Here’s Another Shot at This New Balance 2002R ‘Protection Pack’!

News on this release was first published on March 11, 2022.

Update September 26, 2022: Following the inaugural launch, this New Balance 2002R ‘Protection Pack’ will drop again at END. on September 28.

Update August 25, 2022: Naked have also announced that they’ll be stocking the upcoming New Balance ‘Protection Pack’! Scroll down for more information and to hit the links.

Update August 19, 2022: The pink and purple ‘Protection Pack’ colourways are here! Titolo Shop have opened their raffle now for their stock. According to the retailer, the official release date will be September 1. Stay locked for a full Where to Buy guide.

It appears New Balance will be on a hot streak with ‘Protection Pack’ style releases for their new (old) hit in the 2002R. Following the original drop that now commands a pretty penny, and the imminent arrival of pigskin suede-covered pairs that reference some classic colours, the model and its jagged edges will also go super bright in the near future.

The success of the ‘Protection Pack’ can perhaps be attributed to the fact New Balance have taken a late-2000s technical running shoe – something that can objectively be classified as quite boring and stale (Dad Shoe enthusiasts and ironic fashion types will disagree) – and modernised it with some cool looks. In short, it really is the crazy raw edges and purposely dishevelled look of the upper that gives these 2002Rs their charm. And that’s not to say the regular version doesn’t have any personality – the ‘Protection Pack’ AKA ‘Refined Future’ is just literally edgier.

Off the back of various customs on the original drop, New Balance probably have taken some inspiration and drenched these new editions in vibrant shades of purple and pink, plus shades of grey and beige for perfect moodboard posting. There’s no release date on these yet, but they’re coming.