Skyrocketing in terms of cultural relevance in the last few years, New Balance has found hit after hit with collaborators like Salehe Bembury and through inline releases like the 9060 and Protection Pack. The latter of the two in-house designs is arguably the label's most popular GR release in recent memory and has even jumped from the 2002R silhouette over to the newly revived 1906D, however, it seems we’ll continue to get more colorways in the model that started in all come 2023. Already seen in “Black Suede,” an all-over “Driftwood” colorway has just been spotted.
Like other Protection Pack pairs, the uppers distressed, jagged, and worn-in-looking suede overlays convey the “wearable relic” theme that designer Yu Wue was trying to capture with this iteration of the model. On this particular colorway, sandy tan takes over the various overlays with a cream-toned suede appearing along the toebox’s overlays and via the perforated suede back on the heel. Laces matching the eyestays and leather tongue run up towards the “New Balance Running” text in the branding window while the sockliner nearby comes with a white finish. Further branding details, like the “N” logo on the midfoot and “2002R” text along the heel, remain standard while the entire design is rounded out by a tan and cream midsole paired with a black rubber outsole.
The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Driftwood has seen a staggered release through select retailers like Hibbett while a wider drop via New Balance is set for sometime in 2023. Coming in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $160. 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 "Driftwood"
Images via New Balance
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