The New Balance 680 vs 860 comparison comes down to comfort versus stability. The 680 is great for casual runners who want a lightweight shoe. It’s easy on the feet. The 860 is for those who need extra support, especially for long runs or if you overpronate. I liked the 680 for short runs, but the 860 felt much better for longer distances. If you’re running on different terrains, the 860 gives you more control. But if you’re new to running or need something for daily walks, the 680 is perfect and affordable.
Is the New Balance 680 v8 the Best Budget Running Shoe?
Choosing a budget-friendly running shoe can be hard. The New Balance 680v8 stands out in this price range. The Fresh Foam midsole gives soft cushioning, making runs more comfortable. I ran 10 km in them and was impressed with how well they performed.
What I Like
- Soft Cushioning: The Fresh Foam midsole is soft and supportive. It felt great during my run and casual outings.
- Light and Flexible: Weighing 287 grams, these shoes are light and flexible. My feet moved naturally.
- Stylish: The design is sleek. It’s easy to wear for running or as a casual sneaker.
What Could Be Better
- Arch Support: It offers decent support, but more padding would help runners with high arches.
- Durability: The outsole wore down after a few runs on hard surfaces. It may not last on rough trails.
- Heel Fit: The heel fit could be tighter, especially for those with narrow feet.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a budget running shoe, the New Balance 680v8 is a great option. It’s comfortable and affordable. If you need more durability or support, though, you may want to consider other options.
Is the New Balance 860 v14 Worth It?
When I tried the New Balance 860 v14, I wasn’t sure how it would compare to other shoes. But after a few runs, I can say it’s a great option for those needing extra stability without sacrificing comfort. The Fresh Foam X midsole strikes the right balance of softness and responsiveness.
What I Like
- Comfortable Cushioning: The Fresh Foam X foam absorbs impact and feels soft without being too soft.
- Stability: It offers just the right amount of medial stability for extra support when I need it.
- Breathability: The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, especially on warm runs.
What Could Be Better
- Slightly Bulky: The shoe weighs 361 grams in a men’s size 13, making it feel heavy during fast runs.
- Narrow Toe Box: The toe box is a little tight, so it may not suit wider feet.
Not for Trail Running: While the outsole has good traction, it’s not as durable on rough terrain.
Recommendation
The New Balance 860v14 is great for daily training and long runs. It’s perfect for runners needing stability at an affordable price. But if you need a lighter shoe or run on trails, look elsewhere.
New Balance 680 vs 860: Which One’s Right for You?
I’ve had the chance to try both the New Balance 680 and 860. They are different shoes, so let’s compare them side-by-side.
Cushioning & Midsole Technology: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 has Fresh Foam, which feels soft and comfortable. The 860 uses Fresh Foam X. It’s firmer and provides more support, especially for overpronators.
What I experienced: The 680 was comfortable for short runs, but the 860 felt more supportive on long runs. If you need stability, the 860 is a better choice.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 8/10
- New Balance 860: 9/10
Weight: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 weighs 287 grams. It’s light and feels fast. The 860 weighs 361 grams, thanks to its added stability features.
What I experienced: The 680 was light and easy to move in. The 860 felt slightly heavier, but the added support made up for it.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 9/10
- New Balance 860: 8/10
Upper & Fit: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 has a breathable mesh upper. It’s comfortable and perfect for casual use. The 860 has engineered mesh for more support and a better fit.
What I experienced: The 680 was comfortable for everyday wear. The 860 felt more secure, especially for long-distance runs.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 8/10
- New Balance 860: 9/10
Performance: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 works great for casual runs, offering good cushioning. The 860, however, gives more stability and is ideal for longer, more demanding runs.
What I experienced: The 680 was fine for daily runs, but the 860 offered better stability and a smoother ride for long runs.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 7/10
- New Balance 860: 9/10
Ease of Use: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 is easy to wear and perfect for daily use. It’s comfortable without being too stiff. The 860 is a little firmer, but it provides more support during runs.
What I experienced: The 680 was comfy for casual outings, while the 860 was better for longer runs due to its support.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 9/10
- New Balance 860: 8/10
Value for Money: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 is an affordable option at around $80. The 860 is more expensive at $140, but it offers more features, especially for serious runners.
What I experienced: The 680 is a great deal for casual runners, but if you need more stability, the 860 is worth the higher price.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 9/10
- New Balance 860: 8/10
Overall: New Balance 680 vs 860
The 680 is great for casual runners and daily wear. It’s affordable and comfortable. The 860 is better for runners who need extra stability, especially on long runs.
What I experienced: The 680 is perfect for easy runs, but the 860 offers more support for serious training.
Rating:
- New Balance 680: 8/10
- New Balance 860: 9/10
FAQs for New Balance 680 vs 860
1. Which is better for stability: New Balance 680 or 860?
The New Balance 860 is better for stability, as it features Fresh Foam X and a stability plane to help control pronation, making it ideal for overpronators and long-distance runners.
2. How does the cushioning differ between the New Balance 680 and 860?
The New Balance 680 has Fresh Foam cushioning, offering softness for casual runners. The 860 uses Fresh Foam X for a firmer feel with more stability, especially for longer runs.
3. Are the New Balance 680 and 860 good for overpronators?
The New Balance 860 is specifically designed for overpronators, offering additional support with its stability features. The 680, however, is more neutral and better for casual runners.
4. Is the New Balance 680 lighter than the 860?
Yes, the New Balance 680 is lighter at 287 grams, making it more agile for short runs and daily wear. The 860 is heavier at 361 grams but provides extra stability for longer distances.
5. Which shoe offers better value for money: New Balance 680 or 860?
The New Balance 680 offers great value at around $80, especially for casual runners. The 860, priced at $140, is more expensive but offers more stability, making it worth it for serious runners.
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