New Balance 2002R “Refined Future” Pack Part Two

Mar 10, 2022

Original Story (03/03/22): The New Balance 2002R “Refined Future” (aka “Protection Pack”) was one of the most sought after GR releases of 2021. Their “eroded” design has since made its way onto a pair of 57/40s, with additional styles surely to come. It looks like we’ll be getting two more “Refined Future” colorways of the 2002R soon.

The “Protection Pack” name was made up by one of the first retailers that launched the shoes and it sort of stuck around. However, Yue Wu, the New Balance designer behind the design, has stated that he prefers the name “Refined Future” instead.

The next colorways of the 2002R to feature this “Refined Future” style appear to be inspired by some of the most iconic colorways in New Balance’s archive. Recent leaked in-hand photos reveal a navy colorway, dressed in a classic color scheme used by New Balance on the 57X line in the ’80s, including on the 574 and 576. They also reveal a grey pair inspired by the 1300JP that releases every five years.

These colorways actually leaked back in August, around the time that the first “Refined Future” pack released. If you take a look at the background of the initial leaked photos, you can see an orange colorway, likely a nod to the New Balance SuperComp released in the late ’70s.

Check out these upcoming New Balance 2002R “Refined Future” colorways below. Look for them to drop later this year on NewBalance.com and at select retailers. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.

Update (03/10/22): German retailer AFEW has announced an April 1st release for this second “Refined Future” pack, which they are calling the “Pig Suede” pack due to its its premium material construction. Check out their photos below.