worn these in everything from 45-degree morning runs (with appropriate socks) to 90-degree summer heat, and they’ve adapted well to both conditions. The mesh upper provides enough warmth retention for cooler weather while still offering the breathability needed for hot conditions.
Does New Balance Deliver on Their Promises?
New Balance markets the Fresh Foam 680 V8 with some pretty bold claims: “ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride,” “dual density midsole for ideal combination of comfort and performance,” and “durable, comfortable, and built to keep up whether you’re running miles or running errands.” After 8 weeks of comprehensive testing, let me break down how reality matches their marketing.
Ultra-Cushioned Ride: This claim absolutely holds up. The Fresh Foam technology delivers genuinely impressive cushioning that rivals shoes costing significantly more. The “cloud-like” sensation so many reviewers mention is real and consistent even after months of use.
Lightweight Construction: At 8.2 oz, these definitely qualify as lightweight for a max-cushioned shoe. The difference is immediately noticeable compared to bulkier alternatives.
Dual Density Performance: The combination of comfort and performance really does work. These provide enough structure for actual running while remaining comfortable enough for all-day wear.
However, I did find one area where reality fell slightly short of marketing. The “bio-based content” feature, while environmentally conscious, doesn’t really impact the user experience in any noticeable way. It’s a nice touch for eco-minded consumers, but don’t expect it to dramatically change the feel or performance.
My Overall Assessment
After putting the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 through every test I could think of, I’m genuinely impressed by what this $70 shoe delivers. It’s rare to find a shoe that performs this well across such diverse activities while maintaining consistent comfort.
Detailed Performance Scores
Comfort (9.0/10): Exceptional cushioning and all-day wearability. The Fresh Foam technology really delivers on its promises, providing that perfect balance of softness and support. Only docked one point because the toe box could be slightly wider for those with broader feet.
Running Performance (8.5/10): Excellent for recreational running up to 10K distances. The lightweight construction and responsive cushioning make these genuinely enjoyable for training runs. Not quite technical enough for serious racing or trail running.
Durability (8.0/10): After 180+ miles, these are holding up remarkably well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the upper construction remains solid. The light blue colorway shows dirt easily, but the actual materials are proving durable.
Style & Versatility (9.5/10): These transition seamlessly from workout to casual wear. The colorways are modern and attractive, and they pair well with both athletic and casual outfits. Perfect for busy lifestyles.
Value for Money (9.5/10): At $70, these deliver performance that genuinely competes with shoes costing $120-150. Outstanding value proposition for recreational runners and active women.
Sizing & Fit (8.5/10): Generally true to size, though I’d recommend going up half a size if you prefer extra toe room or plan to use thicker socks. The width is suitable for average to slightly narrow feet.
What Other Women Are Saying
The feedback from the women’s running community has been overwhelmingly positive. Multiple reviewers mentioned these as excellent Hoka alternatives at half the price. Healthcare workers particularly love them for 12-hour shifts, and busy moms consistently praise their versatility.
The most common complaints center around sizing (some find them slightly narrow) and the light colorways showing dirt easily. A few reviewers noted quality control issues with receiving used or dirty shoes, which seems to be more of an Amazon fulfillment issue than a New Balance problem.
Spanish-speaking customers consistently noted “muy cómodos” (very comfortable) and praised the quality for the price point. The international feedback has been just as positive as domestic reviews.
Value Assessment
At $70, the Fresh Foam 680 V8 represents exceptional value in the crowded women’s running shoe market. These genuinely compete with shoes costing $50-80 more from premium brands. For recreational runners, busy moms, healthcare workers, or anyone needing a versatile, comfortable shoe for active lifestyles, this price point is almost unbeatable.
The cost-per-wear calculation is impressive – if you use these as your primary active shoe, you’re looking at roughly $0.40 per wear over a year, which is fantastic value for this level of comfort and performance.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
The Good:
- Exceptional cushioning that rivals premium brands
- Lightweight construction perfect for all-day wear
- Outstanding value at $70 price point
- Versatile enough for running, walking, and lifestyle wear
- Excellent arch support without being rigid
- Beautiful color options and modern styling
- Great breathability for various weather conditions
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
The Bad:
- Toe box could be wider for broader feet
- Light colorways show dirt very easily
- Traction adequate but not exceptional on wet surfaces
- Not suitable for serious trail running or technical terrain
- Some quality control issues with shipping (appears to be retailer-specific)
Who Should Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V8?
Perfect For:
- Recreational runners logging up to 25 miles per week
- Busy women needing versatile shoes for multiple activities
- Healthcare workers or others on their feet all day
- Budget-conscious athletes wanting premium comfort
- Anyone transitioning from minimalist to maximum cushioning
- Women with plantar fasciitis or arch support needs
- Gym-goers who also want shoes for everyday wear
Look Elsewhere If:
- You need shoes specifically for trail running or hiking
- You have very wide feet and require wide-width sizing
- You’re a serious competitive runner needing racing-specific features
- You prioritize shoes that stay looking clean with minimal maintenance
- You need maximum traction for wet or slippery conditions
Better Options for Specific Needs
If you need wider toe box options, consider the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 which offers similar cushioning with more room. For serious trail running, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro provides better traction and protection. If budget isn’t a concern and you want the absolute maximum cushioning, Hoka Bondi 8 remains the gold standard, though at nearly double the price.
Final Recommendation
I’m giving the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 a strong recommendation with an overall score of 8.8/10. This shoe delivers exceptional value and performance for its price point, making it an outstanding choice for recreational runners and active women who need versatile, comfortable footwear.
At $70 on Amazon, these compete head-to-head with shoes costing significantly more, and for most women’s needs, they’ll exceed expectations. The combination of genuine comfort, attractive styling, and impressive durability makes this one of the best values in the current running shoe market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these run true to size?
Based on my testing and community feedback, these generally run true to size for length, but some women find them slightly narrow in the toe box. If you typically wear thick socks for running or prefer extra toe room, I’d recommend going up half a size. For reference, I wear a true size 8 and found the 8 to be perfect with my normal athletic socks.
How do these compare to Hoka shoes?
The cushioning is surprisingly similar to Hoka Bondis, though slightly firmer. The Fresh Foam provides excellent impact absorption and that “cloud-like” feeling Hoka is famous for, but at roughly half the price. The main differences are in the upper construction (Hoka feels more premium) and maximum cushioning (Hoka still leads slightly), but for most recreational runners, these provide 90% of the Hoka experience.
Are these suitable for people with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, the arch support has been excellent for my plantar fasciitis recovery. The Fresh Foam provides good heel cushioning while the dual density midsole offers structured support through the arch. However, if you have severe plantar fasciitis, you may still want to consult with a podiatrist about custom orthotics.
How long do these shoes typically last?
Based on my testing and customer reviews, most women get 400-600 miles of good performance from these shoes with regular running and walking. For lifestyle wear only, they should easily last 12-18 months of daily use. The outsole durability has been impressive in my testing.
Can I use these for gym workouts?
These work great for treadmill running, walking, and light cardio, but they’re not ideal for heavy weightlifting or high-intensity lateral movements. The maximum cushioning can feel unstable during heavy squats or deadlifts. For general gym use and cardio classes, they’re excellent.
Do the light colored versions really show dirt that badly?
Unfortunately, yes. The light blue colorway I tested shows every speck of dust and dirt. However, they clean up easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. If low maintenance is important to you, consider the darker colorways like black or navy.
Where can I find the best price?
Amazon typically has the best pricing and color selection, often with free shipping and easy returns. to see all colorway options and any current promotions.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.0/10 | Exceptional cushioning, all-day wearability |
| Running Performance | 8.5/10 | Excellent for recreational running, lightweight feel |
| Durability | 8.0/10 | Strong construction, minimal wear after 180 miles |
| Style & Versatility | 9.5/10 | Beautiful colors, seamless lifestyle transition |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 | Outstanding performance at $70 price point |
| Sizing & Fit | 8.5/10 | Generally true to size, consider half size up |
| OVERALL SCORE | 8.8/10 | Highly Recommended |
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