How the 2002R GORE-TEX Perfected the Protection Pack Legacy
The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack has earned a very strong reputation in the sneakerverse, something that was not earned overnight. Long before GORE-TEX entered the chat, the 2002R had already proven itself as one of the brand’s most quietly influential shoes of the past decade. What the GORE-TEX update does is simpler and smarter. It takes everything that made the 2002R work and makes it easier to live with, especially in the UK.
The original Protection Pack mattered because it felt deliberate. The jagged suede edges, layered panels, and slightly beaten-up look weren’t just there to look different. They gave the shoe depth and identity, which is why the design aged so well. That same construction is exactly why GORE-TEX fits here so naturally. Nothing feels forced. The upper still looks like a 2002R. It’s just better equipped for bad weather.
On foot, there are no surprises, and that’s a good thing. ABZORB cushioning still does the heavy lifting, soaking up impact without feeling soft or sloppy. The ABZORB SBS heel keeps things stable, while N-ergy and the Stability Web quietly keep the ride smooth. The GORE-TEX lining adds protection from rain and wind but doesn’t turn the shoe into a sweatbox. It feels like the same 2002R, just more dependable.
This update really makes sense once you think about how most people actually wear these in 2026. The 2002R is now longer a “save for dry days” grail anymore. It’s a daily shoe. Commuting, long walks, unpredictable weather. The GORE-TEX version removes the need to check the forecast before lacing up, which honestly feels like the point of this three part release.
The colourways back that up. Triple Black is the obvious winter workhorse, clean and easy to wear with everything. Light Grey sticks close to classic New Balance territory and will probably be the go-to for most. The Wheat pair is the sleeper. Darker in hand than the images suggest, it hits perfectly for autumn and winter rotations.
The Triple Black Pair – “Black Suede”
The “Triple Black” colourway is one for the minimalists. It’s sleek, aggressive, and most versatile of the three, Perfect for the city grind.
The Heritage Pair – “Slate Grey”
A distinctive Light Grey that pays homage to the brand’s signature OG tones, this one goes for the classic New Balance look and should be very popular.
The Seasonal Pair – “Wheat”
A rich “Wheat” colourway that will look perfect in Autumn / Winter fits, bringing a warm, rugged edge to the rotation.
The Protection Pack worked because it earned its following, selling out in minutes back in 2021, not because it was pushed or had a crazy collab, but because it was just an incredible shoe. That history matters here. The GORE-TEX update doesn’t mess with the formula or chase hype. It just makes a great silhouette more practical.
Where the Protection Pack changed how people looked at the 2002R, the GORE-TEX version changes how often it will get worn. That feels like the right kind of evolution for this icon.
