New Balance 2002R

The New Balance 2002R is a remastered version of the original 2002. To say the New Balance 2002 didn’t launch to public acclaim would be an understatement. Between a $250 price tag necessitated by high-tech hardware and an unpopular design, the sneakers left shelves shortly after hitting them. However, the influx of attention that “dad shoes” as a whole received as they neared their 10 year anniversary prompted creatives at New Balance to re-evaluate the forgotten design.

Enter the New Balance 2002R. Revamped with a sole unit borrowed from the New Balance 860, the “refurbished” take on the silhouette brought its price tag down to a much more palatable $130. That reduction in MSRP was one of a few factors that allowed its 2020 emergence to go over much smoother than its initial launch.

While collaborations with the likes of BAPE, Salehe Bembury and KITH highlight some of the defining colorways, a history of the 2002R wouldn’t be complete without mention of the “Protection Pack.” Planting frayed suede on the lifestyle silhouette towards the end of 2021 for over a dozen colorways, pairs from that collection are arguably the most impactful ever seen on the 2002R.

In 2024, the 2002R continues to factor heavily into New Balance’s seasonal offerings, with recent collaborations with the likes of JJJJound adding an additional boost to the product line.

New Balance 2002R

JJJJound Drenches The New Balance 2002R In Gore-Tex

Love or hate JJJJound’s ultra-simplistic take on elevated streetwear; there’s no denying that they’ve tapped into something special, aligning their refined style with brands far...

By Matt Varga December 6, 2024
4107

The New Balance 2002R Cleans Up In Grey And Indigo

The New Balance 2002R continues to surface in new colorways, now appearing in familiar shades of grey with subtle “Indigo” and “Metallic Silver” accents. Official...

By Andrew Rizzo December 3, 2024
1298

The New Balance 2002R “Bright Sky” Is Available Now

The New Balance 2002R may have stumbled from its position atop the NB catalog in favor of the New Balance 1906R and New Balance 9060,...

By Matt Varga December 2, 2024
507

New Balance Brings Earthy “Driftwood” To The 2002R

New Balance continues to touch down with fresh 2002Rs that are perfect for colder weather fashion. While this latest arrival doesn’t feature Cordura or GORE-TEX...

By Andrew Rizzo November 30, 2024
919

“Dark Moss” Grows On The New Balance 2002R

The New Balance 9060 and New Balance 1906R may be the Boston brand’s best pieces of statement wear, pitch-perfect exemplars of Y2K trends and best-sellers...

By Matt Varga November 24, 2024
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DTLR Is In The Holiday Spirit With The New Balance “Tinsel” Pack

DTLR has proven itself time and time again with its collaborative New Balances centered around creative themes. Their next and final drop of 2024 aligns...

By Sneaker News November 20, 2024
2024

This Pink-Flooded New Balance 2002R Is Exclusive To One Store

Sneaker brands have evolved beyond the process of slapping pink on women’s shoes and calling it a day, but such traditionally feminine looks are still...

By Andrew Rizzo November 18, 2024
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New Balance Gets In Season With The “Emerging Brown” Pack

Are you still looking to put the finishing touches on your fall rotation? The Boston brand is catering an upcoming “Emerging Brown” collection to that...

By Matt Varga October 25, 2024
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“Olive” And GORE-TEX Bring The New Balance 2002R Into Fall

At this stage, it seems fair to say that the New Balance 2002R has receded as a true “hype” model. Its catalog peer in New...

By Matt Varga October 19, 2024
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