New Balance 2002R runners

2002R

Throughout the 2000s, New Balance was known for its performance running shoes which, though comfortable, were not necessarily considered stylish. The brand’s 1000 series was a great example of this, and in 2010, a new model called the MR2002 was added to the line.

Andrew Nyssen designed its upper from the perspective of what a CEO might wear, even using New Balance’s Rob DeMartini as inspiration. He also drew on high-class brands like Hublot and Bentley to build something which would look luxurious while performing at the top level.

The upper of the New Balance 2002 was made from fine nubuck and mesh with generous cushioning and a suede lining that provided a deluxe feeling. To get the best sole unit, Nyssen approached the New Balance Performance Running Team, who provided him with the one from the 1906 running shoe, which was known for its supportive full-length Gel cushioning.

Due to its high-tech features, quality materials and the fact that it was part of the premium Made in USA series, the 2002 had such a high price point that it failed to take hold. However, in 2018, New Balance employee Tetsuya Shono, who was a fan of its classy look, devised a plan to bring the shoe back as a complement to the epic 990 series.

After recruiting experienced designer Taylor Canby to replicate Nyssen’s upper, Shono began his search for a new sole unit as the original one was no longer in production. He found it in another heritage running shoe called the 860v2, whose sole contained both ABZORB and Gel cushioning for even more comfort, stability and support.

With the revamped build came an updated name, the New Balance 2002R, and a new manufacturing process in Asia that was quicker and cheaper than before. When it came out in September 2020, the shoe’s lower price point helped give it broader appeal, while the combination of Canby’s faithfully recreated upper and Shono’s new 860v2 sole made it a highly successful release.

However, the thing that truly launched the 2002R into the mainstream was collaborations. Before the end of 2020, distinctive sneakers had been crafted with fashion brands like thisisneverthat, Invincible and N. HOOLYWOOD, but the most striking edition was the vibrant orange ‘Peace Be The Journey’ colourway designed with visionary creative Salehe Bembury, which gave the silhouette a significant boost.

Dozens of unforgettable collaborative sneakers have followed since with everyone from Japanese brands like BAPE and AURALEE to renowned design studio JJJJound and popular New Balance partner Joe Freshgoods. Meanwhile, Yue Wu’s outstanding ‘Protection Pack’ has been one of the most well-received general release collections in the brand’s history.

While the original 2002 model fell short of New Balance’s expectations, the revamped 2002R surpassed them, more than making up for the results of that initial release. Thanks to its retro aesthetic, its supportive sole unit and the huge variety of stylish collaborations it has been involved in, this classy lifestyle sneaker has become a beloved fashion icon.