The New Balance Minimus Tr V2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance Minimus TR v2 is a versatile training shoe designed for those who prefer a low-stack, low-drop platform. With a **4 mm drop**, it is ideal for athletes seeking stability during weight training and cross-training activities.

The lightweight construction ensures flexibility while the firm **25 HA foam** provides a stable base for dynamic movements. This combination translates to reliable performance, especially for users focused on agility and balance.

While the shoe retains its minimalist design, we advise potential buyers to consider the drawbacks outlined in our review to ensure they align with their training preferences.


Pros

  • Grounded minimalist platform
  • Basic impact protection for HIIT
  • Planted and stable for lifting
  • Comfortable for sockless wear
  • Highly flexible for planks, lunges, etc.
  • Very lightweight
  • Excellent breathability
  • Protection for rope climbs

Cons

  • Fiddly tonge (thin, long, shifty)
  • Rockered sole feels unsteady for deadlifts
  • Heel bumper protrudes too much
  • Not very durable
  • Outsole lacks traction

Key Features

  • FuelCell midsole foam: Incorporates approximately 3% bio-based content for a responsive feel that propels you forward.
  • Midfoot rubber wraps: Enhance protection, grip, and durability, making them ideal for rope climbs.
  • Herringbone rubber outsole: Offers excellent traction and durability both in the forefoot and heel areas.
  • Minimus construction: Allows for a sock-free option thanks to premium liners, adding convenience during workouts.
  • 4 mm drop: Provides a low-profile feel; note that actual measurements may vary due to manufacturing processes.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Rubber
  • Inner material: Cotton

New Balance Minimus Tr V2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance Minimus TR v2 Nike Flex Control 4 Nike Legend Essential 3 Under Armour SlipSpeed
Price $120 $65 $65 $120
Use Workout Workout Workout Workout
Drop lab 2.2 mm 3.4 mm 4.5 mm 1.9 mm
Heel stack lab 14.0 mm 19.0 mm 24.2 mm 21.1 mm
Forefoot 11.8 mm 15.6 mm 19.7 mm 19.2 mm
Weight lab 8.9 oz / 251g 9.8 oz / 277g 8.8 oz / 249g 10.2 oz / 288g
Lightweight
Breathability Breathable Moderate Breathable Warm
Width / fit Narrow Narrow Medium Narrow
Toebox width Medium - Wide Narrow
Size Half size small True to size Slightly small Half size small
Midsole softness Balanced Firm Balanced Balanced
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Toebox durability Decent - Decent Good
Heel padding durability Decent - Bad Good
Outsole durability Bad - - Bad
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Average Very wide
Midsole width - heel Average Average Average Wide
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Insole thickness Thin Average Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Thick Average
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Very soft
Heel tab None None None None
Tongue: gusset type None None None Bootie
Tongue padding Thin Average Average Average
Ranking Bottom 3% Top 49% Bottom 9% Top 19%
Popularity Top 46% Top 25% Bottom 48% Top 37%