New Balance

New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 Review

Name: Fresh Foam 680v9
Brand: New Balance
SKU: fresh-foam-680v9
Price: 84.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Running · Road Running · Men

Where to Shop · 2 options

$84.99

60-day avg: $80.00 Fair Price

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New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 is a road running shoe. Best For: Runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a versatile daily trainer. Cushioning & Ride: Exceptional Fresh Foam cushioning with smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Standout: Exceptional energy return on long runs and race day. Snug, secure heel with a roomy toe box.

As of 2026-10-02 2 color & style options 7 outfit guides

Review Highlights & Outfit Ideas & Similar Shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 Key Features, Pros, Cons and Outfit Ideas, plus Similar Shoes

Quick scan of the details, strengths and trade-offs most shoppers check before buying.

Core product details pulled from the AI fashion review summary.

Best For Runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a versatile daily trainer.

Cushioning & Ride Exceptional Fresh Foam cushioning with smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

Fit & Comfort Offers a snug fit with a secure heel and ample room in the toe box.

Weight Lightweight design enhances performance during long runs.

Breathability Highly breathable upper keeps feet cool and dry.

Durability Robust construction ensures longevity for daily training.

Where this model stands out for comfort, fit, styling or everyday use.

Ride Quality Exceptional energy return on long runs and race day.

Fit Snug, secure heel with a roomy toe box.

Durability Outsole holds up well past 400 miles.

Main limitations to weigh before choosing this shoe.

Price At $160 it is on the expensive side for a daily trainer.

Narrow Fit Wide-footed runners should size up or try a wide variant.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 is a strong choice if you:

You want a daily trainer with superior cushioning
You log 30+ miles per week and need durability
You prefer a snug, sock-like fit
You value carbon-enhanced energy return

How to Style the New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9: Outfit Ideas

📸 Shoes Outfit Style

Black moisture-wicking compression leggings worn under charcoal grey 7-inch running shorts with a neon-detailed tech tee.

Navy blue tapered track pants paired with a white breathable mesh tank top and a matching lightweight blue windbreaker.

Reflective silver running vest layered over a black long-sleeve thermal base layer with black athletic joggers.

A performance-driven look featuring navy blue high-compression leggings, a white moisture-wicking tank top, and a lightweight navy windbreaker.

A trendy athleisure ensemble with black high-waisted bike shorts, an oversized cream graphic t-shirt, and a sleek navy crossbody bag.

A vibrant gym outfit consisting of neon pink running shorts that highlight the shoe's gradient, paired with a charcoal grey technical tee.

A relaxed weekend style using tapered grey joggers, a cropped white hoodie, and a matching navy baseball cap for a coordinated aesthetic.

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The New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 is a standout choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts alike, offering exceptional cushioning, breathability, and a smooth ride. Its reliable comfort and support make it an essential addition to any athlete's gear for both training and casual wear.

Pair these shoes with technical running shorts and a moisture-wicking tank for your daily training sessions, or opt for athleisure styles like joggers and a casual tee for post-workout comfort. Whether you're hitting the gym or heading out for a long run, this shoe complements both performance and style effortlessly.

Based on product data, price history & market signals · Updated 2026-09-14 · How we review

“The New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 is a game-changer for runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking superior cushioning and a smooth ride for miles logged.”

This shoe suits runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize cushioning, breathability, and a seamless heel-to-toe transition. It's worth buying for its exceptional comfort and support during long runs, high-intensity workouts, or everyday training. With its impressive features, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable ride.

When to wear

Long runs or marathonsHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessionsDaily training or jogging

Style pairings

Technical running shorts and a breathable tank topMoisture-wicking leggings and a fitted sports braAthleisure wear like sweatpants and a casual graphic tee

When to skip

If you're looking for a trail running shoe or a shoe with more aggressive tread, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 might not be the best choice, as it's designed for road running with a less aggressive outsole.

Shoe Care Accessories

Best New Balance Accessories Under $10

24 Pairs Colored Shoelaces

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New Balance Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Fresh Foam 680v9 runs true to size for most runners. New Balance typically maintains consistent sizing across their running line, so ordering your regular shoe size is recommended. If you have narrow feet, you may want to consider sizing down half a size, as the engineered mesh upper has a standard fit.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 requires minimal break-in thanks to its lightweight textile upper and premium molded engineered mesh, which are naturally flexible from day one. Most runners report comfort right out of the box, though you may want to wear them for shorter runs initially to ensure the fit is perfect for your foot shape.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 features New Balance's Fresh Foam midsole technology, delivering an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that's ideal for daily training and longer distances. It offers more cushioning than the New Balance 520 but slightly less stack height than the Fresh Foam 1080, making it a versatile middle-ground option for most runners.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 features a durable integrated rubber outsole designed for enhanced underfoot comfort and longevity across varied terrain. The textile upper is built to withstand regular running use, though like all running shoes, you can expect 300-500 miles of typical lifespan before noticeable midsole compression occurs.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 is optimized for road running and track use, with its lightweight design and cushioned Fresh Foam midsole excelling on pavement. While the integrated rubber outsole provides decent grip, it's not specifically designed for technical trail running—stick to roads and groomed paths for the best experience.

Clean the Fresh Foam 680v9 by hand-washing with mild soap and cool water, using a soft brush on the textile upper and mesh to remove dirt. Allow them to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight, and avoid machine washing or tumble drying, which can damage the Fresh Foam midsole and engineered mesh.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 offers superior cushioning through New Balance's Fresh Foam technology compared to the Nike Revolution's standard foam, and provides a lighter, more responsive feel than the heavier ASICS Gel-Contend. If you prioritize lightweight comfort for daily running, the Fresh Foam 680v9 is the better choice; if you prefer maximum gel-based cushioning, the ASICS may be preferred.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 is available in standard widths, and New Balance does offer some models in 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide) options depending on colorway and availability. Check the product page or contact New Balance customer service to confirm if your preferred colorway is available in wide widths.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 is generally well-reviewed with no widespread reports of sole separation or major manufacturing defects. Some users have reported minor squeaking from the mesh upper when new, but this typically resolves after a few runs as the materials settle.

The Fresh Foam 680v9 comes in multiple colorways throughout the year, including classic black, white, and navy options, plus seasonal color releases. Availability varies by retailer and region, so check New Balance's official site and authorized retailers for the complete current selection and any limited-edition colorways.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 Review

New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 Key Features, Pros, Cons and Outfit Ideas, plus Similar Shoes

How to Style the New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9: Outfit Ideas

Similar Shoes to New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9

New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 – Fashion Sneaker Picks & Similar Styles

New Balance Frequently Asked Questions