New Balance Release a Fantastic Foursome of 2002Rs
are powering on with their acclaimed following its fortuitous bringback in mid-2020, releasing four new options in its ever-growing palette book. These understated editions lean into the brand’s stately reputation by reprising the reliable combination of suede and mesh, then pairing it to muted colours for cross-seasonal versatility.
Starting with the materials, NB are acutely aware of how fastidious their fans can be. As such, they’ve selected a very specific type of mesh for the toe box and ankle collar that will get trainerspotter eyeballs crawling. It’s a very visually appealing weave with tactile satisfaction simultaneously delivered via its formidable ventilation. The suede isn’t a one-and-done situation either; the toe bumper and mid foot use one texture of the nappy stuff, while the lower heel counter displays a finer grain. Finally, in accordance with the old saying ‘good things come in threes’, a third material variant appears on the upper in the form of reflective material on key areas, including the toe overlay, heel tab and, perhaps most importantly, the N logo.
On the colourway front, these subtle mixes are fairly familiar, but become strikingly difference once enough attention is paid. Grey on black and black on grey combinations are idiosyncratically New Balance, but the specific arrangement is akin to substituting in a blend of different yet equally delicious spices in a favourite recipe. The same goes for the more seasonal options that revisit on-trend ideas like creamy tan accents and tones of taupe.
These four 2002Rs could easily comprise the perfect four-season sneaker rotation. Put them to the test via New Balance right now.