New Balance 2002R

New Balance 2002R: Old DNA, New Attitude

Let’s rewind. The New Balance 2002 hit the scene in 2010, built like a premium sports car—smooth, fast, and too advanced for its time. But in 2020, New Balance turned that classic into the 2002R, and this time, the streets were ready. 

They kept the upper close to the original—a mix of suede overlays and breathable mesh—but dropped the sole from the 860v2 underneath. That’s where the magic happened. So what you get is legacy on top, comfort below, and a silhouette that moves like both a throwback and a flex. 

New Balance's most styles are unisex, so whether you are trying to find womens new balance 2002r or the men’s one, you’re walking with that same energy that made the OG cult-status—but updated for how we move now.

Comfort, But Not Quiet

The ABZORB midsole and N-ERGY heel tech don’t just sound cool—they’re serious about keeping you comfortable. Whether you’re clocking miles or just clocking eyes on the block, these kicks hold you down all day. And that Stability Web? Keeps everything locked in without weighing you down.

But here’s the twist—what really set the 2002R on fire wasn’t just tech or timing. It was taste. Collaborations with Salehe Bembury and the game-changing “Protection Pack” blew it wide open. 

Designed by Yue Wu, that pack turned a standard model into a full-on movement, using deconstructed overlays and washed tones that felt worn, lived-in, and hella authentic.

Colorways That Talk Back

One thing the 2002R refuses to be is basic. From the warm-tone chaos of the "Cream Kumquat" to the deep, controlled vibe of the "Black Magnet", every drop hits with a different kind of energy. The "Steel Blue" pairs feel like a nod to NB’s roots, while the "Ginger Lemon" brings something spicy into rotation. 

For the younger set, options like the Kid’s 2002R “Pink Sand” or “White Black Gold” keep the legacy moving early. No matter the colorway, this model doesn’t just sit pretty—it moves right.  But if you want something hotter, rock the new balance 2002r kids, real materials, real comfort, real heritage.

Part of the Lineup, Not Lost in It

The 2002R lives comfortably alongside some of New Balance’s most iconic shapes. It’s one of those models that bridges the past and future without tryna be loud about it. 

At Tops & Bottoms, we keep it close to the chest with our New Balance collection, where everything from the forward-thinking New Balance 9060 to the legacy-built New Balance 1906R is just a scroll away.

The 2002R is a reminder that some things age better when they’re given room to grow. No reboot energy here. Just real ones recognizing what it is.