[Update 2 Feb 2023] The Japan release date for the BEAMS x New Balance M2002R GTX has been confirmed. The sneaker will drop on 4 February at BEAMS stores with a JPY25,300 (~US$197) price tag. The latest collaborative sneaker from the long-time partners sees the addition of GORE-TEX to the mix for additional functionality and increased performance.

Along with the announcement, BEAMS also released a clearer image of the BEAMS x New Balance M2002R GTX; more leaked pictures have also surfaced, showcasing the moody, stonewashed vibes of the shoe perfectly. Take an early look via the gallery above, and follow along for more updates including its global release date.

[Update 30 Jan 2023] All has been quiet since the three-way collab between BEAMS, GORE-TEX and New Balance first appeared on our radar a few months back. That is until BEAMS Men’s Casual updated their Instagram with a teaser image of the upcoming sneaker this past weekend.

Simply captioned “New Balance for BEAMS. Coming soon…” with no additional details, the IG post features a shot of the BEAMS x New Balance 2002R “Grey GTX” underwater—possibly alluding to its all-weather and waterproof quality with the addition of GORE-TEX. Expect the collaborative sneaker to drop in the next months and continue to follow along for the latest!

What’s better than a collaborative BEAMS and New Balance 2002R? An all-weather, waterproof pair. With its stonewashed, pre-aged outer and the addition of GORE-TEX, as seen on leaked images, the upcoming BEAMS x New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX is all set to go on an adventure with you.

BEAMS and New Balance are no strangers to collaborating but the dark moody vibe that the shoe exudes here is certainly a first. Suede overlays in a pre-aged ash grey shade wrap around a blueish-grey mesh upper. The N-ERGY midsole appears in a slightly lighter shade of grey; while navy is spotted on the “N” logo on the sides and on the New Balance branding at the tongue.

Looking a lot like the sanitized version of NB’s own inline 2002R GORE-TEX “Magnet” first spotted in October, the duo gave the shoe a subtle update by strategically sprinkling BEAM’s iconic orange around the shoe—on the “R” of the “2002R” text near the rear, and on the tongue label. A photo of the shoe’s insole also shows the orange BEAMS branding popping out amongst a tripartite of black logos.

Although no release info and official images are available, this pair is believed to be dropping in 2022, so be sure to follow along for more updates.

In other sneaker-related news, check out these classy JJJJound x adidas Sambas.