Our verdict

In the category of budget-friendly training shoes, New Balance almost nailed it with the DynaSoft TRNR 2! We say almost because the shoe comes with one glaring issue - an unforgivingly very weak upper. But the good news is that with moderate use, the TRNR 2 reveals every essential feature we want in a cross-training shoe.

NEW Balance Vision Racer Jaden Smith natürliche Herren Athletic Sneakers msvrcrga Pros

  • Highly breathable
  • Lighter than average
  • Wide and steady platform
  • Hard-wearing outsole
  • Solid grip on gym floors
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Can be worn casually

NEW Balance Vision Racer Jaden Smith natürliche Herren Athletic Sneakers msvrcrga Cons

  • NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM HIERRO V6 MUJER
  • new balance mtl575so made in england mtl

Audience verdict

61
Bad!

Who should buy

We think that the New Balance DynaSoft TRNR 2 could be a great add-on to your gym wear if:

  • you are new to working out and need an affordable pair
  • New Balance Furon 3.0 K Leather FG Football Boots
  • you prefer to have one pair of athletic shoes for both gym and casual use

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 review

Who should NOT buy

If the shoe's dainty upper concerns you and you don't want to risk tearing it up, we recommend another affordable option, the Nike MC Trainer 2. It has a stronger toebox material.

Ladies might as well check out the women's Femme New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v3 Black Orca Silver Metallic cross-trainer.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

In training shoes, you want to remain in close contact with the ground and yet feel protected from the impact of jumps and other high-intensity movements.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 collar

We found that the New Balance TRNR 2 handles that balance pretty well. Measuring its heel stack with a caliper, we got 26.9 mm.

new balance 990v5 womens running shoes lead dark violet glo.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Heel stack
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 26.9 mm
Average 24.8 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
13.7 mm
Heel stack
36.2 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot part of the midsole, our caliper returned 20.7 mm of stack. Yet again, we found this amount of cushioning to be optimal for a wide range of gym activities.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Forefoot stack

More specifically, we tested the DynaSoft TRNR 2 for rope jumping and experienced well-cushioned landings and responsive toe-offs.

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 20.7 mm
Average 18.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
10.6 mm
Forefoot stack
27.7 mm

Drop

Cross-training shoes typically have a very minimal difference in height between the heels and toes. This parallel-to-the-ground position is the most optimal as it helps to achieve stability and balance with less effort.

In the DynaSoft TRNR 2, the drop comes in at 6.2 mm which is standard for a cross-trainer.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Drop
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 6.2 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1.8 mm
Drop
13.4 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

While the name of the foam "DynaSoft" is associated with really plush cushioning, we found it to be only moderately soft.

Pressing our durometer against the foam, we got a reading of 26.8 HA. This is nearly the same as the average of training shoes.

You don't want plush trainers for HIIT workouts and the like. This NB trainer has just a touch of softness that makes it quite responsive for jumps.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Midsole softness
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 26.8 HA
Average 27.8 HA
Trainers NEW BALANCE ML574HC2 Blue.
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
17.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.0 HA

Insole Coastsness

We always include insole Coastsness in our stack measurements. The insole in the New Balance TRNR 2 turned out to be quite average at 3.9 mm.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Insole Coastsness
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 3.9 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1.7 mm
Insole Coastsness
7.2 mm

Size and fit

Size

new balance 590 v3 size us 7 5 m b eu 38 womens is true to size (22 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 35 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

zapatillas de running New Balance pie normal distancias cortas talla 34.5

The New Balance DynaSoft TRNR 2 wrapped around our medium-width feet like a glove. It felt close-fitting but not in a snug way and we could feel some give in its toebox mesh.

For a more precise assessment, we retrieved a gel mold of the shoe's interiors.

As expected, our caliper showed a standard reading of 96.0 mm in the widest area of the mold (near the ball of the foot).

new balance 590 v3 size us 7 5 m b eu 38 womens zapatillas de running New Balance pie normal distancias cortas talla 34.5
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 96.0 mm
Average 96.6 mm
Compared to 12 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
92.8 mm
zapatillas de running New Balance pie normal distancias cortas talla 34.5
100.6 mm

New Balance 530 para Mulher Branco Womens

Cramped toes were never a concern in this NB trainer as there was very little tapering in the TRNR 2's toebox.

Measuring its width near the big toe, our caliper showed 73.5 mm which is exactly the same as the average of training shoes.

However, if have wide feet or you don't feel like yourself without ample toe space, this New Balance trainer is also available in wide and extra wide.

new balance 590 v3 size us 7 5 m b eu 38 womens New Balance 530 para Mulher Branco Womens
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 73.5 mm
Average 72.9 mm
Compared to 12 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
65.1 mm
New Balance 530 para Mulher Branco Womens
81.0 mm

Toebox height

However, the TRNR v2 might feel close-fitting because of the lower-than-average toebox height. We recorded 25.0 mm in this area.

new balance 590 v3 size us 7 5 m b eu 38 womens Toebox height
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 25.0 mm
Average 27.0 mm
Compared to 12 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
22.1 mm
Toebox height
34.0 mm

Stability

NEW Balance Vision Racer Jaden Smith natürliche Herren Athletic Sneakers msvrcrga | Lateral stability test

The NB TRNR 2 has a very basic training shoe construction. Unlike the famous Nike Metcon, it doesn't feature any bells and whistles for enhanced stability.

And yet, for what it's worth, we found the DynaSoft TRNR 2 to be a sufficiently steady trainer.

But if you're wondering exactly how stable flagship cross-trainers are, here is what lateral stability apoyo like in the New Balance 530 Dark Cyan.

Torsional rigidity

The DynaSoft TRNR 2 may look like a "softie" but it surely has some rigidity in its character.

Assessing the shoe's torsional stiffness in our manual test, we found that it resists being twisted. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it with a pretty high score of 4.

Pair that with the shoe's slightly raised foam walls on the sides, and you will get a minimized risk of ankle rolls!

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 4
Average 2.7
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1
Torsional rigidity
5

New Balance Roav 5

Having a reasonably stiff heel counter is another essential component of stability and foothold. But you don't want it to be too rigid either as it could limit ankle mobility and freedom of movement overall.

We found that the TRNR 2 hits a sweet sport here with a moderately stiff heel counter. We rated it with an average score of 3 out of 5.

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 3
Average 2.7
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1
New Balance Roav 5
5

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 Black White Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers WZANTBK3

This New Balance trainer is equipped with a nice wide platform to prevent wobbly feet and impromptu foot rolling.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 weightlifting

Measuring the shoe's midsole in the widest part of the forefoot, we got 117.3 mm. This is notably wider than the average and is very similar to the New Balance Herren 237V1 in Braun Beige parameters.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 117.3 mm
Average 110.6 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
101.0 mm
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 Black White Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers WZANTBK3
117.9 mm

New Balance Pantalones Cortos Printed Fast Flight 2 In 1 7

In the widest part of the heel, we also got an above-average width of 91.6 mm. Quite surprising for a basic under-$100 trainer! 

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 91.6 mm
Average 87.3 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
76.5 mm
New Balance Pantalones Cortos Printed Fast Flight 2 In 1 7
97.4 mm

NEW Balance Vision Racer Jaden Smith natürliche Herren Athletic Sneakers msvrcrga | Flexibility / Stiffness

Given this New Balance shoe's simple design, there is nothing to hold back its flexibility.

Walking, jumping, holding planks, and doing burpees, our feet felt as much freedom of movement as they needed to bend.

To check the trainer's flexibility in our lab, we bent it to a 90-degree angle and measured how much effort it takes with a force gauge. With a measurement of 16.6N, we found that the TRNR 2 is indeed 20% more flexible than average!

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 16.6N
Average 17.8N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
4.3N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
37.9N

Weight

The moment we slipped into the NB TRNR 2, we knew it was lighter than many other cross-trainers on the market.

Weighing the trainer in a men's US size 9, we got 10.2 oz (289g) on our scale. This is an ounce lighter than the average and is also a bit lighter than the popular New Balance PreBoys 997H Bambino Brown Black (10.5 oz/298g).

The TRNR 2 felt exceptionally agile on foot and made exercises like high knee runs much more bearable. 

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Weight
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 10.19 oz (289g)
Average 10.76 oz (305g)
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
6.38 oz (181g)
Weight
13.83 oz (392g)

Breathability

New Balance puts a special emphasis on the TRNR 2's breathable mesh upper in its product description. And we are happy to confirm that it lives up to the claims!

Putting the TRNR 2 through our smoke-pumping machine test, we saw a substantial amount of smoke passing through the shoe's upper. Specifically in the toebox mesh!

On our breathability scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the airiest, this NB trainer earned a solid 4 out of 5. And if you crave 5/5 ventilation, we can recommend the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2.

No wonder the TRNR gets to be so breathable! Look at all those large ventilation pores on its toebox and throughout the upper!

Using a microscope, we also investigated the shoe's mesh upper up close.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 microscope

Turns out, this New Balance trainer uses a mix of different threads that are closely woven together and yet leave pretty large pores for breathability.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 microscope upper

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

But to our great disappointment, the shoe's breathability comes at the price of durability. Its upper material is just too dainty to resist an abrasive force, like our Dremel for example.

It took the tool just a few seconds to leave a large hole in the shoe's mesh toebox.

For that reason, we cannot rate its toebox durability any higher than 1 on a 1-5 scale. 

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Toebox durability test

For the record, we apply the exact same speed (5K RPM) and pressure (3.2N) to all of our tested training shoes. And some shoes actually stand up to the test, like the Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 for example (4 out of 5).

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 toebox durability comparison

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 30 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Much like the shoe's upper mesh, its inner lining didn't show much abrasion resistance.

Drilling it for only 4 seconds resulted in damage that was serious enough to lower the heel padding durability score to the minimum 1 out of 5.

We believe that such textile quality is way too frail, even for an $80 shoe.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Heel padding durability test
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 28 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Given how frail the shoe's upper textile is, we were more conscious about its outsole.

Measuring rubber hardness with a durometer, we got a pretty low reading of 72.5 HC. This is 17% softer than average! Oops, is this shoe's outsole going to be torn apart too?

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Outsole hardness
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 72.5 HC
Average 83.0 HC
Trainers NEW BALANCE ML574HC2 Blue.
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
71.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.5 HC

Outsole durability

As it turns out, no! Despite the correlation between rubber hardness and its durability, this New Balance trainer proves otherwise.

After 22 seconds of drilling it at a fierce speed of 10K RPM, the dent was even smaller than average!

According to our tread gauge, the dent is only 0.79 mm deep which is smaller than the typical 1 mm. apoyo like walking on concrete won't destroy the shoe's outsole so fast.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Outsole durability test

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 0.8 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 26 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole Coastsness

After measuring the shoe's outsole at a pretty Coasts 4.3 mm, we felt even more reassured.

apoyo like the New Balance Dynasoft TRNR 2 can indeed be worn outside the gym. We found the shoe's outsole reinforced enough to handle pavements. However, you must be careful not to scratch the upper as it tears way too easily.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Outsole Coastsness
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 4.3 mm
Average 3.6 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
2.1 mm
Outsole Coastsness
5.1 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Having gym-tested this New Balance shoe, we found that its traction pattern is ideal for this setting.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 flexibility plank

Two different types of treading with sharp lugs are optimized for multi-directional movements and bite the gym floor like hungry.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 grip

Tongue padding

This New Balance shoe didn't skimp on padding around the collar and in the tongue. Our caliper showed a generous 8.3 mm of foamy comfort in the latter.

No wonder the brand recommends it for all-day wear!

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Tongue padding
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 8.3 mm
Average 5.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
New Balance branding στο πλάι
1.0 mm
Tongue padding
10.4 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The shoe's tongue has no ideas on the sides which may result in slight tongue shifting. But this wasn't a glaring issue for us and took a seconds to fix.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 None

Heel tab

No finger loops or pull tabs are present in the TRNR 2. But you can grab the shoe's extended heel collar lip to help yourself get in.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Heel tab
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 None

Removable insole

The stock insole is easy to take out of the New Balance TRNR 2 in case you need to use custom orthotics.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Removable insole
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 Yes