Puma PWRFrame TR 2 Review: We Hit the Gym in the New High-Performance Training Shoe
There’s no getting around it — the shoes you wear to the gym play a pivotal role in your fitness journey. But when you’re just getting started in functional and weight training, you may not be ready to invest in expensive, high-end performance footwear. But, while having the right gear is no doubt important, some of the best-performing gym shoes can be priced a little too high for the average gym bunny.
That’s where Puma is stepping in, with a new, more affordable, high-performance training shoe option. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 could be just what you need to lift your game in the gym.
To dive deeper into this trainer, I laced up the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 and tackled my normal workout routine for a few weeks. Putting the PWRFrame TR 2 to the test at F45 Woodstock’s resistance strength training classes as well as hybrid functional training classes, I was beyond impressed with the shoe’s performance.
Puma says the latest iteration of its workout shoe was designed to ensure you start every workout the right way, with the best foundation. Whether you’re mashing deadlifts or pulling off a clean-and-press, having a solid base is everything. This shoe does a stellar job of giving a stable, flat base to work from during strength training sessions.
Nothing ruins great form during a squat or deadlift like elevated toes, knees collapsing, and forgetting to push through the soles of your feet. Anyone who is familiar with wearing specialised shoes for strength training knows that the secret sauce in any good training shoe is a wide toe-box and a relatively flat sole.
Their powers combined ensure a good, solid foundation in your feet and an ideal stance when performing lifts. Which will, in turn, help you prevent injury and get the most out of your weight sessions in the gym.
The PWRFrame TR 2 has a generous toe box that ensures that you don’t crowd your toes and can lock into the floor with every rep. The Puma PWRTape technology gives even more reinforcement and makes sure your foot stays locked in, limiting your foot from slipping and sliding inside the shoe.
Puma touts that the shoe also features a 3D midsole frame system engineered for forefoot support during explosive movements. It’s this targeted technology that offers enhanced support and stability to help keep you steady through every interval and a wide range of routines that often require to wiggle your stance around a bit.
Supporting that technology is Puma’s ProFoam, a high-rebound EVA to provide cushioning and responsiveness with every lift. While the shoe feels super stable underfoot, the PWRFrame TR 2 is also beyond comfortable to wear even during long sessions.
Of course, grip also plays a big part, and the Puma is equipped with PumaGrip, a durable rubber compound to provide traction on multiple surfaces so that you’re safe in the knowledge that you won’t slip out from under the bar or slide when performing a weighted lunge.
Wearing this shoe, I was impressed with how easy it was to gain solid footing. I never felt that my foot placement or stability was compromised when wearing the PWRFrame TR 2, and it gave me the confidence to do my workout with distractions.
I’ve been absolutely loving this shoe for my functional training sessions. It has a stable base that makes it great for heavy lifts, and it offers plenty of support. For the last two years, I have been a loyal fan of the Under Armour Tribase training shoe for my strength training sessions but the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 is quickly becoming a favourite to slip into my gym bag.
The performance of the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 in the gym is indeed impressive, and at less than R2,000, you simply cannot beat the price for this well-rounded training shoe.
If you’re looking for a solid, affordable weight training shoe to tackle your fitness goals, then the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 is a great option. Priced at R1,799 the shoe comes in at well below the high-performance training shoes available from other brands in South Africa.
Gear to match
Alongside the PWRFrame TR 2, Puma also launched the Puma Fit collection. This training apparel collection fuses performance and style in technical pieces that look as good as they feel. Flattering, form-fitting designs feature bold branding and innovative fabrics, making them instant favourites for the gym and beyond.
I’ve been hitting the gym in the Puma Fit Medium Support Bra (R799) on resistance training days. Designed for moderate-intensity workouts, the crisscross back bra is constructed using smoothing EverSculpt fabric with Puma’s UltraForm technology to ensure a flattering fit and finish.
The moisture-wicking fabric is equipped with Puma’s dryCELL technology to keep sweat in check, making it the perfect bra if you want to stay comfortable and look great when things start to heat up in the gym.
This bra paired with the Puma Fit Fashion Woven Flow Short (R999) forms a dynamic duo for gym days when you’re ready to take things up a gear. The ultra-comfortable, high-waist shorts feature contrasting cutlines inspired by Puma’s iconic Formstrip, while the fitted underlayer lets you move with confidence. The shorts also feature Puma’s moisture-wicking technology.
Finish off the look with the Puma Fit Tri-Blend Tank Top (R699), built with a soft TriBlend fabric and Puma’s moisture-wicking construction to keep you comfortable throughout your entire workout.
The Puma Fit collection is now available online in South Africa as well as at Puma stores.
