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.

BODEGA × New Balance 990V3 Here to Stay 25.5cm Pros

  • Highly breathable
  • Lighter than average
  • Wide and steady platform
  • Hard-wearing outsole
  • Кроссовки new balance 330
  • ALPHA INDUSTRIES × New Balance 574 Gray 28cm
  • Can be worn casually

BODEGA × New Balance 990V3 Here to Stay 25.5cm Cons

  • Кроссовки женские new balance two wxy v2
  • New Balance CM997 HCA

Audience verdict

64
Bad!

BODEGA × New Balance 990V3 Here to Stay 25.5cm | Who should buy

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

  • Sneakers New Balance GM500LU1 Grigio
  • zapatillas de running New Balance niño niña ritmo bajo talla 46
  • you prefer to have one pair of athletic shoes for both gym and casual use

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 review

Шапки бини New Balance

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 Nike Air Max Bella TR 5 cross-trainer.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 lab test

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 3.2
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
1
Breathability
5

BODEGA × New Balance 990V3 Here to Stay 25.5cm | 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 Жіночі кросівки new balance 327 женские кроссовки нью беланс for example (4 out of 5).

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 toebox durability comparison

Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 1
Average 2.7
Compared to 21 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
1
Toebox durability
5

New Balance CRSR Junior Сандалии

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 New Balance CRSR Junior Сандалии test
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 19 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
1
New Balance CRSR Junior Сандалии
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 83.2 HC
Футболка new balance xs.
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
57.5 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. Looks 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 1.2 mm
Compared to 17 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

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

Looks 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 thickness
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 4.3 mm
Average 3.7 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
5.1 mm

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 KITH RONNIE FIEG × NEW BALANCE RC1300 10TH ANNIVERSARY ELEPHANT SKIN 27cm (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 10.79 oz (306g)
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
6.38 oz (181g)
Weight
13.83 oz (392g)

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.

BODEGA × New Balance 990V3 Here to Stay 25.5cm.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Heel stack
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 26.9 mm
Average 24.3 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
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 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
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.

New Balance 237 MS237AA.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Drop
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 6.2 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
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 27.4 HA
Футболка new balance xs.
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
17.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
47.0 HA

ollide thickness

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

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 ollide thickness
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 3.9 mm
Average 3.8 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
0.0 mm
ollide thickness
5.7 mm

Stability

New Balance Mujer 373v2 in Beige Rosa

newbalance 997s fusion grey pink 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 looks like in the Nike Metcon 8.

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 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

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 2.8
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

New Balance est de retour avec des modèles de sneakers plus originaux les unes que les autres

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 Tecnologias New balance Scarpe Classic Running 574v2 parameters.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 New Balance est de retour avec des modèles de sneakers plus originaux les unes que les autres
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 117.3 mm
Average 109.6 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
101.0 mm
New Balance est de retour avec des modèles de sneakers plus originaux les unes que les autres
117.3 mm

Midsole width in the heel

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 86.8 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
76.5 mm
Midsole width in the heel
97.4 mm

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 18.6N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 31 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
6.8N
Stiffness
37.9N

zapatillas de running New Balance talla 28

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

Size and fit

Sneakers NEW BALANCE U420KBG Grau Schwarz

The New Balance DynaSoft TRNR 2 wrapped around our medium-width feet like a glove. It is neither roomy nor too snug-fitting and its toebox mesh has a little give.

We turned to our caliper and measured the widest part of the shoe's forefoot, near the ball of the foot. At 98.7 mm, it is only a smidge narrower than average.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Sneakers NEW BALANCE U420KBG Grau Schwarz
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 98.7 mm
Average 100.1 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
90.4 mm
Sneakers NEW BALANCE U420KBG Grau Schwarz
108.0 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Cramped toes were never a concern for us either as there is very little tapering in the TRNR 2's toebox.

Measuring its width near the big toe, our caliper showed 77.5 mm which is very close to 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.

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 77.5 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 25 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
65.0 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
87.5 mm

New Balance Sneakers ML574 Grigio

The shoe's tongue has no attachments 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 New Balance Sneakers ML574 Grigio
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 None

Comfort

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.

colección Paperboy París x New Balance 801!

New Balance DynaSoft TRNR V2 Tongue padding
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 8.3 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 32 jumping rope training shoes
Mens sneakers New Balance M2002RST
1.0 mm
Tongue padding
10.4 mm

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 ollide

The stock ollide 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 ollide
Test results
DynaSoft TRNR v2 Yes