The New Balance 2002R Protection Pack is back: this time with GORE-TEX

The New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” wave 2 is coming in 2026, bringing back the rough-edged look that helped define the silhouette’s resurgence but also with added GORE-TEX materials. Yes we’ve seen a GORE-TEX collection drop recently on site, but these three near-monochrome colourways shout winter a bit louder, each built with jagged, uneven overlays that give the shoe its character.

This latest run introduces variation through tone rather than structure. One pair pushes into darker territory, with an almost all-black finish that suits the weather-ready GORE-TEX lining perfectly. Another leans warmer, nodding to the wheat shades that continue to surface across colder-season releases. The third keeps things classic New Balance with an all-grey finish.

Expect the same shape, feel and comfort that has kept the 2002R in steady demand but with textures ready for the winter. These pairs are expected to land as Spring 2026 approaches via New Balance.