Article by Jana Herzgova
New Balance Minimus TR BOA V2 ($150)
Pros:
Great lockdown (Jana)
Very lightweight (Jana)
Supportive in the midfoot (Jana)
BOA Fit System: easy to adjust during varied workouts (Jana)
Travel friendly / easily packable (Jana)
Cons:
not for wide foot folks
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 9.5 oz / 272g women’s 7.48 oz / 212g
Approx. Stack Height: 14mm heel / 12mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jana: Right out of the box, the New Balance Minimus BOA TR V2 felt like the perfect blend of lightness and durability. It’s noticeably lighter than most training shoes I’ve worn, yet still feels incredibly sturdy underfoot.
The width was spot-on for my feet—snug and supportive without feeling restrictive—but I wouldn’t recommend it for wider-footed folks. And visually, it’s a winner. I love the clean, athletic design—minimalist without being boring, and stylish enough to wear beyond the gym.
The fit is true to size for medium or narrow feet, offering a glove-like feel that keeps you locked in during dynamic movements.
The upper combines breathable mesh with supportive overlays that contour nicely without creating pressure points (I have to add that I don’t wear socks for my gym workouts).
One of my favorite features is the BOA Fit System—it makes adjusting the fit incredibly quick and easy, whether you’re loosening up post/during-workout or tightening down before a lift. The system adds both convenience and precision, elevating the overall comfort and performance feel. It’s sock-like, supportive, and flexible—everything I want in a training shoe.
Midsole & Platform
Jana: The FuelCell foam midsole strikes a great balance between low-profile stability and just enough cushioning to stay comfortable through longer sessions. It’s firm enough for heavy lifts and ground feedback, but not so harsh that it punishes your feet during plyometrics or quick circuits. You stay close to the ground with the low 14mm / 12 mm platform , which gives you that connected, stable feel, especially during squats, deadlifts, or sled work. It’s not a “marshmallow” kind of cushion—it’s more about support and responsiveness, which is exactly what I want in a performance training shoe.
Outsole
Jana: The outsole delivers excellent grip and traction across different surfaces—rubber gym floors, turf, even pavement when needed.
It feels durable and secure without being overly stiff. I haven’t experienced any slipping, even during lateral movements or sled pushes. The tread pattern is low-profile but well-designed, giving a solid grip without trapping dust or gym dirt. It’s built to handle the demands of cross-training, and so far, it’s holding up incredibly well with no early signs of wear.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jana: The ride of the Minimus TR V2 is smooth, stable, and grounded—ideal for functional training where control matters. You feel connected to the floor with every rep, which builds confidence during explosive movements or heavy lifts. Despite the minimal cushioning, it still feels surprisingly comfortable for extended wear or light cardio. It’s not meant for long runs, but for everything else—strength work, circuits, agility drills—it delivers a responsive and natural feel that doesn’t get in your way.
The New Balance Minimus TR V2 is a standout training shoe that combines sleek design, solid performance, and a comfortably dialed-in fit. It’s lightweight yet tough, minimal without feeling harsh, and supportive in all the right ways. The BOA system makes on-the-fly adjustments effortless, and the grip, fit, and stability hit all the marks for serious training.
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-designed cross-trainer that excels in strength and functional workouts—this is it. Just keep in mind, it runs narrow, so wider feet may need to size up or look elsewhere. Personally, I love the feel and design so much that I find myself wearing them around town just as often as I do in the gym. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my rotation—training or not.
Jana’s Score: 9.63 / 10
Ride 10; Fit 9 (not 10 because they don’t have wide foot option); Value 9.5; Style 10
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Tester Profiles
Jana Herzgova took up running in 2016, after a back injury. Prior to that she was a speed skater, but due to back pain and doctor's recommendation, she transitioned into running. Since then, starting with shorter ultra distance races she quickly evolved into an avid long distance and unsupported mountain runner. She also loves to take on challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, mainly in unsupported and semi-self supported style. She also does extensive functional fitness training. She currently lives in Utah/Wyoming.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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