The New Balance 2002R has been everywhere since its retro release back in 2020, and has stuck around as one of the brand’s most popular shoes ever since. This week, the Boston brand released a new Mule version overseas.
New Balance’s coveted 99x family has seen some interesting transformations into laceless ‘mule’ silhouettes in recent years. While not necessarily popular in the United States quite yet, they are immensely so overseas, where NB typically releases these shoes exclusively, catering to countries that wear a lot of slippers in their culture. The latest New Balance sneaker to receive the mule treatment is the 2002R, currently the fan-favorite model from the Boston Brand. Chopping off the 2002‘s heel for an easy-on, easy-off functionality, these pairs also replace the lacing system with a suede tongue secured by durable elastic bands, also providing enough lockdown to wear them all day long. Sticking to their tried-and-true playbook, these pairs debuted in a classic grey, as well as a sand color scheme.
NEW BALANCE 2002R MULE RELEASE INFORMATION
New Balance’s latest iteration of the 2002R, now in a laceless mule format, has already debuted overseas in China, with a global release expected in the coming weeks. Launching in NB’s classic grey alongside a sand color scheme, these pairs likely come with a price tag in the $140+ range. Check out the official images below for a better look, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more New Balance release news.
UPDATE 8/16/22: New Balance’s modified mule version of the 2002R has emerged in official images this week, indicating a global release is likely on the horizon. Dressed in their classic ‘Rain Cloud’ color scheme, the grey look is likely to be accompanied by the black pair when they release later this season for $140.
New Balance 2002R Mule
Release Date: 2022
Price: $140
Color: Rain Cloud/Marblehead
Style Code: M2002RMA
