New Balance Men's 680 V4 Running Shoe Review
The New Balance Men's 680 V4 Running Shoe in Steel/Black/Alpha Red is designed for those who seek both style and performance. This shoe seamlessly integrates fashion with function, featuring an innovative IMEVA midsole that provides excellent cushioning and support during your runs.
With its sleek no-sew material application, you can enjoy a snug fit without the bulk, while the vibrant upper colors ensure that you look good while being active. The Abzorb heel technology further enhances impact absorption, making it ideal for various running surfaces.
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Features
- Injection molded EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
- Abzorb heel for optimal shock absorption
- No-sew material application for a streamlined design
- Sleek upper with no-sew construction
- Durable rubber sole for traction on varied terrain
Pros
- Stylish design suitable for casual wear and running
- Excellent cushioning with IMEVA midsole and Abzorb heel
- Comfortable fit with no-sew upper construction
- Lightweight and flexible for enhanced movement
- Easy to care for with machine washable fabric
Cons
- May not provide enough arch support for some users
- Sizes may run slightly small, requiring careful fitting
- Limited color options compared to other models
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance 680 V4 | Brooks Ghost 14 | ASICS Gel-Excite 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Technology | IMEVA & Abzorb | DNA Loft Cushioning | Gel Technology |
| Upper Construction | No-sew | Engineered Mesh | Jacquard Mesh |
| Sole Material | Rubber | Rubber & BioMoGo DNA | AHAR Rubber |
| Weight | Lightweight | Midweight | Midweight |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The New Balance 680 V4 excels in comfort thanks to its IMEVA midsole coupled with an Abzorb heel. This combination offers a plush feel that’s perfect for long-distance runs or all-day wear. Users report minimal fatigue even after extended use.
Fit: Featuring a no-sew construction, these shoes deliver a customized fit without unnecessary seams that could cause chafing. However, it is advisable to try them on, as some find they run a bit small.
Style: With its eye-catching Steel/Black/Alpha Red colors, this pair stands out whether you’re hitting the trail or strolling through town. It successfully blends athletic function with a modern aesthetic.
Performance: Designed for versatile use, this shoe holds up well on various surfaces. The rubber sole provides decent traction, but it might not perform as well in wet conditions compared to other specialized running shoes.
Care Instructions: Maintenance is straightforward as they are machine washable, ensuring they stay clean after frequent outdoor adventures.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning and support throughout long runs. |
| Fit | 4/5 | No-sew design offers a snug fit, though sizing can be tricky. |
| Style | 4.5/5 | Attractive color scheme that appeals to a wide audience. |
| Performance | 4/5 | Good for various terrains; could improve in wet conditions. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Offers quality features at a reasonable price point. |
User Reviews
both my sons run with cross country teams. They love the quality of these shoes. This is my second time to purchase this brand. If their feet hadn't grown we'd have gotten a full season out of them. 5k runs 6 days a week for 4 months & aside from some wear from scrubbing them after a few rainy muddy runs, these shoes were in just as good condition as when they were new.
I bought these for my husband and he said they feel very good and comfortable. We both love how they look. They fit as expected, he wears a 10 1/2 in dress shoes, but an 11 in athletic shoes, and the 11 fits perfect. I think they look even better than the picture. The blue seems to "pop" out from the black and grey. The black on the toe and a band around the back is shiny, but it still looks good and masculine.
Fit as described. Very light in weight and are holding up well at the gym and for everyday use so far. Shoelaces did not want to stay tied, so we changed to a different style and color for my son.
I bought a pair of size 8.5EE. It is true to size, and the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn. I bought an extra pair later just in case New Balance phases out this model.
I've bought new balance for a little over a decade. The size is what I always get so no surprises there. As all running shoes that I got over the last few years the insole leaves something to be desired when it come to cushoning but i always buy a set of dr scholls performance so I didn't take off any stars. As for quality they seem to be decent for the price but I will have to update later if there is a problem.
Standard low cost, decent quality new balance shoe. I've been getting this series/line for some time. I do get annoyed at how often NB changes shoes (can't get the ones you loved again). This one feels a bit harder soled, but I do like the outersole design (looks thinner soled than it is)
I always wear 10.5 Medium in New Balance 608v4, Nikes, Reebok (the latter two I have not owned for a few years). These are a a bit more difficult to put on due to the material. I started with my normal 10.5 and ended up going with 11s. I could have lived with the 10.5s, but I had that - just isn't quite right feeling - you know what I mean. The 10.5s seemed okay on length but they taper in at the toes a little more than usual, making them feel a bit narrow. Went with the 11s and they do fit better. The style on these is through the roof. Really cool looking shoes! Just order a half size larger and you should be okay.
Buying shoes is a nightmare. I can go to many stores and try on many pairs and still not find a pair that feels right. Well I have to say that NB shoes are very good. I have been wearing them for years. I have purchased two pairs from Amazon and BOTH pairs are very good! This was the second pair that I received.