[Update 15 Oct 2023] Official images of the JJJJound x New Balance 2002R “Storm Blue” are here, alongside a release date and price. With these images, we got a better look at JJJJound’s rendition of the NB 2002R—the hues of blue and grey, plus hits of silver accents, are reminiscent of the overcast skies during winter months.

Interestingly, the model of choice has become a topic of discussion amongst JJJJound supporters and the NB community, as this is the first JJJJound x New Balance collab that is not under the “MADE in USA” or “MADE in UK” lines.

Priced at US $170 USD, this JJJJound x New Balance 2002R “Storm Blue” is set to drop on 26 October, 12 PM EST, on JJJJound.com.

JJJJound and New Balance team up once again, this time on the NB 2002R—and coming in a surprising “Grey/Navy” colorway.

JJJJound first teased their latest collaboration with New Balance with a simple photo via Instagram. Staying true to the minimalist aesthetic that has helped JJJJound and founder Justin Saunders build a global cult community, this pair of JJJJound x New Balance 2002R retains almost every design detail from the popular lifestyle model.

From the mesh to the suede overlays and N-ERGY and ABZORB sole unit, it looked to mimic the 2002R, so much that it might actually be hard to tell it apart from any General Release pair from NB (To be fair, the washed-out blue color on the overlays has become a kind of JJJJound x New Balance signature).

Which brings us to JJJJound’s interesting color choice here—after years of keeping to an earthy palette, everyone’s favorite minimalist brand has decided to venture out of safe territory and chosen blue as the main color.

But as you’d expect from the Montreal label, it’s not just your regular blue and grey, different shades of greys and blues with the slightest differences intertwine on the shoe, and that’s the magic of JJJJound.

The JJJJound x New Balance 2002R is set to release in Fall/Winter 2023. Follow along as we will continue to bring you latest updates on this collab.

In other sneaker news, check out the Above The Clouds x ASICS GT-2160 “Cream/Shamrock Green”.