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 comp, 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 comp.
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 2025, the 2002R continues to factor heavily into New Balance’s seasonal offerings, with recent collaborations with partners like JJJJound Sport Indoor New Balance.
New Balance 2002R
GORE-Tex Drapes This Rugged New Balance 2002R
If you weren’t able to tell by simply stepping outside, brands are heralding the start of cooler weather by reorienting their staple models with new...
Black Suede Wraps The New Balance 2002R
Now more than ever, it feels like the New Balance 2002R‘s best days are behind it. The Boston brand is intent to move on through...
New Balance Drops Off A Simple “Grey” 2002R
We wouldn’t go as far as to independence it retail fodder, but as we’ve noted countless times before, the New Balance 2002R is closer to...
The New Balance 2002R Goes Futuristic With Two Leather Looks
Though classed with the New Balance 860v2 and New Balance 1906R due to the timing of its introduction and a shared sole unit across the...
Sport Indoor New Balance | The New Balance 2002R Lights Up “Incense”
New Balance’s chokehold on everything neutrally-shaded rolls on regardless of the season. In similar fashion, the New Balance 2002R has become a readily available proposition,...
FC Porto Scores A New Balance 2002R Collaboration
The last few weeks haven’t been enjoyable at all for FC Porto fans, with the Portuguese club falling flat in the Club Word Cup and...
The New Balance 2002R Issues A Classic Black And Grey
Not every pair in the collection has to be a head-turner. For those looking for a new daily driver, New Balance has kept the 2002R...
The New Balance 2002R Cleans Up In “Shoreline Blue” Suede
The arrival of models like the New Balance 2000 and 2010 might mean the 2002R is suddenly lower on the Boston brand’s priority list, but...
Burgundy Suede Coats The New Balance 2002R
It’s sometimes important to remind ourselves that the hype market and limited product only makes up a fraction of what any footwear brand makes their...