New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8
An $80 entry-level neutral trainer with a surprisingly tall Fresh Foam stack, a breathable upper, and excellent durability. A sensible first running shoe or budget mileage option. Not built for speedwork, and the midsole firms up noticeably in cold weather.
Quick specs
CushionModerate
SupportNeutral
Drop8 mm
Heel stack35 mm
Toe boxStandard
Foot strikeHeel, Midfoot
Who it's for
Reach for the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 for everyday training miles and easy recovery days. It's a neutral shoe, best for runners with an efficient stride who don't need pronation support.
Daily trainingRecovery runs
Pros
- Outstanding value
- Exceptionally durable
- Breathable upper
- Dull for faster running
- Foam stiffens in the cold
Similar shoes to consider
| Shoe | Cushion | Support | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Ghost 17 | Moderate | Neutral | $150 | Analyze |
| Nike Pegasus 41 | Moderate | Neutral | $140 | Analyze |
| Saucony Ride 18 | Moderate | Neutral | $140 | Analyze |
| Hoka Mach 6 | Moderate | Neutral | $140 | Analyze |
Skill profile
Support42
Cushion68
Durability70
Popularity66
Price90
Versatility52
Lightness74
Ratings compare the current lineup. Price favors lower cost.
Key stats
$80Price (MSRP)
35 mmStack height
8 mmDrop
9.5 ozMen's weight
7.8 ozWomen's weight
2024Release year
Shop this shoe
Runner Toolkit may earn a commission when you buy through these links. It never affects the price you pay or which shoes we recommend.