The New Balance 2002R from the Protection Pack is a sneaker people have an immediate opinion on. The outer layer has been deliberately distressed, as if chunks have been torn away, leaving the ripstop layer underneath exposed. You’ll either love it instantly or hate it.
What makes it work here is the monochromatic color scheme. This “Sandstone” is sandy from toe to heel: the nubuck, the ripstop underneath, the N on the side in a tonal silver-gray finish, even the laces and toggle. The only exception is the red R in “2002R” on the heel. Without any contrast, the torn effect reads as texture rather than damage. If this had been done in two colors, it probably would have been too much.
What to Wear with Them
This is a sneaker for the foundation of your outfit, not the focal point. It works immediately with a pair of straight-leg, washed jeans, and even better with cargos, since the sandy tone and functional materials speak the same visual language. An olive or dark brown chino works too, as long as you don’t wear it too short: this 2002R has some volume, and it deserves to be seen.
Keep things simple up top. A gray or black hoodie, with an overshirt or nylon jacket on top, and you’re done. You don’t need another statement piece here — the sneaker is already doing that job. What I’d avoid is a sharp, tailored pair of trousers with a crisp crease. The deliberately rough upper will clash with the rest of the outfit.
What You Get
The idea behind the distressed upper is that you see two layers instead of one: the nubuck on the outside and the ripstop running underneath. That gives an otherwise understated sandy sneaker some depth, because you’re literally looking through the top layer. Whether you like the look is a matter of taste, but it isn’t random decoration — it’s the entire reason this model exists.
In terms of upkeep, it does require a little more attention than a smooth leather sneaker. The edges of the distressed sections are where dirt tends to collect, and they won’t come clean easily with just a cloth. A soft brush works much better, and it only takes a minute.
The midsole is cream-colored, with the visible cushioning in the heel, and it has been neatly color-matched to keep the lower half understated. It’s still a 2002R, so you’re standing on a substantial, well-cushioned sole rather than something flat. For everyday walking, that’s simply comfortable.
Price
The retail price was €180. At the moment, there are eight active listings, ranging from around €114 at the low end to roughly €205. For a release from fall 2023, that’s a reasonable range: available below retail, but not being given away.
Eight sellers isn’t many, so your size will be the biggest deciding factor here. Compare the shops, see where this 2002R is available in your size, and only then compare prices. With New Balance, the difference rarely lies in the sneaker and almost always in the retailer.