Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5, Black/White/Black, 8 vs New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe
Updated August 2026 — Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5, Black/White/Black, 8 wins on weight, New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe wins on comfort and durability.
The Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 offers a more affordable and versatile option, while the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 excels in cushioning and performance.
Why Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5, Black/White/Black, 8 is better
Price
Adidas is $22.25 cheaper
Weight
Adidas weighs 257 grams
Sales Rank
Adidas has a better sales rank of 6652
Why New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe is better
Cushioning
Fresh Foam provides superior cushioning
Performance
Designed for long-distance running
Brand Reputation
New Balance is known for performance running shoes
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5, Black/White/Black, 8 | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole | Cloudfoam | Fresh Foam |
| Outsole | Adiwear | Rubber |
| Upper | Mesh | Engineered Mesh |
| Drop | 10 mm | Not specified |
| Laces | Adjustable | Lace closure |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 and New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9
The Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 is priced at $49.99, making it about 17% cheaper than the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9, which retails for $72.24. While both shoes are designed for running, they target different preferences and needs in terms of design, technology, and comfort.
The Run Falcon 5 is lightweight and versatile, perfect for everyday wear, while the Fresh Foam 680 v9 focuses on high-level cushioning and support for longer runs. Understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed decision based on your running habits and budget.
Design and Aesthetics
The Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 features a sleek black and white design that lends itself well to casual wear as well as athletic use. The airy mesh upper enhances breathability while maintaining a stylish look. In contrast, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 offers a more modern aesthetic with a premium molded engineered mesh upper that prioritizes both style and functionality.
While both shoes boast a contemporary design, the Run Falcon 5 leans towards a minimalist aesthetic, making it suitable for various settings beyond running. The Fresh Foam 680 v9, on the other hand, integrates style with advanced performance features, appealing to those who want a more specialized running shoe.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is paramount in running shoes, and both the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 and the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 deliver in this area, albeit in different ways. The Run Falcon 5 features a Cloudfoam midsole that provides cushioned comfort, making it ideal for casual use as well as running. Users can expect a snug fit thanks to adjustable laces, which allow for customization.
Conversely, the Fresh Foam 680 v9 is engineered with precision cushioning aimed at delivering an ultra-cushioned and lightweight ride. This shoe's integrated rubber outsole supports underfoot comfort, making it well-suited for long-distance runs. If your primary focus is on cushioning and comfort during extended use, the Fresh Foam 680 v9 may be the better option.
Performance and Technology
When it comes to performance, the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 is designed for versatility, making it suitable for both running and everyday activities. The durable Adiwear outsole ensures dependable wear, making it a practical choice for various environments.
In comparison, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 focuses on engineered performance with its Fresh Foam midsole, which is specifically designed for enhanced cushioning. This model prioritizes long-term comfort during runs, making it more specialized for serious athletes or runners. If performance is a key factor for you, the Fresh Foam 680 v9 offers features that cater specifically to that need.
Weight and Specifications
The Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 weighs in at 257 grams (size US 5.5), making it a lightweight option for those who prefer a shoe that won't weigh them down. This aspect is particularly appealing for casual wear and daily activities.
On the other hand, the weight of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 is not specified in the provided data, but its design emphasizes a lightweight feel due to the precision-engineered cushioning. If weight is a crucial consideration for you, the Run Falcon 5’s explicitly stated weight may give it an edge in this category.
Price Comparison
The price difference between the two models is significant, with the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 retailing at $49.99 and the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 at $72.24. This places the Run Falcon 5 about 17% cheaper than its competitor. For budget-conscious consumers, the Run Falcon 5 presents a more affordable option without sacrificing necessary features for casual runners.
However, if you are willing to invest more for advanced cushioning and performance technology, the Fresh Foam 680 v9 may justify its higher price point. Ultimately, your budget and running needs will dictate which option provides better value.
Bestselling Status
In terms of popularity, the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 has a sales rank of 6652, indicating a strong presence in the market. In contrast, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 has a higher sales rank of 13435, suggesting that while it is well-received, it may not be as popular as the Run Falcon 5.
The disparity in bestseller ranks can provide insight into consumer preferences and overall satisfaction. If you're looking for a shoe that many others have chosen, the Run Falcon 5 may be the way to go.
Which should you buy?
In conclusion, the choice between the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 and the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 largely depends on your specific needs and budget. The Run Falcon 5 offers a lightweight, versatile option at a lower price point, making it perfect for casual runners or those seeking everyday wear. On the other hand, the Fresh Foam 680 v9 stands out with its advanced cushioning and performance features, catering to serious runners who prioritize comfort during longer runs.
If budget is your primary concern, the Adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 is a compelling choice. However, if you’re looking for enhanced performance and are willing to invest more, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 offers significant benefits that could elevate your running experience.

