JJJJound’s minimalist approach often prompts comparisons to general releases, sometimes as a way to throw shade, sure, but no one can deny that it’s a strategy that has served the Montreal design studio extremely well. The flipside of that coin is that every so often, we see a general release sneaker that looks reminiscent of one of the studio’s collabs, making it a true two-way street.
This upcoming New Balance 2002R fits that distinction almost perfectly, recalling JJJJound’s New Balance 990v3 from 2022 with brown suede and mesh, black underlays, and all-black sole unit. JJJJound has a likeminded New Balance 993 in the works as well, although it’s been radio silence on that front since official images surfaced earlier this year. We’ll concede that the 2002R isn’t an exact match, differentiated by reflective silver accents (as opposed to black) on the N logos and heel.
The New Balance 2002R “Brown/Black” releases Holiday 2025/Spring 2026 via New Balance and retailers. Expect to pay $145 if interested.
In related news, the JJJJound New Balance 990v4 “Mushroom” goes up for preorder soon.
