New Balance's 2002R Celebrates CNY With Understated "Year of the Ox" Makeover
A refreshing break from traditional colors.
![NEW BALANCE ML2002R YEAR OF THE OX black XLD menswear streetwear kicks trainers runners shoes footwear spring summer 2021 ss21 release](https://image-cdn.hypb.st/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2021%2F02%2Fnew-balance-ml2002r9-year-of-the-ox-black-xld-release-001.jpg?cbr=1&q=90)
![NEW BALANCE ML2002R YEAR OF THE OX black XLD menswear streetwear kicks trainers runners shoes footwear spring summer 2021 ss21 release](https://image-cdn.hypb.st/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2021%2F02%2Fnew-balance-ml2002r9-year-of-the-ox-black-xld-release-002.jpg?cbr=1&q=90)
![NEW BALANCE ML2002R YEAR OF THE OX black XLD menswear streetwear kicks trainers runners shoes footwear spring summer 2021 ss21 release](https://image-cdn.hypb.st/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2021%2F02%2Fnew-balance-ml2002r9-year-of-the-ox-black-xld-release-003.jpg?cbr=1&q=90)
![NEW BALANCE ML2002R YEAR OF THE OX black XLD menswear streetwear kicks trainers runners shoes footwear spring summer 2021 ss21 release](https://image-cdn.hypb.st/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2021%2F02%2Fnew-balance-ml2002r9-year-of-the-ox-black-xld-release-004.jpg?cbr=1&q=90)
New Balance is celebrating Chinese New Year with a new 2002R that breaks away from traditional colors synonymous with the festival. Dubbed “Year of the Ox,” this iteration features suede uppers colored by a few understated palettes.
Starting at the top of the shoe is a silver-toned “New Balance” tag set over a dark olive tongue. Below this are black laces, matching the same tone as the suede uppers that dominates most of the uppers. A contrasting “N” logo is stitched onto the sidewalls, complemented by “2002R” branding stamped along the rear quarters. Furthermore, cream-colored nubuck around the heel tab and toebox complete the uppers, while a sleek black “NERGY” midsole prodives optimal comfort and support.
New Balance’s 2002R “Year of the Ox” is currently available on New Balance’s website for $140 USD.
In case you missed it, here’s a look at a lean “Atlas/Lemon Haze” iteration of the 2002R.