New Balance 2002R was introduced in 2010 as the successor to the technically impressive but not very appealing 2001 shoe. The model was handmade at New Balance's factories in the USA and was carefully assembled from nubuck, mesh, and full-length N-ERGY soles borrowed from the running shoe 1906. Fashion designer Ronnie Fieg once said this about the 2002R model: "the midsole is equipped with a cushioning system better than most of your cars." Of course, this high praise came with a high price. New Balance was no stranger to charging well for their products, and almost 30 years after selling shoes for 100 dollars, the 2002 was launched at the impressive price of 250 dollars.
Unfortunately, the high price of the New Balance 2002R was not appreciated by the average consumer, who did not necessarily understand the extraordinary quality justifying the high price for a pair of sneakers. As a result of the high price and lack of attention, the 2002 was almost forgotten and risked ending as an exorbitant footnote in New Balance's back catalog. When the shoe was discontinued, dedicated fans did not stop searching for dead stock in hopes that their favorite shoe would never be reissued.
It was not until 2020 that the New Balance 2002R began to gain attention again thanks to the growing "Dad Shoe" trend. New Balance saw the potential in reviving their archive models and decided to relaunch the 2002R under their lifestyle category at a more affordable price of 130 dollars. This price reduction and increased competitiveness were made possible by producing the shoe in the Far East - New Balance's reputation for quality control still ensured high quality for the price.
New Balance 2002R shoes stand out with their classic, Old School, and functional design. The upper is made from a combination of mesh and suede, providing both comfort and style. The shoe is also known for its durability and breathability, which are common traits of New Balance sneakers. It is equipped with ABZORB technology, offering extra cushioning and comfort with every step. The shoe's lateral side also features N-ERGY technology, which acts as a shock absorber.
One of the reasons for the 2002R's success is the many Collabs and Colorways that have been released. In 2021, several Collabs were launched with prominent names such as Salehe Bembury, thisisneverthat, JD Sports, and Invincible. These collaborations have helped increase the shoe's popularity and create a cult status around it.
Additionally, New Balance has also released a range of solid Colorways that have developed their own reputation. An example is the "Protection Pack," previously known as "Refined Future." These shoes have been ultra sought-after since release and have helped cement the New Balance 2002R as an iconic sneaker in Sneaker culture.
New Balance 2002R is a sneaker that was almost forgotten but managed to regain its popularity and create a wave of excitement among Sneakerheads globally. After being close to ending as a footnote in New Balance's back catalog, the 2002R was revived and given a fresh new approach that appealed to both sneaker enthusiasts and fashion lovers. With its unique design, comfort, and clean Colorways, New Balance 2002R has positioned itself as one of the most popular sneakers in 2021, 2022, and 2023. With continued releases and collaborations, it looks like the 2002R's success will continue to make history in the sneaker world.
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