Update: JJJJound and New Balance are back with their second collaborative take on the 2002R, utilizing GORE-TEX for the first time. Designed for the winter, the utility-oriented kicks appear in "Pine" and "Charcoal" colorways that have now been officially revealed by the Montréal-based studio. Release is taking place initially via JJJJound on February 15 at 12pm EST at a price of $190 USD per pair. From there, New Balance is scheduled to launch the kicks via its channels on February 22.
Update: Winter weather is here and JJJJound's latest team-up with New Balance is gearing sneakerheads up to take it on with the 2002R prepared with a GORE-TEX upper. Leaked previously, the Canadian label has now officially teased the project in both its gray and black colorway and a newly-unveiled green and black look. No release details have been disclosed just yet so stay tuned for updates and in the meantime, review our initial coverage below for more info.
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Original Story: JJJJound and New Balance are more than a half-dozen collaborations deep and boast a partnership that stretches back five years. Still, among all the minimalistic, muted efforts they've produced in that time span — a roster of heavy hitters made up of the 990v3, 990v4, 991, 992 and 2002R — they've never once experimented with GORE-TEX. That's set to change soon though, as early images of a 2002R collaboration equipped with the famed waterproof membrane have surfaced.
Simplicity, functionality and practicality are driving forces behind JJJJound's design ethos, and this 2002R, revealed by sneaker leaker @winglee0330, follows each to a T. It's dressed in a no-frills grey and black color scheme, with the former color appearing on the suede midfoot, toe cap and other overlays, while the latter is used on the rugged, almost Kevlar-esque mesh that can be seen on toeboxes, tongues and collars. The only direct pop of flair is provided by hiking-style bungee laces, and a small branded tag on the lateral collar indicates the design's waterproof construction. Down below, all-black midsoles and outsoles round off the look.
A release date for this GORE-TEX-lined JJJJound and New Balance 2002R collaboration has yet to be revealed, but it's likely to hit shelves sometime in 2024. Enjoy the first look above, and stay tuned for updates as they're available.
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