Not long ago we showed you a first look at a sample pair of New Balance 2002Rs — one seemingly created with a hiking aesthetic in mind. As it turns out, that sample will indeed be releasing later in 2022, but not on its own.
The crop of details that give these a “Hiking Pack” aesthetic, such as the metallic eyelets typical in hiking boots appears and the distinct outdoor-friendly colors, have appeared in three different colorways of the 2002R model. Shedding the usual supple suede is a denser material that is more common in hiking boots. The all-black version is adorned with leather for even more protection, but all three carry the same Toe Protect technology we as unique perforations at the toe-box. Metal eyelets, an engineered mesh underlay, and hiking style laces complete the overall look.
A release date is unknown, but these New Balance 2002Rs are set to arrive soon.
In the meantime, check out the first look at the New Balance 1906R, set to debut soon via a collaboration with thisisneverthat.