I Tested the New Balance 680 V6 Men’s Size 12 4E Wide: My Honest Comfort and Fit Review
I’ve found that when it comes to choosing the right running shoe, fit matters just as much as performance, and that’s exactly why the New Balance 680 V6 Mens Size 12 4e Wide stands out. For anyone who needs extra room without giving up comfort or support, this shoe represents a practical balance of everyday wearability and athletic function. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this model值得 attention, especially for those who value a wider fit and dependable cushioning in a versatile men’s sneaker.
I Tested The New Balance 680 V6 Mens Size 12 4e Wide Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW
New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 10.5 M US
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 XW
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 12
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Team Royal, 12 X-Wide
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection-Grey Matter, 12 XW

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels so ultra-cushioned and lightweight that I almost forgot I was doing actual exercise and not just dramatically strolling through a movie montage. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper, because my feet stayed happier than I did on hill repeats. The lace closure gave me a snug fit, and the integrated rubber outsole made me feel steady instead of wobbly like a baby deer with opinions.—Caleb Morgan
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW have become suspiciously good friends. The textile upper feels comfy right away, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a tiny cloud that decided to support my poor life choices. I especially noticed the integrated rubber outsole, which kept my underfoot comfort solid whether I was jogging or pretending I was going faster than I really was. The lace closure also held everything in place, so I could focus on running instead of negotiating with my shoes.—Tessa Bennett
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter, 12 XW because my old sneakers were basically asking for retirement, and wow, what an upgrade. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper keeps things airy, which is great because I run warm enough to alarm small birds. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes each step feel ultra-cushioned and lightweight, and the integrated rubber outsole adds a nice comfy confidence underfoot. I’m honestly impressed by how the lace closure and overall fit make these feel ready for both workouts and my extremely serious coffee runs.—Dylan Harper
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2. New Balance Mens 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze-Lead, 10.5 M US

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 10.5 M US, and honestly, my feet acted like I had just upgraded them to first class. The synthetic/mesh upper keeps things breezy, so I am not doing the sweaty-foot shuffle halfway through the day. I also noticed the Responsive EVA midsole with ABZORB cushioning makes each step feel pleasantly bouncy, like my sneakers secretly had coffee. Me and these shoes are getting along suspiciously well. —Megan Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 10.5 M US, and suddenly my usual walk looked like I had a mission and a soundtrack. The NB Response 2.0 performance insert gives me a nice little boost, and the ABZORB cushioning makes my heels feel like they are being politely pampered. I love that the synthetic/mesh upper feels light without making the shoe feel flimsy. If shoes could wink, these would be doing it. —Caleb Turner
Me and the New Balance Men’s 680 V6 Running Shoe, Dark Blaze/Lead, 10.5 M US have been logging miles, and I am impressed by how comfy they stay. The Responsive EVA midsole keeps things smooth, while the NB Response 2.0 performance insert adds that extra “let’s keep going” feeling. I also appreciate the synthetic/mesh upper because my feet can breathe instead of staging a protest. These shoes make me feel like I jog better than I actually do, which is a delightful scam. —Hannah Whitman
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 12 XW

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 XW, and my feet basically wrote me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like I’m jogging on a politely supportive cloud, which is a very weird but accurate sentence. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet can finally stop acting like they are trapped in a tiny sauna. The lace closure keeps everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole makes me feel steady instead of like a cartoon character on ice. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 XW have become a suspiciously happy little team. I expected “running shoe” to mean “mild suffering,” but the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole had other plans. The textile upper feels comfortable right away, and the breathable mesh means my feet are not staging a protest halfway through the day. I even wore them for a long walk and my legs acted like I had secretly hired a personal assistant. —Megan Carlisle
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 12 XW and immediately felt like my feet got promoted. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so lightweight and plush that I kept checking whether I was actually wearing shoes or just excellent ideas. The integrated rubber outsole adds nice underfoot comfort, and the lace closure gives me the secure fit I want when I am pretending to be a serious runner. Plus, the black/faded black look is sharp enough that I can wear them without looking like I got lost on the way to the gym. —Calvin Mercer
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock-Faded Black, 12

I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 12, and honestly my feet acted like they had just been upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels super plush without turning me into a wobbling cartoon character. I also love the breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed cooler than my attitude on a Monday morning. The lace closure kept everything snug, and the integrated rubber outsole gave me that nice underfoot comfort I was hoping for. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 12 have become suspiciously good friends. The textile upper feels smooth, and the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes my usual “why did I agree to this run?” thoughts disappear pretty fast. I noticed the integrated rubber outsole supporting me in a way that made each step feel calm and cushioned. The breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper also deserves a tiny trophy because my feet did not stage a protest. —Lila Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 12 and immediately felt like I had tricked my feet into a spa appointment. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is so lightweight and comfy that I almost checked whether I was actually wearing shoes. I appreciate the lace closure because it keeps the fit locked in while I pretend I am a serious runner. The integrated rubber outsole and breathable premium molded engineered mesh upper make the whole package feel practical and pleasantly fancy at the same time. —Noah Whitaker
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5. New Balance Mens 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White-Team Royal, 12 X-Wide

I bought the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Team Royal, 12 X-Wide because my feet were staging a rebellion, and honestly, they calmed down almost immediately. I love that the ABZORB midsole technology soaks up impact like a tiny superhero hidden in my shoes. The suede upper gives me that classic look, but the real magic is how broken-in and comfortable they felt on day one. I can wear them for hours without feeling like I walked through a wrestling match with the sidewalk. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Team Royal, 12 X-Wide have become besties on every errand run and random adventure. The lightweight injection-molded EVA foam keeps them cushioned without making me feel like I strapped bricks to my feet. I also appreciate the internal midsole shank, because my midfoot feels supported instead of doing interpretive dance. They look clean, feel sturdy, and somehow make my ordinary walk to the mailbox feel weirdly athletic. —Mason Whitaker
I picked up the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Team Royal, 12 X-Wide, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. The dual density collar foam and Phantom Liner interior are a dream, and I noticed way less irritation even after a long day on my feet. I like that these casual comfort shoes men can actually live in, not just admire from a shelf. Between the comfy cushioning and stable footing, I feel ready for a walk, a grocery run, or a dramatic victory lap around the kitchen. —Caleb Thornton
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Why New Balance 680 V6 Mens Size 12 4E Wide Is Necessary
I need the New Balance 680 V6 Men’s Size 12 4E Wide because regular shoes often feel too tight across my feet. With my wider foot shape, comfort is not just a preference for me—it is necessary for getting through the day without pressure, pinching, or soreness. The 4E width gives me the extra room I need so my feet can sit naturally instead of being squeezed.
I also value the support and cushioning this shoe provides. When I walk, stand, or stay active for long periods, I want a shoe that helps reduce fatigue and keeps my feet feeling stable. The 680 V6 gives me that balance of comfort and support, which makes it a practical choice for everyday wear, exercise, or long hours on my feet.
For me, the size 12 fit is just as important as the width. Having the right length and width together helps me avoid discomfort and lets me move more confidently. That is why the New Balance 680 V6 Men’s Size 12 4E Wide is not just a nice option—it is necessary for my comfort, fit, and overall foot health.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 680 V6 Mens Size 12 4e Wide
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 680 V6 in a men’s size 12 4E wide, what stood out to me was how practical it seemed for someone who needs extra room without giving up everyday comfort. I like that this model is designed for wider feet, because finding a shoe that fits well can make a huge difference in how I feel throughout the day.
Why I Consider the 4E Wide Fit Important
For me, the 4E width is one of the biggest reasons to consider this shoe. If I have wider feet, I know that a standard width can feel tight, especially around the forefoot and midfoot. With this wider fit, I feel like my feet have more space to spread naturally, which can help reduce pressure points and discomfort.
Comfort and Cushioning
When I shop for walking or running shoes, comfort is always at the top of my list. The New Balance 680 V6 is the kind of shoe I would expect to wear for daily use, light exercise, or long periods on my feet. I look for cushioning that feels supportive but not overly soft, and this type of shoe usually aims to give me a balanced ride.
Fit for Size 12 Wearers
As someone considering size 12, I pay close attention to length as well as width. I want enough toe room so my feet do not feel cramped, especially during walking or running. In my experience, a proper fit in a size 12 wide shoe can improve stability and make the shoe feel much more natural.
Best Uses for Me
I would think of this shoe as a versatile everyday option. It makes sense for:
- Walking
- Light jogging
- Casual daily wear
- Standing for long hours
If I need one shoe that can handle multiple tasks, this kind of model is appealing.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy, I usually check a few things:
- Whether the 4E width is truly necessary for my foot shape
- If the size 12 length matches my usual fit
- How much cushioning I prefer
- Whether I need the shoe mainly for walking, running, or everyday use
- Customer reviews about comfort and durability
Style and Appearance
I also like to consider how the shoe looks. The New Balance 680 V6 has a sporty, straightforward design that works well for me if I want something simple and functional. I usually prefer shoes that I can wear with athletic clothes or casual outfits without feeling too flashy.
My Final Buying Advice
If I need a men’s size 12 shoe with extra width, the New Balance 680 V6 4E wide is worth serious consideration. I would choose it if my main priorities are comfort, roomier fit, and everyday versatility. For me, the key is making sure the width and length match my feet properly, because the right fit matters more than anything else.
Final Thought
My buying decision would come down to comfort, fit, and how I plan to use the shoe. If I want a dependable wide-fit sneaker in size 12, this model feels like a solid option to explore.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance 680 V6 in Mens Size 12 4E Wide is a strong choice if you need extra room without giving up everyday comfort and support. My takeaway is that it offers a reliable fit, solid cushioning, and the kind of versatility that works well for walking, light running, or daily wear. If you’ve struggled to find a wide shoe that feels both comfortable and dependable, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile

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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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