The New Balance 2002R is a retro that garnered huge attention thanks to the first Protection Pack that was released back in the summer of ’21. Since then the 2002R and Protection Pack updates have seen great success, resulting in New Balance’s huge rise within the footwear community. Warming up for another release of the Pack is this “Navy Grey” colourway that is on track to hit the ground running.
Jagged edges and rough cuts give an unfinished appearance, a trait that separates the shoe from the crowd. New Balance explores its own spin on the deconstructed motif that was popularised by the one-and-only Virgil Abloh in 2017. The navy suede speaks to the premium quality of the shoe with its hairy finish, whereas the grey panels adopt a finer suede. The mesh underlay can also be found in navy albeit a different shade to the overlaying panels. The sidewall “N” logo is outlined in white while the 2002R model number sits on a 3M ankle collar panel as per-usual. The midsole embraces the standard combination of the ABZORB unit and NERGY cushioning technology, allowing this pair to feel great on foot.
