No doubt it hasn't gone unnoticed to you that New Balance has a talent for creating impeccable designs, with performance high on its priorities. The New Balance Protection Pack was another silhouette that the sneaker industry had not seen before, and quickly became a favourite of many people. You can read the story behind its success here!
The creation of the New Balance Protection Pack
The New Balance Protection Pack has been a huge success since its first release in 2021. But who was the creative mind behind the design, and what led to the name?
Yue Wu
Yue Wu deserves all the credit for the brilliant concept behind the 'Protection Pack' design. This concept came from his observation of how New Balance trainers manage to keep their original shape over the years, despite wear and tear.
It's almost unbelievable, but this was Wu's very first project in designing a lifestyle silhouette for New Balance. This followed his previous work on performance models during his internship with the brand.
When designing, Yue Wu left the usual clean lines of the upper behind. He replaced these with striking, jagged strips of suede, and so the concept of the NB Protection Pack was born!
Protection Pack or Refined Future?
Did you know that the first name of the shoe was Refined Future? This nods to the concept mentioned above. 'Protection Pack' actually came from the very first shop to bring the shoe to market.
As achieving the perfect look was not an easy process, Wu was not hugely enthusiastic about this. Because while the layers may look rough and random, each line was carefully thought out and placed. Something he obviously likes to emphasise!
It's distinctive design
As mentioned above, every line has been thought through. Wu drew inspiration from his own childhood. After all, he loved nothing more than untouched and clean kicks. Sometimes he didn't even want to take the shoes out of the box in order to avoid ruining their untouched condition.
On the other hand, Wu, with this design, actually wants to encourage people to actually wear the trainers. Something we are also seeing more and more around us. For instance, we have already seen Nike's Boring Shoe in collaboration with Tom Sachs. The term 'gorpcore' is also trending more and more, with trainers nowadays increasingly having to be able to withstand rough handling. Think of models like adidas' Terrex line and the hype around Salomon sneakers.
Functionality and performance
Besides being instantly eye-catching in design, the trainers are also highly functional and performance-oriented. For instance, the midsole is equipped with advanced cushioning technologies that are typical for New Balance. These technologies absorb shock and provide responsive cushioning, providing an optimal balance between comfort and support.
As for the outsole, it often features durable rubber with grip-resistant patterns. This design maximises traction and stability, making the shoes suitable for different surfaces and conditions.
Popular New Balance Protection Pack releases
Since its initial release, different colorways of the NB Protection Pack have been flying off the shelves. Luckily, you can still score these popular sneakers at StockX! Would you also like to add this shoe to your collection? Good news, because we have listed the most popular releases for you!
New Balance 2002R Protection Pack
The New Balance 2002R puts a modern spin on the iconic silhouette of the New Balance 2002. It builds on the timeless technical design of the MR2002 running shoe. Importantly, the 2002R retains the trendy 2000s New Balance aesthetic we know from its predecessor, making it one of the most popular trainers for both men and women in the fashion world.
New elements also naturally emerge, such as unfinished details in the form of top layers of distressed suede.
The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack is available in a great choice of colours and materials, including the 'Grey' and 'Navy Grey' colorways. This shows that a classic style can evolve while keeping its retro heritage intact!
New Balance 1906D Protection Pack
The design of the New Balance 1906 Protection Pack stays true to the original concept. Here, it is the subtle details that define the look.
The raw suede strips add that deconstructed feel, making the shoe instantly appealing to fans of wearable shoes that only get more beautiful with time. The unique silhouette continues to impress, no doubt.
With a steady stream of new colorways, including the classic 'Black' and 'White', the future of this pack within New Balance's lifestyle range is assured.
Upcoming New Balance Protection Pack releases
Furthermore, New Balance has absolutely no plans to take it easy on these trainers. For instance, the anticipated 'Ripstop' Protection Pack, consisting of the four colorways Brown, Cream, Navy, and Olive, is high on our watchlist!
New Balance 2002R 'Brown' - Ripstop Protection Pack | M2002RDP
First, the New Balance 2002R 'Brown' from the Ripstop Protection Pack. On this colorway, the serrated upper consists of premium suede and autumnal shades of brown. This colour is continued to the toe box and ankle. In addition, of course, we see the familiar 'N' logo on the side.
Furthermore, the usual traditional lace-up has been replaced by an outdoor-friendly toggle system. This ensures the ideal fit! Finally, the ABZORB-SBS midsole with N-ergy cushioning has an off-white colour, with a black rubber outsole underneath.
New Balance 2002R 'Cream' - Ripstop Protection Pack | M2002RDQ
Then the New Balance 2002R Protection Pack 'Cream'. The base of this sneaker is made of 'Cream' ripstop, with matching suede overlays in a shade that reminds one of 'Turtledove'. In addition, the upper rests on a midsole that features a mix of two colours. Namely, 'Tan' at the back and 'Sandstone' at the front. The laces are the finishing touch and are inspired by hiking trails. They are combined with a lace-up upper for a subtle, rugged look.
New Balance 2002R 'Navy' - Ripstop Protection Pack | M2002RDO
Taking a stealth-like approach, the New Balance 2002R 'Navy' Protection Pack showcases a deep navy blue tone. Here, the upper rests on a two-tone midsole, with shades of grey adding accents to the recognisable N logos on the sides and on the heel of the midsole.
Moreover, the perforated suede back panel is covered in black, giving this NB 2002R colorway a darker look. Finally, the lacing system catches the eye with white speckles, clearly visible from a distance.
New Balance 2002R 'Olive' - Ripstop Protection Pack | M2002RDN
The base of the New Balance 2002R 'Olive' Protection Pack is made of olive green ripstop material, combined with matching overlays of suede with a 'Dark Moss' colour. We also see a two-tone midsole, with 'Black' found at the back and 'Grey' at the front.
Furthermore, grey accents decorate the N logos on the sides and the synthetic leather panels on the forefoot and rear. Finally, the black rubber outsole with Stability Web offers reliable grip on a variety of grip surfaces.
So are you looking for a unique addition to your sneaker collection? Then definitely consider one of the many colorways of the New Balance Protection Pack! That way, you'll enjoy the perfect combination of fashion and function. Check out our sneaker search engine for more trend kicks!