New Balance Is Bringing Back The Original “Protection Pack” 2002R

Run it back.

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If you’re looking for a specific time-frame of sneaker history that really changed the industry, look no further than the COVID-19 lockdown. While brands were feasting off the the online shopping boom, brand perceptions and the idea of “cool” began to shift. Among the key beneficiaries was New Balance, the American brand that has captured an entire generation with its “boring” design and unparalleled comfort.

While the New Balance 550 deserves plenty of credit for attracting a new consumer base, the New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” is responsible for the street co-sign. The extended edges with the hand-cut aesthetic hit a mark (COMME des GARÇONS’ Nike Air Max 95 and other similar collaborations had a lot to do with that) like few other sneakers have in the last decade, and it all happened without the help of a collaboration. It was pure energy from the consumer that originated on social media.

: New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” Extra Butter

: New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” Extra Butter

: New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” Extra Butter

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With the demand of the original colorways increasing (and thusly spiking prices on the secondary market), New Balance hit the gas hard on the “Protection Pack” aka “Refined Future” look. Like all overdone trends go, the movement eventually sputtered in late 2023/2024, although the recent collab with Size? proved that a silhouette is still a charmer.

New Balance in Europe is confirmed to re-release the original three colorways (Rain Cloud, Sea Salt, and Magnet) of the 2002R on June 4th. A US release date has not yet been confirmed.

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