Illustrative photography — licensed product photos are added once brand assets are secured.
New Balance
Fresh Foam 680 v9
The value pick done right: reliable Fresh Foam comfort without the premium price. Less refined than the 1080, but genuinely walkable.
Best for
- ✓Budget-conscious daily walking
- ✓Casual errands and short walks
Not ideal for
- ✗Very long distances
- ✗Buyers wanting plush cushioning
Specification sheet
- List price Approximate US retail
- $85
- Weight Manufacturer-reported, size-dependent
- 9.5 oz (269 g)
- Heel-to-toe drop Height difference, heel vs forefoot
- 10 mm
- Stack height (heel) Midsole thickness under the heel
- —
- Cushioning
- Moderate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Widths available
- Standard, Wide
- Waterproof
- No
- Slip-resistant
- —
- APMA seal American Podiatric Medical Association acceptance
- —
- Rocker sole Curved sole that rolls you forward
- No
- Breathability
- High
- Flexibility
- High
- Upper
- Mesh
- Midsole foam
- EVA (Fresh Foam)
- Outsole
- Rubber
Upper
Mesh
Breathability: high
Midsole
EVA (Fresh Foam)
— stack · 10 mm drop
Outsole
Rubber
Flexibility: high
Where these specs come from
Status
Source
IndyBest 2026 review (price)
Last checked
August 15, 2026
Specs change between model years and colorways. We treat every number as a claim to be checked, not a fact to be repeated — see how we verify. Numbers marked pending have not yet been re-confirmed against the brand's current product page.
Similar shoes
Hoka
Bondi 9
≈ $165
A maximal-cushion platform with a pronounced rocker that rolls you forward. Best understood as a comfort tool: it reduces impact at the cost of ground feel.
Hoka
Clifton 10
≈ $145
The balanced all-rounder: real cushioning in a lighter, more versatile package than the Bondi. A safe default for everyday walkers.
Hoka
Bondi SR
≈ $175
Purpose-built for people on their feet for full shifts. Slip-resistant outsole and a leather upper trade breathability for durability and grip.