First released back in 2021, the “Refined Futures” Pack (more commonly referred to as the Protection Pack), saw New Balance tweak their 2002R silhouette into an eroded “wearable relic” as stated by one of the designers on the model, Yue Wu. We’ve got plenty of fresh takes in 2022 from "Worn White" to an array of colors across the spectrum, though 2023 will see the release of another model in this variant, the 1906D. As for the 2002R, the latest colorway to be revealed is going back to the grey tones that NB is famous for with the New Balance 2002R Protection Pack "Grey Lilac."
Covered in grey and greyish-purple tones of distressed, rough-cut suede overlays, the sneaker keeps its mesh base in a complimentary earthy purple hue. Starting down around the toe, the aforementioned purple hue covers the suede as the overlays connect all the way back to the heel, though the quarter panel gets a dark grey shade instead. Running through the eyestays is a set of cream laces that reach a rough-cut leather tongue tag in grey, with exposed foam on its edge, coming slightly darker than the sockliner located nearby. As for branding, the typical 2002R features remain with the midfoot home to the infamous “N” logo and “2002R” text stamped along the collar. Underfoot, a two-tone white and grey dual-density foam midsole gets paired with a grey and black rubber outsole.
The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Grey Lilac is slated to release in 2022 through New Balance and select NB retailers online and in-store. Coming in men’s sizing, the retail price is TBA. For more updates on the latest from NB and more in the sneaker and streetwear space, keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app.
New Balance 2002R Protection Pack "Grey Lilac"
Images via woganwodeyang
