One of New Balance’s Best Shoes Has No Right to Be This Affordable

Buried in Huckberry’s massive, back account-bludgeoning summer sale is a single pair of New Balance sneakers that, for some reason or another, has been marked down to an irresistible price.

The best part is that the full range of sizes, from Men’s 8 to 13, is still available as of this writing, which is exceptionally uncommon for a premium New Balance hitting the discount section.

Huckberry

The New Balance 2002R in Dark Juniper is one of the best colors available in this 2000s throwback. It features grassy-green suede panels over creamy white nylon mesh and reflective detailing on the toe box, tongue, ankle and logo.

Huckberry doesn’t typically carry many New Balance styles at any given time, but this was a good get for the menswear mecca. Not many retailers carried the 2002R in Dark Juniper, and many of those that did just about sold through it.

Huckberry

The best part about this “Dad Shoe” all-star is that the green suede hides any grass stains from mowing the lawn and manning the grill.

A “Dad Shoe” all-star

The New Balance 2002R is a derivative of the astronomically popular 990 series. It riffs on the foundational model just as the top-tier 992 and 993 do.

Huckberry

Visual similarities between the two designs are most apparent in the toe box and heel cap. Squint, and the 2002 and 990 are virtually indistinguishable.

The real difference is with production quality and, more specifically, production location. As part of the brand’s premium tier, New Balance produces most of the 990, 992 and 993 lines in America and England.

Even though the 2002R is produced abroad, the quality drop-off isn’t that stark. It still uses suede and premium nylon for the upper, and has New Balance’s ABZORB midsole.

Huckberry

You can expect the same comfort and longevity from the 2002R that comes with the Made in the USA collection. There is even a bit more spring in the 2002R’s step, thanks to the 2000s-era N-ergy outsole.

Availability and pricing

The New Balance 2002R in Dark Sage is marked down to $108 on Huckberry.

It appears that this is a permanent markdown since the color is a seasonal style, but sizes could go quickly.

As of the time this was written, the full size range is still available; probably because Huckberry isn’t typically considered a source for New Balance.

Huckberry

New Balance 2002R Dark Juniper

• $108 at Huckberry
  $145 (26% off)

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