Jovani Hernandez Although it’s taken a backseat to the New Balance 550, the New Balance 2002R similarly caters to a growing consumer base’s hunger for old school performance footwear repackaged with a “lifestyle” spin. Recently, the updated runner has emerged in four colorful suede styles that reintroduce it into the limelight since August 2021’s “Refined Future” (or “Protection Pack”) collection.
Mostly constructed with a mix of premium pig suede and breathable mesh, each offering indulges in a rather tonal arrangement – including “Red Wine,” “Forest Green,” “Hazy Blue” and “Black Fig” makeovers. Detailing from the original model’s technical running debut in the early aughts reprise their roles in the form of silver “N” logos at the profiles and ostensibly reflective panels at the spine. The biggest update to New Balance‘s design, then, arrives underfoot as NERGY cushioning system injects a chunky, “dad shoe”-appropriateness to one of the Boston-based brand’s once-forgotten silhouettes. Figures like Salehe Bembury, of course, have helped change history’s course since late 2020.
Enjoy detailed product shots of the four colorways ahead, courtesy of Melbourne’s Up There Store, and anticipate a stateside NewBalance.com launch as spring and summer inch closer.
On the collaborative front, a Joe Freshgoods 550 might be in the works.
WHERE TO BUY
New Balance 2002R "Red Wine"
US Feb 2022
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MR PORTER | Standard | Check Site |
Europe 02/15/2022 Tuesday
| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Luisa Via Roma | Standard | Check Site |
| BSTN | Standard | Check Site |
| Asphaltgold | Standard | Check Site |
| AFEW | Raffle | Check Site |
WHERE TO BUY
New Balance 2002R "Forest Green"
Europe 03/02/2022 Wednesday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AFEW | Raffle | Check Site |
US Feb 2022
| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MR PORTER | Standard | Check Site |
WHERE TO BUY
New Balance 2002R "Hazy Blue"
WHERE TO BUY
New Balance 2002R "Black Fig"
Europe 09/07/2022 Wednesday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Luisa Via Roma | Standard | Check Site |
US Feb 2022
| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MR PORTER | Standard | Check Site |
