New Balance 2002R

Buy New Balance 2002R at Mentastore

Want to buy the New Balance 2002R? At Mentastore you will find this premium retro runner in soft grey, beige and dark colorways, including several pairs from the popular Protection Pack. Every pair is new, unworn and checked by our own team before it ships. Order online with shipping across Europe, or visit our store at Heuvelstraat 92 in Tilburg to see the 2002R in person and try on your size.

The 2002R is for people who love the New Balance running look but want something a little more refined. Soft suede, plush cushioning and muted tones give it a grown up feel, without losing the sporty character.

The story of the New Balance 2002R

The 2002R is based on the New Balance 2002, a high end running shoe from around 2010. When New Balance brought the model back as a lifestyle sneaker, it combined the upper of the original with a sole unit borrowed from its other running shoes, and added the "R" to the name. The result fitted perfectly into the revival of archive runners, and the 2002R quickly became a favourite of sneaker fans who wanted something different from the usual models.

Next to chunky silhouettes like the New Balance 9060 and the technical New Balance 1906, the 2002R is the calmer, more premium option. It is less loud, but it feels just as good on your feet.

Design and comfort

The upper combines breathable mesh with soft suede overlays and a few leather details. The lines are layered and slightly technical, typical of running shoes from that period, while the colours are usually muted: grey, beige, brown and black.

The midsole is where the 2002R really shines. It uses ABZORB cushioning together with N-ergy in the heel, which absorbs impact and gives a soft, stable step. The collar and tongue are well padded. Many people call the 2002R one of the most comfortable New Balance models to wear all day, whether you are walking through the city or standing at work.

The Protection Pack

The Protection Pack is the best known version of the 2002R. It gives the upper a deconstructed look: layers of suede seem to be cut open, with raw edges that show the mesh underneath. That rough, worn in effect makes every pair look a bit unique and has made the Protection Pack one of the most recognisable New Balance designs of recent years. The colours are mostly subtle, which keeps the shoe wearable despite the unusual finish.

Popular New Balance 2002R colorways

These are the pairs our customers ask about most:

• Protection Pack Rain Cloud: a soft light grey, the classic 2002R look and easy to combine.
• Protection Pack Driftwood: a warm grey beige that pairs well with earthy tones.
• Protection Pack Phantom: a dark, almost black version that shows less dirt.
• Protection Pack Mirage Grey and Protection Pack Sandstone: light grey and sandy beige tones for a neutral wardrobe.
• Dark Arctic Grey: a regular 2002R without the deconstructed layers, for a cleaner look.

Some pairs are in our own stock in Tilburg, others come from our trusted suppliers. Check the product pages for the sizes that are available right now.

New Balance 2002R for women and men

The 2002R is a unisex sneaker that comes in a wide size range. Men often reach for Phantom, Rain Cloud or Dark Arctic Grey, while women often choose the lighter Sandstone, Mirage Grey and Driftwood pairs. We always show the EU size on the product page, so you simply order the size you normally wear.

How does the New Balance 2002R fit?

As general advice, most people take their usual sneaker size in the 2002R. The shoe feels roomy and well cushioned, with a fairly generous toe box, which is why it is often recommended for wider feet.

• Between two sizes? Because the fit is roomy, many people go for the smaller of the two.
• Wider feet? Your normal size usually works well.
• Already own a New Balance 9060? Most people take the same size in the 2002R.

The easiest way to be sure is to try a pair on in our store in Tilburg. Ordered online and the size is not right? You have 14 days to return or exchange.

How to style the New Balance 2002R

The 2002R works with almost any relaxed outfit. Wide or straight jeans, cargo trousers, track pants and shorts with crew socks all suit its running shape. Grey pairs look great with black, navy and denim, while Driftwood and Sandstone go well with beige, olive and brown. Because the colours are subtle, the 2002R also works with a smarter outfit, like wide trousers and a long coat in autumn.

Suede needs a little extra care. Brush out dry dirt with a soft brush, use a cleaner that is safe for suede and let the shoes air dry. Avoid the washing machine. Our sneaker cleaning products help you keep your pair fresh.

Why buy your New Balance 2002R at Mentastore

Mentastore has been selling sneakers and streetwear since April 2023, and more than 30,000 satisfied customers have shopped with us since. We are rated 4.3 on Trustpilot. What you can expect:

• 100% authentic: every item is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also items from our suppliers. Read more on our authenticity page.
• A real store at Heuvelstraat 92, 5038 AH Tilburg: try on, see the pair in person or pick up your online order.
• In-stock items ship within 24 hours when you order before 17:00 on working days. Items from suppliers take 1 to 10 working days.
• Pay later with Klarna, 14 days to return or exchange, and shipping across Europe.

Want to compare? Have a look at the lighter New Balance 530 or browse all New Balance sneakers.

Frequently asked questions

How does the New Balance 2002R fit?

Most people take their usual sneaker size. The fit is roomy, so if you are between sizes, many people choose the smaller one. You can always try them on in our store in Tilburg.

What is the New Balance 2002R Protection Pack?

It is a version of the 2002R with a deconstructed upper: layers of suede with raw, cut open edges. Popular colorways include Rain Cloud, Driftwood and Phantom.

Is the New Balance 2002R comfortable?

Yes. ABZORB and N-ergy cushioning and a well padded collar make it one of the most comfortable New Balance models for daily wear.

Are the New Balance 2002R at Mentastore authentic?

Yes. Every pair is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also pairs that come from our suppliers.

Can I try on the New Balance 2002R in Tilburg?

Yes. Visit us at Heuvelstraat 92 in Tilburg to try on different sizes, or pick up your online order in the store.