The size? Exclusive New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Releases in 2025

Published March 3, 2025

Although the sneaker landscape is full of techy mesh runners today, things were much different in 2021. Back then, New Balance was reintroducing the world to the 2002R silhouette, which was instrumental in the resurgence of this footwear category. More specifically, the Protection Pack, a “wearable relic” version of the sneaker, helped propel the model and New Balance to new heights, and even today, the original Raincloud colorway of the Protection Pack 2002R fetches upwards of $500 on the secondary market. Now, after multiple Protection Pack 2002Rs and even 1906Rs hit the market, UK retailer size? is helping relaunch the 2002R Protection Pack.

As mentioned, New Balance didn’t stop making 2002R Protection Pack colorways after the model's initial success in 2021. Since then, we’ve seen multiple versions, some with new materials and construction, but it has been nearly two years (outside of the 2002R Mule) since we’ve gotten the Protection Pack makeover on the 2002R. These three new colorways previewed by size? showcase the original’s worn-away and torn overlays, with two featuring a mixture of suede and mesh on the upper.

The third pair in the collection opts for a metallic silver leather finish, similar to DTLR’s Christmas-themed 2002R from last year. As for the two suede pairs, one is in a mixture of tans and metallic silver mesh, while the other comes in a black and dark grey combo. All three pairs have a set of cream laces and tonal midsole/outsoles.

The size? Exclusive New Balance 2002R Protection Pack will release in 2025, starting with the Brown pair on March 13. They will be available exclusively through size? online and in-store. Coming in men’s and women's sizing, retail is £140.00 (approx $182 USD). Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Images via size?