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The Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 is a training shoe built for HIIT, short runs, and light to moderate lifting. I was a fan of the PWRFRAME TR, so when I saw that the 2 came out, I had to buy a pair.
For the most part, I thought the PWFRAME TR was a pretty good budget gym shoe, so I wanted to know if the TR 2 would be much better.
Overall, I’ve found that there are things to like with the PWRFRAME TR 2 and some areas where it falls short. Before buying this shoe, I’d cross-reference my performance section below with your training needs.
Who Should Invest In the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2?
After I tested the PUMA PWRFRAME TR 2, I identified a few training contexts where I think this shoe makes a lot of sense.
1. You Want a Generalist Shoe for a Good Price
If you’re not super specific with your training and you need a model for a little bit of everything for a fair price, then the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 can make a lot of sense.
This shoe isn’t super specialized so they won’t be the best shoes for CrossFit WODs and heavy lifting, but if that’s not how you train then you’ll likely be fine in this shoe, especially if you’re trying to spend less than $100.
This model performed well in my athletic-focused training sessions where I blended exercises like RDLs and split squats with jumping and metabolic work such as sled drags.
2. You Have a Narrow Or Medium Foot Width
If you have a narrow or medium foot width, then I think you’ll resonate with the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2’s fit. This shoe’s toe box has a pretty aggressive taper so it should hug narrower feet well.
I have an E-width foot and noticed the snugness of this shoe’s toe box, so that said, for D-width feet and narrower this shoe should fit your feet like a glove.
I also think the reworked upper construction will feed well into this foot anatomy and do a good job with security. I didn’t have spillover issues and I was pushing this model’s lateral security so this type of foot anatomy should be even more solid.
Puma PWRFRAME TR 2
Pros
- This shoe's midsole is highly responsive which makes them great for HIIT workouts and classes like F45.
- These shoes have a fair budget-friendly price point. If you need trainers for less than $100 these are a great pick.
- This shoe is also comfortable for some short runs on treadmills pre and post-workout. They can be a decent budget hybrid option.
Cons
- The toe box of this shoe can feel snugger for wide feet. If you have EE-width feet or wider, I'd pass on these.
- If you want a training shoe for HIIT, cross-training, and heavy strength work, these won't be your best pick.
- The lack of full rubber tread takes away from this shoe's grip on things like leg press and hack squats.
Best For
- HIIT Workouts
- Light Strength Sessions
- Short Runs (<3 miles)
- Cross-Training
Falls Short
- For CrossFit
- For Heavy Lifting
- For Wide Feet
Who Should Pass On the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2?
The Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 has been a good training shoe for the most part, but it’s not going to be a shoe that works for everyone.
1. Don’t Buy These If You Lift Heavy
If you need a training shoe for pushing heavier loads, such as in squats, deadlifts, and machine work, then you’ll want to pass on this model. These will not be your best training shoes for strength work.
In the context of loading with this shoe, I’d suggest capping your loads to about 275-315 lbs. I noticed compression when deadlifting 315 lbs in this shoe and I wouldn’t train much heavier in them, especially with squats.
On top of this, you’ll want to consider how the outsole has exposed foam as this can influence grip on machines like leg press and hack squat. The last thing you want to stress is your feet sliding out when pushing heavy weight.
2. Don’t Buy These If You Have Wide Feet
Another context where the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 falls short is with wide feet. These are not wide-foot-friendly training shoes and if you have E-width feet or wider then you’ll want to keep this in mind.
I mentioned this above, but I have an E-width foot and I noticed how snug the toe box feels in this shoe. If you’re big on toe splay and have room to let your feet do their thing then this will not be a good shoe for you, in my opinion.
This model also has a little arch to it so flatter feet may also want to consider this before buying this shoe. Even if you have narrower feet but a flatter arch and midfoot then you may find this a little offputting.
Considering the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 but want more options? Check out some of my favorite reviewed and tested gym shoes for a variety of performance categories.
Performance Assessment
The Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 is built to handle a variety of training contexts so I made sure to push this performance for lifting, cross-training, short runs, and daily wear.
Testing the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 for Lifting
In the context of strength training, the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 does an okay job. It’s a training shoe that will work well for beginners and those who do strength here and there every week.
For example, if you’re not going super heavy with barbell work every week but like to hit some free weight sessions then the PWFRAME TR 2 will be just fine for your needs and I wouldn’t stress their stability.
Again, this model can work for barbell sessions up to 315ish lbs and they can work for machine work, but you’ll want to be conscious of their outsole tread and the machine you’re working with.
In terms of feel, the ProFoam EVA midsole is what I would describe as being softer in the context of density, almost running shoe-esque, which is another reason why you’ll want to pass on this shoe for heavy sessions.
All that said, if you need a model for lighter free weights and general strength training then you’ll be plenty fine with the Puma PWFRAME TR 2 and I don’t want you to think this shoe won’t work at all in this context — it just has a threshold.
Testing the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 for Cross-Training
For cross-training, I’ve enjoyed the Puma PWFRAME TR 2. It’s an easy shoe to put on after my heavy work for circuit-style training, where I’m blending kettlebell exercises with plyometrics and conditioning exercises.
When doing box jumps and jump rope, I’ve enjoyed how “bouncy” the ProFoam midsole feels and I appreciate the lightweight construction of this model. For forefoot-heavy conditioning exercises, this shoe is really solid.
I also like how breathable the upper construction is in this shoe. If you’re doing classes like F45 or working out in hotter gym settings then this will be a feature that is appreciated, in my opinion.
The upper security in this shoe is also pretty good despite it being light and breathable. I don’t think most will have major issues with locking the feet down in this model with training.
The laces can run a little long when heavily tightening these shoes, but that’s not the biggest deal. My only issue with this shoe for cross-training is the exposed foam. I get that it helps save on weight, but it can be problematic for durability in the long term.
Testing the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 for Short Runs and Daily Wear
In the context of short runs, the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 does a pretty good job especially if you’re keeping distances under 3 miles. For this mileage, this shoe should feel fine regarding its comfort and responsiveness.
The ProFoam midsole is accommodating for casual runs and the toe spring and heel bevelling feed well into this performance vertical. I tested this shoe with a few miles pre and post-workout and didn’t mind their feeling for this context.
Will these be good training shoes for hybrid workouts? Not necessarily as they fall short for lifting, but for some casual runs in classes and tacked on before or after your workout they should be fine.
For daily wear, I’m hit or miss on these shoes. They’re comfortable and lightweight which is great for delivering comfort when walking and standing, however, their narrow fit and exposed foam give me pause.
I’ve worn these for about 20 walking miles and they’ve held up okay thus far so I’m hoping that stay consistent to get the most out of my investment. I just wish they had a wider fit to accommodate wider feet.
Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 Sizing and Fit
In my opinion, you’ll want to be selective with the sizing of the Puma PWRFRAME TR 2. This shoe will fit true to size for some while it will be a complete miss for others.
For example, if you have narrow and medium-width feet then you should be safe going true to size in this model. They do run a little long but I don’t think it’s enough to warrant sizing down.
If you have wide feet, you may want to skip this training shoe. I don’t think you’ll appreciate the aggressive toe box taper, and you might want to look into models like the denser Fuse 3, which has a slightly wider toe box.
- Puma PWFRAME TR 2 Sizing Thoughts: True to size for narrow and medium-width feet.
If you have additional sizing questions about this shoe, drop a comment below and let me know what you currently wear and in what size and I can suggest sizing accordingly.
Construction Details
A lot of the nuts and bolts of the PWFRAME 2 remain the same from the first model. The main differences revolve around this shoe’s upper and PWRFRAME tech in the forefoot.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
- Weight: 9.6 oz (for my size 10)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- PwrTape Upper Features
- ProFoam EVA Midsole
- PumaGrip Rubber Outsole
- Mesh and Textile Upper Materials
- External Heel and Tongue Tabs
- 5 Core Eyelets
If you have additional construction questions about the PWFRAME TR 2, drop them in the comments below and I can provide further clarification.
Buy the PWRFRAME TR 2 If…
- You primarily want a shoe for HIIT workouts and light strength sessions. This is definitely a workout shoe for HIIT so keep that in mind before you buy.
- You work out in hot settings and need a shoe with a lot of breathability through its toe box and midfoot. The lightweight mesh and textile upper give this model a “wispy” feel on the feet.
- You have a narrower foot and you like a little arch in your training shoes. If this is you, then you’ll feel right at home with this model’s sizing and fit.
Don’t Buy the PWRFRAME TR 2 If…
- You need a shoe for CrossFit. This will not be the training shoe for tackling WODs. The upper is going to be beat up and the lack of stability would be an issue for heavy WODs.
- You need a training shoe for lifting specifically. The ProFoam midsole will lack the density for pushing weight over 315 lbs. These would not be my go-to shoes for heavy-strength work.
- You have wide feet. I’m telling you now if you have wide feet and you buy this shoe and it doesn’t fit — do not come back to this review and yell at me!
Takeaway Thoughts
The Puma PWRFRAME TR 2 has been a consistent shoe in the gym and I like its budget-friendly price point. If you need a general training shoe and want to spend less than $100 then you should be perfectly set in this model.
This shoe excelled for my HIIT workouts and it feels athletic in many ways. It has some limitations which I pointed out above, but if you keep these in mind then you should be fine investing in this model.
If you have additional questions about the PWRFRAME TR 2, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
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