Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R ‘Water Be The Guide’ is a Natural Wonder

In an for New Balance, trailblazing designer Salehe Bembury​ delivered one of the bona fide highlights of 2020 with his unmistakable 2002R ‘Peace Be The Journey’ collaboration. And while sequels don’t often live up to the original, Bembury hasn’t disappointed with this year’s highly anticipated follow-up, once again looking to nature for this all-new 2002R ‘Water Be The Guide’.

A self-confessed lover of the Great Outdoors, Bembury looks to Havasu Falls in Arizona as the muse for his latest project. A stunning natural wonder located just outside Grand Canyon National Park, the falls are a bucket-list locale for trail fiends, and can only be accessed via a challenging five-hour hike.

The eye-catching teal tones dressing the hairy suede upper of the 2002R ‘Water Be The Guide’ are a nod to Havasu Falls’ green-blue water, while a burnt orange mesh base is used to mimic the site’s red rocks. Adding to the mix are complementary green ‘N’ logos, NB’s ‘running’ badge on the tongue, and a unique finger-print pattern on the heel. For a touch of luxe, there’s leather accents and shearling details, while a Salehe Bembury–branded lace keeper ups the sneaker’s collaborative clout. Down below, the NERGY foam midsole with Stability Web TPU shank ensures all-day comfort, while the deluxe packaging is the obligatory cherry on top.

Be sure to peep the campaign video starring Jesse Williams (with a cameo from Austin Mahone) ahead of the release of the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R ‘Water Be The Guide’ on June 25, via New Balance UK, New Balance DE, New Balance FR, New Balance IT, and New Balance ES.