New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Dusty Lilac

New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Dusty Lilac: Lunar New Year in the Protection Pack palette

The Protection Pack had accustomed its fans to neutrals — the New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Dusty Lilac, designed by Yue Wu to celebrate the Lunar New Year, marks the range's first foray into soft, almost floral hues, without ever betraying the deconstructed DNA that made its reputation. The rosy mauve mesh forms the base with a powdery warmth that the Pack's neutral colorways lack — a pink that leans towards gray depending on the light angle, always avoiding ostentation — before the frayed-edge Dusty Lilac suede overlays appear over it in a slightly richer lilac, evoking the silk layers of New Year's attire. Pearl gray and dark gray leather panels structure the ensemble with a sobriety that prevents the pair from becoming too sweet — their cool, neutral presence is the exact counterpoint to the warmth of the lilac. The Dusty Lilac "N" outlined in purple and white is the focal point of the composition, the only place where the pair's three tones are brought together in a single element. The red insole and the spare burgundy laces provided with the pair are the two most explicit nods to the symbolism of the New Year — the red of prosperity, discreet but present — before the beige ABZORB midsole closes the ensemble with the Pack's characteristic sobriety, allowing the lilac/gray dialogue to operate freely above.

ABZORB + N-ergy in their most festive version

Beneath the lilac/gray palette celebrating the Lunar New Year, the New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Dusty Lilac fully retains its comfort architecture. The beige ABZORB foam midsole absorbs impact along its entire length. The ABZORB SBS pods at the heel provide reactive cushioning in the main impact area. The Stability Web under the midsole offers the subtle arch support characteristic of the silhouette. The exposed foam on the tongue and the embroidered heel tab complete a construction where every detail maintains the balance between the softness of the colorway and the roughness of the deconstruction — the paradoxical alliance that defines this Lunar New Year edition.

For whom?

The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Dusty Lilac is for the sneaker enthusiast who wants the most unexpected and festive colorway of the Protection Pack — one that dares to use dusty pink and lilac where the pack had always chosen neutral, without ever sacrificing the deconstructed character of the silhouette. It appeals to enthusiasts looking for a pair with a soft palette but a raw spirit, easily worn with white, gray, or purple, and to collectors who want the most refined Lunar New Year limited edition the Protection Pack has produced.

Technical data

• Insole: ABZORB foam beige + ABZORB SBS heel pods
• Stability: Stability Web under the midsole
• Upper: Rosy mauve mesh, frayed-edge Dusty Lilac suede overlays, pearl gray and dark gray leather panels
• Branding: "N" Dusty Lilac outlined in purple/white on the side, "2002R" on the lateral collar
• Exposed foam: Tongue and heel tab
• Laces: White (+ spare burgundy laces included)
• Insole: Red
• Outsole: N-ergy rubber
• Colorway: Zinc/Eiffel Tower/Grey Flannel
• Usage: Lifestyle, daily, collection