[Update 31 Mar 2023] For those that missed out on the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 2002R “Conversations Amongst Us” last year, New Balance has given you another chance to cop at retail. Seemingly out of the blue, the collaboration is set to restock on New Balance’s website on 1 Apr. As of writing, the restock is only set for the US, and it’s not immediately clear if it will extend to the global audience.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance M2002RJ1 “Conversations Amongst Us”, a special collaborative product that pays homage to black culture, is born!!

New Balance has taken the sneaker scene by storm with its one-of-a-kind quality and style while skillfully incorporating tradition and innovation. One of their shoe “2002R,” which made its long-awaited comeback in 2020, is made in Asia and features a renewed “ML860 v2” sole, and the new elegant style is maintaining the highest level of comfort. The affordable price point has also made them a fashion item for a wider range of generations.

This time, Chicago-based designer “Joe Freshgoods” has created the 2002R with “Conversations Amongst Us” campaign, which focuses on black culture and delves deeply into the importance of communication and community. Designed in collaboration with “Black Soles,” a team of black employees of New Balance, the shoe is primarily white for a clean look. The upper is a combination of soft, high-quality leather, suede, ripstop, and other materials with different textures, resulting in a simple yet meticulous finish. The leather cut lines are brown, and the N logo is yellow or black. The shoe box has also been redesigned with the words “Conversations Amongst Us” engraved on it, creating a pair that connects the black community to the next generation through sneakers.