The 2002 and most of its iterations have been at the vanguard of New Balance’s offerings. It’s been subsumed into special packs and collaborations such as the game-changing “Protection Pack”, the recently-released “Denim Pack”, and the reimagining of the pair by The Basement—just to name a few.

It’s garnered enough momentum through these successes that even its general releases gets enough acclaim. Another addition to the family is this pastel blue colorway. Its build doesn’t deviate from the blueprint with all its hallmarks a mainstay.

There’s the signature ABZORB sole unit that’s been shared between other NB models like the 1906. Moreover, comes the standard mesh base layer here dressed in sky blue framed within white leather overlays on the toebox and the ankle collar.

In addition to these is a darker tonal shade suede overlay. Rounding off the pair is brown leather accenting the shoe on the heel tab, tongue, and vamp. Therein are branding elements imprinted inconspicuously, letting the make shine holistically as opposed to being known for its individual parts.

A release date hasn’t been disclosed but they’re expected to go for US$140. Find them on New Balance’s brick-and-click stores when D-Day comes to pass.

In other sneaker-related news, check out the unique ROLLER magazine x Tomoya Nagase x Vans Authentic “Anti-Normal Genuine Excuse”, a collaboration done with a quarterly publication focused on vintage, classic motorcycles.