Nuestra conclusión

En un mercado tan competitivo como el de las zapatillas para principiantes, creemos que New Balance ha decidido ir a por todas con las 680 v8. Nos impresionó que la marca decidiese utilizar Fresh Foam en un modelo económico, pero esta mediasuela, junto con una parte superior duradera y transpirable, hace que estas zapatillas sean una excelente opción para el uso diario. En nuestras pruebas nos parecieron comodísimas, pero carecen de características de estabilidad, por lo que solo son más adecuadas para corredores neutros.

Pros

  • Parte superior muy transpirable
  • Increíblemente duraderas
  • Relación calidad-precio excepcional
  • Buena relación peso-amortiguación
  • Lengüeta cómoda
  • Se adapta a todas las técnicas de carrera
  • Listas para el uso diario
  • Espuma Fresh Foam en la mediasuela
  • Sistema de cordones eficaz

Contras

  • No tienen rebote
  • Mal agarre en superficies mojadas
  • Solo para corredores neutrales

Veredicto de los usuarios

91
¡Estupendas!

Who should buy

We've tested the New Balance 680 v8 and think it's especially great for:

  • Beginners or weekend warriors seeking a plush daily trainer that doesn't break the bank.
  • Neutral runners looking for a versatile shoe suitable for both easy runs and daily wear.
  • Anyone eyeing the luxurious New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 but needing a more affordable alternative—the 680 v8 is the easy-on-the-wallet version!
  • Marathoners wanting a durable, cost-effective addition to their rotation for recovery days.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8

Who should NOT buy

We think the New Balance 680 v8 caters to a broad audience but the midsole may feel overly plush for some runners. If that's you, we suggest exploring alternatives like the Nike Downshifter 13 for a balanced feel or the Adidas Supernova 3 for a firmer experience.

From our evaluation, we do not recommend the 680 v8 for runners who require stability—its higher midsole and lack of stability features render it unsuitable for those without a perfect neutral form. Instead, we believe there are better choices, such as the ASICS GT 1000 13 or the Saucony Tempus, which are designed to provide the necessary support for those with stability concerns.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 parts

Transpirabilidad

In our lab, we can often predict a shoe's ventilation just by inspecting it—but not this time. The engineered mesh upper, though well-constructed, left us curious about its breathability, so we set out to test it.

We started by using our smoke-pumping machine to see how the upper dissipates smoke, and we were pleasantly surprised. While we expected decent ventilation, the shoe exceeded expectations with a perfect 5-out-of-5 score.

This result is impressive because the upper isn't paper-thin, as confirmed by our light test. Instead, it’s quite dense, which made the outcome even more surprising.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 microscope

Eager to understand more, we moved to the microscope to examine the upper closely. We found specific spots where hot air escapes, though these vents are different from those in many other shoes.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 micro 2

From our perspective, the upper is a winner in terms of value.

It’s well-built, padded in the heel, mostly seamless, and breathable in the forefoot. That’s exactly what we asked for, and it’s what we got!

Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 5
Promedio 3.8
En comparación con 269 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Transpirabilidad
5

Durabilidad

Durabilidad de la parte delantera

When uppers block out light, it often signals durability, so we put that to the test by bringing out the Dremel tool for the first time today.

We were thrilled with the results—a remarkable 4 out of 5 rating for a shoe with such effective ventilation. This score is quite impressive, showcasing both resilience and breathability at a wallet-friendly price.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Toebox durability
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 4
Promedio 2.5
En comparación con 203 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad de la parte delantera
5

Durabilidad del acolchado del talón

Following our toebox assessment, we shifted focus to evaluate the heel padding in terms of durability—a critical feature for many runners.

We were pleased with the results, as it earned a solid 4 out of 5, surpassing the average scores we typically encounter here in the lab. So far, the 680 v8 continues to impress us with its exceptional performance!

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Heel padding durability
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 4
Promedio 3.3
En comparación con 199 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad del acolchado del talón
5

Dureza de la suela

After being really happy with the top part of the shoe, we shifted our focus to the bottom, specifically the outsole. Our initial test involved assessing the hardness of the integrated rubber outsole, which shares a design with New Balance's pricier 1080 line.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 outsole
The 680 v8 offers extensive rubber coverage and several grooves to enhance its flexibility.

We discovered that the rubber, while not the most grippy we've tested, is adequate, achieving a score of 83.6 HC in our durometer. This level of hardness is quite suitable for routine wear and offers decent durability.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Outsole hardness
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 83.6 HC
Promedio 80.0 HC
Utilizamos una media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 320 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
52.1 HC
Dureza de la suela
93.0 HC

Durabilidad de la suela

To determine if the above-average hardness ensures long-lasting durability, we conducted one final Dremel test in this lab review.

The results were outstanding—we observed only a minimal dent of 0.7 mm. This impressive outcome means good durability, enough for those who tend to wear out their shoes quickly.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Outsole durability
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 0.7 mm
Promedio 1.0 mm
En comparación con 181 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Desgaste de la suela
2.0 mm

Grosor de la suela

We discovered that New Balance equipped the 680 with a substantial 3.5 mm of rubber—a bit more than necessary in our view, considering its durability. For the upcoming v9, a thinner layer could reduce weight and enhance the feeling of connection with the ground.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Outsole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 3.5 mm
Promedio 3.2 mm
En comparación con 339 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Grosor de la suela
6.6 mm

Peso

Fortunately, weight isn’t an issue for this shoe. At just 9.2 oz or 261g, New Balance has done an excellent job keeping it under 10 ounces while still providing ample cushioning underfoot.

This achievement aligns well with the latest 1080, which is also known for being among the lightest premium daily trainers.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Weight
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 9.21 oz (261g)
Promedio 9.35 oz (265g)
En comparación con 340 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
5.26 oz (149g)
Peso
12.56 oz (356g)

Amortiguación

Altura de la suela en la zona del talón

If you're searching for a budget-friendly daily trainer that doesn’t skimp on foam underfoot, the 680 is a standout choice.

Coming at 35.4 mm in our digital calipers, it offers one of the best cushioning-to-price ratios on the market!

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Heel stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 35.4 mm
Promedio 34.0 mm
En comparación con 339 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
7.6 mm
Altura de la suela en la zona del talón
46.3 mm

Altura de la suela en el antepié

The forefoot design in the 680 v8 also boasts a generous cushioning of 27.6 mm, offering more foam underfoot compared to many rivals. This makes it a good option for midfoot and forefoot strikers looking for that extra bit of comfort, and it's definitely a solid pick for long runs.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Forefoot stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 27.6 mm
Promedio 25.4 mm
En comparación con 339 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
7.6 mm
Altura de la suela en el antepié
37.1 mm

Drop

From our perspective, the 8 mm drop claimed by New Balance is ideal for a beginner-friendly shoe, offering a good balance for heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikers alike.

In our lab tests, we measured a 7.8 mm offset—remarkably close to the official specs.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Drop
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 7.8 mm
Promedio 8.6 mm
En comparación con 339 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Grosor de la plantilla

The basic EVA insole measures 4.7 mm in thickness, offering a feel that's consistent with most daily trainers on the market.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Insole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 4.7 mm
Promedio 4.5 mm
En comparación con 335 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1.5 mm
Grosor de la plantilla
7.3 mm

Suavidad de la mediasuela

Unlike most entry-level shoes with basic EVA midsoles, the 680 v8 impresses with its Fresh Foam—a foam once exclusive to New Balance's high-end trainers.

Advances in production techniques have reduced the cost of Fresh Foam, enabling New Balance to incorporate it into more affordable models like the 680 v8. Meanwhile, their pricier models like the More v4 now feature Fresh Foam X, positioning the original Fresh Foam as a cost-effective yet competitive option in shoes under €110.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 FF

Our durometer test confirmed its softness, recording just 16.3 HA—significantly softer than many competitors. 

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Midsole softness
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 16.3 HA
Promedio 21.0 HA
Utilizamos una media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 267 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
8.5 HA
Suavidad de la mediasuela (de blanda a firme)
41.5 HA

Diferencia de la suavidad de la mediasuela en frío

While Fresh Foam offers comfort and decent energy return, it's still made from EVA, which typically underperforms in cold temperatures. This was confirmed during our test: after 20 minutes in the freezer, we observed a significant 40% increase (22.8 HA).

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Difference in midsole softness in cold
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 40%
Promedio 25.2%
En comparación con 266 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0%
Diferencia de la suavidad de la mediasuela en frío
100%

Estabilidad

Prueba de estabilidad lateral

New Balance assigns numbers to their footwear lines, and both the 680 and 1080 are part of the '80' family, which categorizes neutral daily trainers. The first digit—6, 8, or 10—indicates the shoe's price tier; higher numbers denote a higher price.

As such, the 680 v8 does not feature any stability assistance, making them unsuitable for pronators. However, we found that neutral runners should find them quite satisfactory and won't face any issues with their design.

Rigidez torsional

Designed specifically for neutral runners, the New Balance 680 avoids a rigid chassis, a choice that significantly enhances underfoot comfort.

Our testing showed that the six-eighty offered little resistance against our hands, and we rated it at 2 out of 5, way below the average.

Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 2
Promedio 3.3
En comparación con 318 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez torsional
5

Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón

In our evaluation, New Balance took a conservative approach with the heel counter of the shoe, which led to a middle-of-the-road rating of 3 out of 5 from our team.

Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 3
Promedio 2.8
En comparación con 302 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón
5

Anchura de la mediasuela en el antepié

The 680 v8's light weight can be partially attributed to its streamlined design, specifically crafted to exclude features for pronation support. We confirmed this through measurements we took using our digital calipers, which showed a near-average width of 113.9 mm—perfect for its role in New Balance's lineup.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Midsole width in the forefoot
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 113.9 mm
Promedio 114.0 mm
En comparación con 340 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
100.5 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela en el antepié
127.9 mm

Anchura de la mediasuela en la zona del talón

In the heel area, our measurements revealed a dimension of 89.6 mm—comfortably close to the average, striking a good width for neutral runners who predominantly heel strike. This design ensures the shoe remains streamlined and avoids excessive bulkiness, making it ideal for everyday use.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Midsole width in the heel
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 89.6 mm
Promedio 90.7 mm
En comparación con 340 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
74.9 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela en la zona del talón
106.6 mm

Flexibilidad

Rigidez

In the lab, the Fresh Foam 680 v8 flexed with minimal effort—only needing 16.6N to reach a full 90-degree angle. This impressive flexibility can be attributed to the soft midsole and carefully designed outsole cutouts, and confirms that this is a great shoe for everyday use.

Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 16.6N
Promedio 28.8N
En comparación con 322 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
2.2N
Rigidez
94.4N

Diferencia de rigidez en frío

During our latest cold test—20 minutes in the freezer—the 680 v8 displayed notable resilience, stiffening by just 19.5%. This result was unexpectedly good, given the previous cold test outcome.

Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 19.5%
Promedio 34.6%
En comparación con 322 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0%
Diferencia de rigidez en frío
148%

Tallaje y ajuste

Anchura de la parte delantera en la parte más ancha

During all this lab review, we've noted that New Balance consistently opts for a conservative, risk-averse design with the 680, and that includes the toebox design.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 upper design

Our initial measurement at the widest part of the toebox registered 99.2 mm—very much aligning with the average dimensions typically seen. Again, this reaffirms the brand's strategy to maintain a middle-of-the-road approach in the 680 v8.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Toebox width at the widest part
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 99.2 mm
Promedio 98.4 mm
En comparación con 340 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
89.5 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera en la parte más ancha
109.1 mm

Anchura de la parte delantera en la zona del dedo gordo

The toebox isn't pointy—yet it's also far from being a close cousin of any Altra. It sits comfortably in the middle, just like we previously noted, and we validated it with another measurement at 79.1 mm.

There are two additional aspects to consider with the New Balance 680 v8. First, we think the overall volume of the shoe is sufficient. Second, while New Balance offers the shoe in multiple widths, availability varies by market.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Toebox width at the big toe
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 79.1 mm
Promedio 78.3 mm
En comparación con 214 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
60.4 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera en la zona del dedo gordo
92.5 mm

Lengüeta: tipo de refuerzo

The tongue isn’t gusseted, meaning it’s not attached to the sides, so there’s a chance it might shift during use. Nevertheless, we’ve noticed this is typical in budget-friendly shoes.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Tongue: gusset type
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 Ninguno

Comodidad

Acolchado de la lengüeta

We believe that the perfect tongue for a daily trainer should strike a balance between thickness and comfort, and that's exactly what we discovered in the NB 680 v8. Measuring just 6.4 mm, this tongue is among the best we've encountered in entry-level running shoes—offering just the right amount of padding for a comfortable and secure lockdown.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 tongue

We also found a tongue loop that helps keep it in place (essential since it's not gusseted), and we appreciated the simple, punched eyelets, along with an extra set for those who experience heel slippage.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Tongue padding
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 6.4 mm
Promedio 5.7 mm
En comparación con 337 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0.5 mm
Acolchado de la lengüeta
14.2 mm

Tirador del talón

The 680 heel lacks a finger-loop tab, but New Balance added a few details, including a small reinforcement at the top of the collar and a subtle "680" plastic piece that doubles as an external heel counter.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Heel tab
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 Ninguno

Plantilla extraíble

Looking to use custom orthotics or a third-party insole? No worries—we found the stock footbed easy to remove!

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Removable insole
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8

Varios

Elementos reflectantes

The absence of reflective elements in the 680 might be a concern for some, but we believe it’s important to be realistic—reflective features are rare in budget-friendly shoes. In our view, this isn’t a major downside, especially considering the price point.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 Reflective elements
Resultados de las pruebas
Fresh Foam 680 v8 No