[Update 1 Mar 2023] It has been a couple of months, but release details of the “Navy” pair has finally surfaced. Set to drop on 3 March alongside a “Black/Grey” colorway, the pairs will be made available via New Balance and select retailers. In the meantime, check out the official images on the article slider above.

Collaborations generally draw a lot of attention in the status quo. That said, it’s been awhile since any brand has had an inline offering that’s quite as strong as New Balance’s Protection Pack series. It’s been some time now since it was first introduced, yet having subsumed the 1906 and 2002 models—their two silhouettes at the vanguard—its locomotion continues to build momentum and its inertia will last entering 2023.

Thus far in the last few weeks, images of a “Black/Grey” and “Khaki/Grey” 2002R have surfaced. And it seems its only the tip of the iceberg with the titular “Navy” and “Grey” coming to light. Contrary to its predecessors, the two pairs-in-discussion opt for a singular color scheme, dressed in various shades. It neither deviates nor introduces anything new, sticking with the elements that made its family so popular.

The axiom that familiarity breeds contempt may be true, but for now, these 2002Rs are, aptly, “protected”. Familiarity is what its fans want. The material choices are a mainstay: the mesh base layer, the leather overlay on the tongue, the suede on the body, the die-cut logo on the profiles, and the aggressive sole unit. It’s also on these parts where the colors differ between the two.

New Balance hasn’t divulged a word in any official capacity about next year’s releases, with all photos of the pairs being leaks. However, with so many more being shared in quick succession, their laboratory can be assumed is functioning in full capacity.

While waiting for more news, have a look at the Shushu/Tong x ASICS GEL-MJ.

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