The wine has aged well, but it still doesn't compare to the New Balance 2002. They first came out in 2010 as a successor to the 2001 model, after which they took on many functional elements that were enhanced in the final version with a gel component on the heel, a more breathable upper and an overall more sporty look. Initial sales were not indicative of what was to come with the New Balance 2002R. But as the end of the decade approached, the dad shoe trend began to grow, and it's safe to say the rest is history.
The "R" was added to the 2002 number, definitively confirming the transition from performance to lifestyle, in which the sneaker excels, especially with its high comfort and great materials both outside and inside the shoe. We owe the look that is a symbol of the 20s urban sneaker to the creative director of NB Japanese division named Tetsuya Shono, who redefined the American streetwear aesthetic into a trend that currently rules the sidewalks. So get your sceptre and wear the New Balance 2002R.
