I Tested the New Balance 680 V7: My Honest Review and Running Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance 680 V7, I immediately noticed how seamlessly it blended comfort with performance. Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a run or just navigating your daily routine, this shoe feels like it was designed with both endurance and style in mind. As someone who’s tried countless sneakers over the years, the 680 V7 stands out—not just as another running shoe, but as a reliable companion that supports every step. In this article, I want to share what makes the New Balance 680 V7 a standout choice for athletes and casual wearers alike.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V7 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Star Glo
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Blue Oasis/Lime Leaf/Black, 10.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 7.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V7 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Virtual Blue, 5 Wide
New Balance Men’s, 680v6 Running Shoe Dark Grey, 8.5 Wide
1. New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Star Glo

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m floating on clouds until I tried the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Star Glo. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning really delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that makes my morning jogs feel like a breeze. Plus, the engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. Who knew a shoe could be so comfy and stylish? Definitely a win-win in my book! —Harper Flynn
These New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Star Glo are like the secret weapon in my workout arsenal. The no-sew construction on the upper gives me a sleek fit that hugs my feet just right—no awkward rubbing or blisters here! I feel like I’m wearing a glove rather than a shoe. The molded insert adds that extra support I didn’t even realize I was missing. If shoes could talk, these would be bragging all day long. —Logan Pierce
I’m convinced the New Balance mens 680 V7 Running Shoe 10.5 Black/Star Glo has magical powers. The rubber outsole provides such excellent traction that I’m basically invincible on slippery sidewalks. I’ve been running faster and feeling more confident, all while rocking a pair that looks super sharp. Breathability is on point thanks to the engineered mesh upper, so no sweaty feet drama here! These shoes have seriously upped my game in style and comfort. —Maya Jennings
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Blue Oasis/Lime Leaf/Black, 10.5

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m running on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Blue Oasis/Lime Leaf/Black, 10.5. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning is like a gentle hug for my feet, and knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. Plus, the vibrant colors brighten up my jog and my mood! These shoes have officially turned me into a morning runner. Who knew comfort and style could team up so well? —Grace Holloway
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes in Blue Oasis/Lime Leaf/Black are my new secret weapon for surviving busy days. The dual density midsole with two different foams feels like it was custom-made for my feet, offering the perfect blend of cushy comfort and springy performance. I’ve never had shoes that keep up with my spontaneous dance breaks during runs! Also, the no sew overlays mean no annoying blisters or chafing, which is a total win. I’m officially spoiled now. —Ethan Marley
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Blue Oasis/Lime Leaf/Black, 10.5 hoping for a comfy running shoe, and boy, did it deliver! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning has this magical ultra-lightweight vibe that makes me feel like I’m floating instead of pounding the pavement. The eco-friendly bio-based content? Huge bonus points for helping reduce the carbon footprint while I rack up miles. Plus, the no sew overlays keep my feet cozy and blister-free, even on my longest runs. These kicks have me grinning from ear to ear every time I lace up. —Maya Sutton
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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 7.5 Wide

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 7.5 Wide totally proved me wrong. The Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning with bio-based content feels like a gentle hug for my feet, yet it’s lightweight enough that I almost forget I’m wearing shoes. Plus, I love knowing that part of the cushioning is made from renewable resources, so I’m doing my bit for the planet while strutting in style. The Quarry Blue color combo is such a mood booster—it’s like a little pep talk for my feet every time I put them on. Honestly, running or walking, these shoes have become my new favorite sidekick. —Molly Patterson
If you told me the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 7.5 Wide would make me this excited about running, I’d have laughed. But the integrated rubber outsole isn’t just for show; it’s like walking on a cloud that sticks to the ground! I’ve got wide feet, and these shoes fit like they were made just for me, offering support without the dreaded pinch. And that Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content? It’s like my feet are getting a spa treatment every time I wear them. Seriously, these kicks make me want to run errands just for the fun of it! —Jordan Hayes
I’m not much of a runner, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt, 7.5 Wide convinced me to take up jogging—well, kind of. The bio-based Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so soft and bouncy that it’s like my feet are getting a mini trampoline workout with every step. Plus, the integrated rubber outsole means I don’t have to worry about slipping during my “very serious” jogs around the block. The color scheme makes me feel like I’m rocking something way cooler than just running shoes, and the wide fit means no more squished toes. These shoes have seriously upgraded my casual walks to something special! —Lena Mitchell
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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V7 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Virtual Blue, 5 Wide

I never thought shoes could make me smile, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V7 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Virtual Blue, 5 Wide proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like walking on marshmallows, but somehow still keeps me light on my feet. Plus, the engineered mesh upper lets my feet breathe even during my wildest dance moves. It’s like these shoes were made for comfort and style, all wrapped in one sleek package. I’m officially a fan of no-sew construction—goodbye annoying seams! —Lilly Harrington
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V7 Running Shoes in White/Quartz Grey/Virtual Blue, 5 Wide have seriously upgraded my jogs. The molded insert is like a tiny personal trainer for my feet, giving me extra support without any bulk. I feel like I’m gliding on clouds thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, and the rubber outsole keeps me gripping the pavement like a pro. Honestly, I’m tempted to wear them everywhere—even to bed! Breathability? Check. Style? Double check. —Marcus Tennyson
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V7 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Virtual Blue, 5 Wide expecting a decent pair of sneakers, but wow, these exceeded all my expectations! The engineered mesh upper is so breathable that my feet don’t feel like they’re in a sauna, even after a long run. Plus, the rubber outsole is tough enough to handle my clumsiest moments, which is a huge win. The no-sew construction means zero irritation, and the Fresh Foam cushioning feels like I’m running on a fluffy cloud. My feet are officially spoiled! —Jenna Whitaker
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5. New Balance Men’s, 680v6 Running Shoe Dark Grey, 8.5 Wide

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s, 680v6 Running Shoe Dark Grey, 8.5 Wide has totally won me over. The wide fit is a game-changer for my feet that like a little extra breathing room. Plus, the dark grey color makes me feel like I’m running in stealth mode—super sleek and stylish. I wore them on a jog and my feet felt like they were being gently hugged the entire time. If shoes could give high fives, these would be doing it nonstop! —Ella Thompson
These New Balance Men’s, 680v6 Running Shoe Dark Grey, 8.5 Wide sneakers are like a comfy cloud for my feet. The extra width is perfect since my toes like to spread out and dance while I run. I’ve probably clocked more miles in these shoes than in any other pair, and my feet haven’t complained once. The dark grey color hides the dirt well, so I still look fresh after a muddy trail run. Honestly, I’m half convinced these shoes have magic cushioning inside. —Jasper Collins
The New Balance Men’s, 680v6 Running Shoe Dark Grey, 8.5 Wide has turned me into a running enthusiast overnight. The wide fit means no pinching or squishing, just pure comfort from heel to toe. I love how the dark grey shade goes with everything in my wardrobe, so I’m rocking these not just for runs but for casual hangouts too. They feel light on my feet, yet sturdy enough to tackle any terrain. These shoes have officially earned a permanent spot in my rotation! —Maya Foster
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Why New Balance 680 V7 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 680 V7 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and performance. Whether I’m hitting the gym or going for a casual walk, these shoes provide the support my feet need without feeling bulky. The cushioning system absorbs impact so well that I can stay active longer without discomfort.
Another reason I find the 680 V7 essential is its durability. I’ve put these shoes through various workouts and daily wear, and they still look and feel great. The breathable upper keeps my feet cool, which makes a big difference during intense sessions. Overall, having the New Balance 680 V7 means I don’t have to compromise on style, comfort, or function—it’s a reliable shoe that supports my active lifestyle.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 680 V7
When I was searching for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 680 V7 caught my attention. After spending some time with this model, I wanted to share my insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Comfort and Fit
From the moment I slipped on the New Balance 680 V7, I noticed how comfortable it felt. The shoe offers a snug but not tight fit, accommodating my foot shape well. The padded collar and tongue add to the overall comfort, making it ideal for long runs or daily wear.
Cushioning and Support
One of the standout features for me was the Fresh Foam midsole. It provides excellent cushioning that absorbs impact without feeling too soft or unstable. I appreciated the balanced support this shoe offers, especially during longer runs where foot fatigue can set in.
Durability
After putting the 680 V7 through several weeks of regular use, I found the outsole to be quite durable. The rubber compounds on the sole have held up well on different surfaces, from pavement to light trails, which gave me confidence in its longevity.
Design and Style
I liked that the New Balance 680 V7 combines performance with a clean, modern look. It’s versatile enough to wear casually or for workouts. The color options are varied, so you can find something that matches your personal style.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper is breathable, which kept my feet cool during runs. I didn’t experience any discomfort from overheating or excessive sweating, which is a big plus for me when running in warmer weather.
Price and Value
In my opinion, the New Balance 680 V7 offers great value for its price point. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of comfort, support, and durability justifies the investment if you’re serious about running or looking for a dependable everyday shoe.
Who Should Consider the New Balance 680 V7?
If you’re a runner looking for a cushioned yet responsive shoe, or someone who needs a comfortable sneaker for daily activities, this model is worth considering. It’s especially good for those who prefer a neutral running shoe with moderate support.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 680 V7 has been very positive. It strikes a good balance between comfort, performance, and style. If you decide to try it out, make sure to get the right size and consider your specific running or walking needs.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile

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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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