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New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex vs PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX

The New Balance 680 v9 is the road shoe: a plush Fresh Foam ride, an 8 mm drop and three widths, including wide and extra-wide. The PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX is the all-terrain shoe: NITRO plus ProFoamLite cushioning, a grippier PUMAGRIP ATR outsole, drainage ports and a lower 6 mm drop. Both have a waterproof Gore-Tex liner. Owners of the New Balance praise the comfort and fit; PUMA buyers praise the grip and versatility. Pick by where you run, not by brand.

  • Choose the New Balance 680 v9 if you run mostly on pavement, want a cushioned neutral ride and need a wide or extra-wide fit.
  • Choose the PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX if your runs mix road, gravel and loose trail, or you want a lower drop and a more locked-in fit.

Prices

  • New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex: $65.99 at FirstlightCo (last seen Nov 9)
  • PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX: $57.95 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX is $8.04 cheaper than the New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
New Balance
New Balance Women's 680 v9 Gore-Tex Shoes

New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex

New Balance Women's 680 v9 Gore-Tex Shoes

$65.99at FirstlightCoChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit FirstlightCo
Pros
  • Soft, forgiving Fresh Foam cushioning for daily road miles
  • Comes in standard, wide and extra-wide widths
  • Gore-Tex keeps rain and wind out without feeling sealed
  • Neutral platform suits most runners
Cons
  • Hydrohesion outsole is built for pavement, not loose trail
  • Softer ride gives back less energy on faster runs
  • 8 mm drop feels high if you like a low, grounded shoe
PUMA
PUMA Womens Fast-Trac Nitro GTX Running Sneakers Shoes

PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX

PUMA Womens Fast-Trac Nitro GTX Running Sneakers Shoes

$57.95at AmazonChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Dual-foam midsole is stable and responsive on mixed ground
  • PUMAGRIP ATR outsole holds on gravel and loose trail
  • Drainage ports shed water and debris
  • Snug fit from integrated eyestays
Cons
  • Only one width, so wide feet may feel cramped
  • 6 mm drop and firmer ride take getting used to
  • Ripstop upper feels stiffer than knit mesh

What separates them

New Balance 680 v9 Gore-TexPUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX
TerrainRoad and paved pathsRoad, gravel and loose trail
MidsoleFresh Foam, soft and cushionedFull-length NITRO over ProFoamLite, firmer and more responsive
Outsole gripHydrohesion rubber for wet pavementPUMAGRIP ATR for loose surfaces
Heel-to-toe drop8 mm6 mm
Fit optionsStandard, wide and extra-wide widthsSingle standard width
UpperMesh with Gore-Tex Invisible FitRipstop mesh with Gore-Tex liner and integrated eyestays
Water handlingWaterproof membrane, no drainageWaterproof membrane plus forefoot drainage ports
WeightAbout 220 g in the listed sizeLightweight, not specified per size

Price history

$109.99$57.95
Nov 9Nov 11
  • New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex: lowest $83.99 on Nov 11 at Runnerinn.com.
  • PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX: lowest $57.95 on Nov 9 at eBay; $57.95 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex

  • freefashionslipperNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $65.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit freefashionslipper
  • VelvetAura.coNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $65.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit VelvetAura.co
  • TrendVerseNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $65.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit TrendVerse
  • FirstlightCoNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $65.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit FirstlightCo
All 17 stores and price history →

PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX

  • shoebacca.comNew

    In stock

    $57.95Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit shoebacca.com
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by official_shoebacca

    $57.95Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • EditorialistNew

    In stock

    $82.00+ $35.00 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Editorialist
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $57.95Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNew Balance 680 v9 Gore-TexPUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX
Heel-to-toe drop8 mm6mm
Outsole materialRubber100% Rubber
Model codeM680G9E2—
Waterproof membraneGore-Tex® Invisible Fit—
Available widthsstandard, wide and extra-wide fits—
Stride typeNeutral stride (slight pronation)—
Weight286g—
Drop8mm—
Shoe widthD—
GenderHerren—
TerrainStraßenlauf—
StabilityNeutral—
Show all 21 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNew Balance 680 v9 Gore-TexPUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX
Cushioning level—Medium
Upper material—Ripstop mesh
Waterproof lining—Waterproof GORE-TEX® liner
Pronation type—Neutral pronators
Sockliner material—100% Textile
Upper composition—56.52% Textile, 43.48% Synthetic
Lining material—100% Textile
Forefoot drainage—Forefoot drainage ports
Country of origin—China

What reviewers say

New Balance 680 v9 Gore-Tex

Owners of the 680 line generally like the cushioned, easy ride and the reliable waterproofing. Many praise the wide fit options, while some find the shoe warm and a bit stiff compared with non-waterproof trainers.

What people mention
  • WaterproofingPraisedOwners say the Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry through rain and wet pavement.
  • CushioningPraisedThe Fresh Foam midsole is described as soft and comfortable for daily runs and walks.
  • Fit widthPraisedWide and extra-wide options are a common reason buyers choose this shoe.
  • BreathabilityCriticisedSome owners find the waterproof upper warm and less airy than mesh trainers.

PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX

Owners describe the Fast-Trac Nitro GTX as a solid, high-quality all-rounder that handles wet trails and gravel without fuss. Praise centers on the waterproof build and comfortable cushioning; the main trade-offs mentioned are warmth and a less breathable upper.

What people mention
  • WaterproofingPraisedOwners say the GORE-TEX liner keeps feet dry through rain, puddles and wet grass.
  • CushioningPraisedThe NITRO and ProFoamLite midsole is described as comfortable over longer distances.
  • TractionPraisedPUMAGRIP ATR outsole is reported to hold well on gravel and loose trails.
  • BreathabilityCriticisedRunners note the waterproof upper runs warm and does not vent well on mild days.

Questions and answers

Which is better for wet road running?
The New Balance 680 v9. Its Hydrohesion rubber is made for wet pavement, and the Fresh Foam midsole is softer underfoot on hard surfaces. The PUMA works in rain too, but its outsole is tuned for trail.
Which handles trails better?
The PUMA Fast-Trac Nitro GTX. The PUMAGRIP ATR outsole grips gravel and loose dirt, and the drainage ports clear water. The New Balance outsole is a road design.
Which lasts longer?
Both use rubber outsoles and should hold up for similar mileage. The PUMA's ATR rubber is built for abrasive trail use; the New Balance's softer foam can pack down sooner if you run high mileage.
Do I need a wide fit?
Only the New Balance comes in wide and extra-wide. If you have broad feet or wear thick socks in winter, that makes it the safer choice. The PUMA comes in one width.
Is the PUMA worth stepping up to over the New Balance?
If you run off-road or want a firmer, more responsive ride, yes. If you stay on pavement and want maximum cushioning, the New Balance is the better fit.
Are both actually waterproof?
Yes. Both use a Gore-Tex liner that blocks rain and wind while letting some breathability through. Neither is a fully sealed boot, so deep puddles can still get in over the collar.

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