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The cheetah print on footwear is nothing new, as we’ve seen this exotic safari-inspired graphic coat on the uppers of multiple releases across different brands. New Balance, however, traditionally sticks to more refined and non-flashy colorways for its sneakers. While this rings true for most of the Boston-based footwear brand’s offerings, the latest 2002R switches things up by adding a cheetah print to the lifestyle runner.
While we mentioned that traditionally, this is not New Balance’s forte, the brand has added exotic animal prints to its silhouettes in the past, including the New Balance 1500, 327, and 610. This marks the first 2002R release that adds animal print details to the upper, as we can see in the graphic covering the mudguard, midfoot panels, tongue, and upper eyelets. Leaning into the earthy, animal-inspired color palette are tan shades on the mesh base, leather panels, and the suede overlays along the toe and collar.
Pops of red are visible along the N logo on the vamp, the R in 2002R along the collar, and the NB logo on the heel, these three features being the only non-earthy hues found on the sneaker. Tonal cream helps finish the upper along the lace set, while the midsole below comes in a mixture of cream and brown with a pop of red on the N-ERGY logo. Finishing the design is the black rubber outsole.
Unfortunately, for most of the globe, the women's New Balance 2002R Cheetah is exclusive to French-based retailer Courir. It’s currently available to purchase on the retailer’s website for €160 (approx $166 USD) in women's sizing. Check below for official images from Courir and in-hand shots from New Balance designer Anna Wilson, who helped bring this pair to life. Download 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 Cheetah (Courir Exclusive)
Images via Courir
Images via Anna Wilson
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
