Our verdict

We find the New Balance Minimus TR as a great minimalist shoe that provides just the right protection for the foot during indoor workouts. We have seen that it does not budge easily. It does not tear easily, either. That this shoe looks good is indeed already the icing on the cake.

New Balance Hombre 520v7 in Azul Negro Pros

  • Feels really minimal and light
  • New Balance 999 'Steel Grey'
  • Flexible materials
  • Stable construction
  • Reliably grippy
  • Stylish
  • Lasts long

New Balance Hombre 520v7 in Azul Negro Cons

  • Poor ventilation
  • Needs to be broken in
  • For the gym only

Audience verdict

79
Good!

Who should buy

After several lab tests and working out in this shoe, we believe that the Minimus TR from New Balance is going to be great for fitness enthusiasts who:

  • work out mostly inside air-conditioned gyms
  • prefer minimalist trainers that feel exactly barefoot
  • appreciate super lightweight shoes

New Balance Minimus TR

Who should NOT buy

Our measurements indicate that the Minimus TR from NB will not be too enticing for those who have wide feet. They can make size adjustments, get the wide option, or just go for the more accommodating New Balance PROCT 'Green' Green White Sneakers Shoes PROCTSQB. T-shirt New Balance Essentials Stacked Logo laranja branco.

Like many New Balance trainers, the Minimus TR is also not expected to please those who want a versatile shoe that they can also use outdoors. These people can just go for shoes like the new balance shando ruju vs nike pegasus, Joe Freshgoods x New Balance No Emotions Are Emotions Collection Releasing During.

New Balance Minimus TR

Also, fitness enthusiasts who love to run long distances before their gym workouts may want to replace this trainer with actual running shoes.

Breathability

The Minimus TR probably works best in air conditioned gyms; they are just too hot (literally!) to be used elsewhere!

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New Balance Minimus TR

Just by looking at it, we could really tell that there is NO WAY for air to pass through. 

New Balance Minimus TR closeup upper

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There were no redeeming factors, and this shoe just got 1 out of 5, the lowest that we can give, for ventilation.

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Test results
Minimus TR 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

New Balance Hombre 520v7 in Azul Negro | Toebox durability

Moderately durable. This is how we are going to describe the upper of the New Balance Minimus TR.

Twelve seconds of high-pressure Dremel drilling resulted in a dent that we've also seen in many trainers, leading us to conclude that the material is of average strength at best.

 

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New Balance Minimus TR closeup toebox dent

Test results
Minimus TR 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 19 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

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The padding in the heel didn't stand a chance to our Dremel drilling. It's a 1 over 5 from us, unfortunately.

Shiftier exercisers are sure to dig into this part of the shoe quickly.

Test results
Minimus TR 1
Average 2.3
Compared to 17 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
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5

Outsole hardness

Our HC durometer rated the outsole a 71.3, which is far lower than the average. This result further solidifies our recommendation to use this shoe only in indoor gyms. 

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New Balance Minimus TR Outsole hardness
Test results
Minimus TR 71.3 HC
Average 84.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
71.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.5 HC

Outsole durability

New Balance Troy.

Just like the upper, the outsole seemed to have only the typical durability. It incurred 1.2 mm of damage after  our high-pressure Dremel drilling in the lab.

New Balance Minimus TR outsole dent

Test results
Minimus TR 1.2 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 15 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Our caliper in the lab measured the outsole to be 4.1 mm thick. This figure is just around the average.

The sole's average thickness and durability would have made this shoe suitable for occasional outdoor use. However, the outsole's softness raises concerns regarding its capacity to weather the abrasiveness of rough surfaces.

If outdoor usage cannot be avoided, it's best to keep it within even, debris-free floors.

New Balance Minimus TR Outsole thickness
Test results
Minimus TR 4.1 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
2.8 mm
Outsole thickness
5.1 mm

Weight

This New Balance Minimus TR felt insanely lightweight during our test workouts. Our in-lab scale reported the weight of a size 9 to be 7.3 ounces (207.0 grams), making this New Balance trainer 34% lighter than average!

New Balance Minimus TR weight

Running and jumping were so easy to execute because of this shoe's barely-there feel. There were even moments when we forgot about this shoe's toastiness because of how light it felt on our feet!

Test results
Minimus TR 7.30 oz (207g)
Average 10.79 oz (306g)
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
6.38 oz (181g)
Weight
13.83 oz (392g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

Upon wearing it, we immediately noticed that the Minimus TR is on the flatter, more minimal side. Not a lot of New Balance trainers that we tried are like it.

New Balance Minimus TR heel stack

True enough, when we measured its thickness using a caliper in the lab, we saw that it's only 13.7 mm thick. This number is 43% thinner than average!

New Balance Minimus TR Heel stack
Test results
Minimus TR 13.7 mm
Average 24.4 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Heel stack
36.2 mm

Forefoot stack

Just like the heel area, the forefoot also slashed off a lot of its thickness. Our caliper measurements revealed that this part of the shoe is 41% thinner than average.

Because both the forefoot and heel are thinner, we got a lot of ground feel and we were able to attain high levels of stability on even surfaces. Agility exercises such as high-energy agility ladders were a bit easier to do in our experience.

New Balance Minimus TR Forefoot stack
Test results
Minimus TR 10.6 mm
Average 18.4 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
10.6 mm
Forefoot stack
27.7 mm

Drop

The drop is 51% lower than the usual. This resulted in a flatter feel, which made it easier for us to plant our feet securely whenever we needed to.

Its flatness also makes it a good starting point for those gym rats who want to transition to minimal trainers.

New Balance Minimus TR Drop
Test results
Minimus TR 3.1 mm
Average 6.0 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
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.

Even if it's thin, the midsole did not fall short when it comes to providing impact protection for us. IT feels just like the New Balance Hombre 520v7 in Azul Negro New Balance Hombre 520v7 in Azul Negro.

True enough, when we pressed the HA durometer on it, we found it to be significantly softer than average with a rating of 22.9 HA.

New Balance Minimus TR Midsole softness
Test results
Minimus TR 22.9 HA
Average 27.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
17.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
47.0 HA

Insole thickness

Just like the midsole, the soft insole of the New Balance Minimus TR is also thinner than average. It is only 2.5 mm thick.

But does it provide the necessary comfort and impact protection? Absolutely!

Test results
Minimus TR 2.5 mm
Average 3.8 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
5.7 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

When it came to lateral stability, we did not encounter any problems with the Minimus TR from New Balance as long as we kept the intensity level of the exercises light to moderate. This trainer has sturdy sidewalls to keep our feet in place. 

Torsional rigidity

Our worries about the softness of the outsole were solidified when we did the torsional rigidity test on the New Balance Minimus TR. Because of the softness of its base, the shoe did not show much resistance when we gave it a good manual twist in the lab.

Having this type of flexibility allows for a more barefoot feel. Together with the shoe's lightness, it reinforces the overall barely-there feel of the shoe. Doing planks and exercises such as burpees are easier because of this design.

We cannot recommend this type of trainer for heavier and more serious exercises. The Nike Metcon 9 new balance x staud 5740 agave green.

Test results
Minimus TR 1
Average 2.7
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

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The heel counter was not really the stiffest. We felt it bending with our movements, which was good when we wanted to be as flexible as possible to reach certain angles.

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Test results
Minimus TR 2
Average 2.8
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
New Balance Trail Running 410V7 Trail Running Παπούτσια
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

New Balance 576 71. 

New Balance Minimus TR Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Minimus TR 104.9 mm
Average 109.5 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
101.0 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
117.3 mm

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At the heel, however, the amount of the shaved surface area is quite significant. It is only 76.7 mm wide, making it 12% narrower than average. We won't be doing weighted squats while wearing this shoe, that's for sure!

The reduction in the platform width resulted in some stability sacrifices. But it also helped the shoe become one of the lightest trainers out there.

New Balance Minimus TR Asics & Skechers Offer Sneakers To Benefit Breast Cancer Charities
Test results
Minimus TR 76.7 mm
Average 86.6 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
76.5 mm
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97.4 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

True to its being a minimal trainer, the Minimus TR is insanely flexible. We learned that it only needed 6.8N of force to be able to do a 90-degree. This number is much MUCH lower than the 19.5N that a typical trainer would need!

We could say that this shoe moved with us and went wherever we wanted it to go. Resistance is surely not in its vocabulary. We thoroughly enjoyed the freedom of movement after trying so many stiff trainers that don't even bend properly for us to get into plank!

Test results
Minimus TR 6.8N
Average 19.4N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 29 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
6.8N
Stiffness
37.9N

Grip / Traction

The softer-than-average outsole raised outdoor usability concerns, but it's not totally without merit. We felt that it helped the sole to stick much more securely to the gym floors. We don't recall ever having problems with traction while wearing the Minimus TR from New Balance. 

New Balance Minimus TR grip

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

Right off the bat, we could already say that this NB trainer is not for wide feet. The structure of the toebox just didn't look as wide as we would have wanted.

True enough, our caliper measured the widest part of the toebox to be only 94.2 mm, which is significantly lower than average.

New Balance Minimus TR Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Minimus TR 94.2 mm
Average 99.9 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
90.4 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
108.0 mm

New Balance 574 Outdoor Pack Steel Steel Moroccan Tile

That the Minimus TR does not taper as much as other shoes toward the big toe is its redeeming factor. It is 77.2 mm wide at the big toe, and it does not wtntrcb4 much from the average.

New Balance Minimus TR New Balance 574 Outdoor Pack Steel Steel Moroccan Tile
Test results
Minimus TR 77.2 mm
Average 77.9 mm
Compared to 23 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
65.0 mm
New Balance 574 Outdoor Pack Steel Steel Moroccan Tile
87.5 mm

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The non-gusseted design of the NB Minimus TR gave it maximum flexibility. It was easy for us to perform exercises such as burpees and mountain climbers that rely heavily on midfoot flexibility.

New Balance Minimus TR New Balance life in balance sweatshirt in grey exclusive to ASOS
Test results
Minimus TR None

Comfort

Tongue padding

As expected, the tongue does not have a lot of padding. Yet, it was enough to deliver the comfort that we needed.

New Balance Minimus TR Tongue padding
Test results
Minimus TR 2.8 mm
Average 5.7 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Tongue padding
10.4 mm

Heel tab

The Minimus TR does not have any heel tab but there is no need to worry because we didn't have any issues putting it on or taking it off.

New Balance Minimus TR Heel tab
Test results
Minimus TR None

Removable insole

New Balance 786 version 2 is added to the growing arsenal of training shoes, New Balance Essentials.

New Balance Minimus TR Removable insole
Test results
Minimus TR No