New Balance has achieved the mass cultural cache in which it doesn’t need a collaboration to churn out a highly sought-after sneaker. Perhaps the best example of the brand’s in-house capabilities is last year’s “Protection Pack,” which saw the 2002R silhouette given a pre-distressed makeover. The decaying aesthetic worked terrifically on muted colors, and now it’s set to make a return in much more vibrant hues.
The 2002R “Protection Pack” has been confirmed in three new colors, with two additional variants also popping up early in the leak process. "Vintage Orange," "Steel Blue," and "Dark Navy" 2002Rs all have official nicknames and are slated for an April 1 release that’s no joke. The rusty orange version is easily the standout of the confirmed trio, but purple and pink joints coming down the pipeline also give it serious competition for the supreme color scheme.
