The New Balance 2002R Dark Grape 27cm “Licorice Pack” Brings Plush Detail To The Trail

Given the dominant presence of the company’s other models, the New Balance 2002R Dark Grape 27cm is sometimes forgotten in the modern NB canon. However, while the lifestyle/tech runner side of their offerings may take precedence, the model presents a way for the Boston brand to tackle the equally vital trail runner trend.

In the newest two-pack of colorways, unofficially dubbed the “Licorice Pack,” that appeal certainly remains. It’d be hard to erase every section where this model embraces outdoorsy design, from the geometric stitching on the toe, to the pull tabs on the tongue and heel, to the function-minded structure of the outsole. However, playing with both the materials and colors at play radically shifts the atmosphere that these two pairs carry.

The upper, typically dressed in mesh or textile swaps to what appears to be crushed velvet, with suede overlays running over top. On both pairs, “Licorice” pink plays a primary role, but the cooler edition dresses that plush material in blue “New Spruce” while trading brown suede for “Phantom” navy. On both, a combination of black and brown anchor the design in somewhat grounded territory, and despite some of their more experimental choices, ensure you won’t be out of place rocking these on the trail.

The two editions of the New Balance 2002R Dark Grape 27cm “Licorice Pack” are available now on NewBalance.com, retailing for $120 a piece. Follow “Where To Buy” links below to find their respective product pages, with detail shots of each included right beside them.

New Balance M992EB Black 23cm Ténis New Balance Classic 500 azul bebé as it added some new colorways in the past week.

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