Finding a pair of sneakers that doesn't feel like walking on bricks shouldn't be this hard. Most guys walk into a shoe store, look at the wall of neon mesh, and basically guess. You see the massive price tags on the "super shoes" and wonder if you actually need a carbon plate to jog three miles around the neighborhood. Honestly? You don't. The New Balance 680 men's line has been the quiet workhorse of the running world for years, and it's mostly because it doesn't try to be something it isn't. It’s a neutral cushion shoe. No gimmicks. No weird structural plates that make you feel like you’re walking on a seesaw.
I've seen runners go through three pairs of $200 racers while their old 680s are still sitting in the garage, ready for a muddy trail. It’s a weirdly resilient shoe. While the v7 and v8 models have shifted things around a bit—mostly in the foam density—the core DNA remains. It’s built for the guy who has a normal arch and just wants to move without thinking about his feet.
What Actually Makes the New Balance 680 Men's Different?
If you tear the shoe apart, you find Fresh Foam. But here is the thing: not all Fresh Foam is created equal. In the more expensive 1080s, the foam is incredibly plush, almost like stepping into a marshmallow. In the New Balance 680 men's, the Fresh Foam is dialed back. It’s firmer.
Why does that matter?
Because too much cushion can actually be a bad thing for some runners. If you’re a heavier guy or someone who struggles with balance, a super-soft shoe feels unstable. The 680 gives you that "squish" in the heel where you need it, but the forefoot stays responsive. It’s a "road feel" shoe. You know exactly what you’re stepping on, which is great if you’re navigating cracked city sidewalks or those annoying transition strips between asphalt and gravel.
The upper is a technical mesh that breathes well. New Balance didn't go overboard with overlays here. It's simple. You get a molded insert that adds a tiny bit of extra support, but it’s mostly there for comfort. It's the kind of shoe that feels broken in the second you pull it out of the box. No weird blisters on the Achilles. No "hot spots" on the pinky toe.
The Evolution of the v7 vs the v8
People get really hung up on version numbers. The 680v7 was a massive hit because it looked sleek. It stopped looking like a "dad shoe" and started looking like a performance trainer. When New Balance moved to the v8, they tweaked the outsole pattern. They went with a more hexagonal lug design.
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Does it change the ride? Sorta.
The v8 feels a bit more flexible in the toe-off. If you’re someone who really pushes off your toes when you run, you’ll notice the v8 feels less stiff than the older models. But if you find a pair of v7s on a clearance rack, grab them. The performance gap between the two isn't wide enough to justify spending double the money unless you just really love the new colorways.
The Reality of Durability and High Mileage
Let’s talk about the 300-mile mark. Most running shoes start to die around then. The foam compresses and doesn't bounce back. The New Balance 680 men's is interesting because the rubber outsole is surprisingly thick compared to the "weight-saving" outsoles on more expensive models.
You’ll see a lot of high-end shoes where the foam is exposed directly to the ground to save an ounce of weight. The 680 doesn't do that. It has a full-length rubber cover. That means you aren't going to grind through the midsole in two months. It’s a tank.
- Heel Drop: Usually around 10mm. This is standard. It takes the pressure off your calves.
- Weight: It’s not the lightest shoe in the world, hovering around 10-11 ounces depending on size.
- Width: This is where New Balance wins. They actually offer Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) options. Most brands just tell you to "size up," which just leaves you with a shoe that's too long and causes trips.
The midsole isn't just one slab of foam either. They use an engineered construction where the geometric shapes in the foam are convex on one side and concave on the other. This isn't just for looks; it's how they control how the shoe compresses under your weight. It’s smart engineering that usually stays hidden behind a lower price point.
Is it a "Serious" Running Shoe?
There is this elitism in the running community. If you aren't spending $160, some people think you aren't "serious." That’s nonsense. The New Balance 680 men's is a perfect daily trainer for anyone doing 15 to 25 miles a week.
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If you are training for a sub-3-hour marathon, yeah, you might want something with more energy return. But for the guy who hits the gym, does three miles on the treadmill, and then goes to the grocery store? This shoe is arguably better because it’s more stable for lateral movements than a high-stack racing shoe.
I’ve talked to physical therapists who actually recommend the 680 over the higher-end models for patients recovering from plantar fasciitis. Why? Because it’s not too soft. If a shoe is too soft, your foot has to work harder to stabilize itself, which can inflame the fascia. The 680 provides a stable platform. It’s predictable.
Where the 680 Struggles
It’s not perfect. No shoe is. If you take these on a technical trail with wet rocks and roots, you’re going to slide. The outsole is designed for road and light path use. It lacks the aggressive "teeth" needed for mud.
Also, if you are a "maximalist" runner who loves that walking-on-clouds feeling of a Hoka or a Fresh Foam More, the 680 will feel "dead" to you. It’s a traditional feel. It's for people who want to feel the ground, not float over it.
Getting the Right Fit
Don't just buy your usual size. New Balance tends to run a tiny bit short in the 680 series. If you're right on the edge between a 10 and a 10.5, go with the 10.5. Your feet swell when you run. If your toes are touching the front of the mesh while you're standing in the store, your toenails are going to be black by the end of a five-mile run. Give yourself a thumbnail’s width of space at the front.
- Check the midfoot: The 680 has a fairly standard midfoot wrap. If you feel "spillover" on the sides, don't try to stretch the mesh. Just get the 2E wide version.
- The Heel Lock: If your heel is slipping, use the extra eyelet at the top for a "runner's loop" (look it up, it’s a game changer).
- Socks matter: Don't test these with thick cotton gym socks. Wear the synthetic or wool socks you actually plan to run in.
Common Misconceptions About the 680
A lot of people think the 680 is a "budget" shoe because it's often priced under $80. In the sneaker world, price is often tied to marketing and "newness" rather than actual utility. The 680 uses slightly older foam technology compared to the Fresh Foam X found in the premium lines, but "older" doesn't mean "worse." It means "proven."
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Another myth is that it's only for beginners. I know guys who have been running for thirty years who won't wear anything else. They like the consistency. They know exactly how the shoe is going to feel at mile one and mile three hundred. There's a value in that predictability that you don't get with the experimental tech found in flagship models.
The New Balance 680 men's isn't trying to break world records. It’s trying to keep you moving without pain. In a world of carbon fibers and $300 price tags, there’s something genuinely respectable about a shoe that just does its job.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pick up a pair, start by checking your current shoe wear pattern. Look at the bottom of your old shoes. If the wear is even across the ball of the foot, the 680 is perfect for you. If you see massive wear only on the inner edge, you might need a stability shoe like the 860 instead.
Once you get them, don't go for a long run immediately. Wear them around the house for a day. Let the foam compress slightly to your foot shape. When you do head out, keep your first few runs short to ensure the 10mm drop doesn't strain your Achilles if you're used to flatter shoes. Finally, replace them every 350 miles or so; even though the rubber outsole looks fine, the internal foam cells eventually lose their ability to absorb shock, and your knees will be the first to tell you.