Reviving silhouettes and updating them for the modern day has been key for the success of New Balance as models like the 1906R and 2002R have come back with updated tooling, both of which borrow the sole unit of the 860v2. For the latter of the two (although both have taken on this moniker), the Protection Pack helped popularize the model as its distressed, worn-down look slid right into fashion's latest trend of pre-worn and aged silhouettes. Since its initial inception in 2021, the Yue Wu-designed 2002R Protection Pack, which technically is dubbed the “Refined Future” pack, has appeared in various color schemes and the latest take comes with a “Navy Grey” combo.
Alongside the “Black Grey” colorway that appeared late last year, the model maintains its suede and mesh construction with thick, hairy suede overlays receiving jagged cuts along the mudguard, toebox, midfoot, and heel. Most of these panels take on a deep navy blue hue while the overlays on the toebox and bottom portion of the heel take on a grey finish. Tonal blue laces match the tongue and various overlays with deep navy mesh and light blueish-grey mesh found on the collar and toe respectively. Exposed foam on the lining of the tongue and on the heel tab adds to the worn-in look while the upper comes complete with “N” branding along the midfoot and “2002R” text near the collar. Rounding everything out is the two-tone white and earth-tone foam midsole paired with a black rubber outsole.
The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Navy Grey is set to release in March 2023 through New Balance and select retailers online and in-store. Coming in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $150. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
New Balance 2002R Protection Pack “Navy Grey”
Images via New Balance
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
