Size? x New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” – My Sneaker Radar Just Exploded

I’ve been staring at my calendar for a solid five minutes trying to figure out if March 2025 is actually as far away as it seems. Yep, it is. But that’s not stopping me from getting ridiculously excited about the upcoming Size? exclusive New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” collection that’s just been announced.

Let me tell you something – I’ve been covering sneaker releases for over a decade now, and there’s something special about New Balance collaborations that gets my heart racing faster than my third cup of morning coffee (which I spilled on my keyboard while looking at these images, by the way).

Why I Can’t Wait Until 2025

Remember when the original Protection Pack dropped? I was standing in line outside my local sneaker shop in the rain because I forgot my umbrella – classic me. The deconstructed aesthetic completely changed how we looked at New Balance. Those deliberately rough-cut edges and layered panels were like nothing we’d seen from the brand before.

Now Size? is bringing that magic back with three fresh colorways that have me checking my bank account even though these won’t release for more than a year.

Breaking Down the Collection

The collection features three pairs that each tell their own story. The first two stick with what New Balance does best – premium suede and mesh combinations. There’s something about that earthy brown colorway that reminds me of fall hikes in New England. I can almost feel the crunch of leaves under my feet just looking at them.

Then there’s the black and grey pair – perfect for us New Yorkers who need something that won’t show every splash and speck from our daily commute. I’ve ruined enough light-colored sneakers on the subway to appreciate a good dark pair.

But let’s talk about that third pair – the metallic silver leather version. Whoa. When I first saw them, I honestly thought they were a concept render. They look like something from a sci-fi movie, but in the best possible way. They’re giving me major Y2K nostalgia mixed with futuristic vibes.

All three pairs come with those pale yellow laces and branding that ties everything together. It’s those little details that make New Balance collaborations so special.

The Protection Pack Legacy

I still remember unboxing my first pair of Protection Packs. My wife walked in and asked if I’d bought damaged shoes because of the deliberately raw edges. I spent the next 20 minutes explaining the artistic intention behind the deconstructed look while she nodded politely before walking away. She still doesn’t get it, but that’s OK.

The genius of the Protection Pack was how it completely shifted New Balance’s design language. Before this, NB was known primarily for their dad-friendly classics. Don’t get me wrong – I love those too (and actually am a dad now, so I guess I’ve grown into them). But the Protection Pack showed that New Balance could push boundaries while maintaining their commitment to quality.

The Long Wait Ahead

March 2025 feels like it’s in another lifetime. I’ll have to renew my driver’s license, celebrate two more birthdays, and probably go through another pair of everyday sneakers before these drop. But that’s part of the fun of being a sneakerhead – the anticipation is half the experience.

No word on pricing yet, which is probably for the best. It gives me more time to set up that special savings account without my wife noticing. “What’s this new bank account?” “Oh, just planning for our future, honey…” Our future filled with awesome sneakers, that is.

Worth the Wait?

After seeing what Size? and New Balance have cooked up, I’m already convinced these will be worth the wait. The original Protection Pack pairs are still some of the most comfortable shoes in my rotation. I wore them on a trip to Chicago last year and walked over 10 miles in a day without a single complaint from my feet.

I’m particularly curious about how that metallic silver pair feels on foot. Will the leather be soft and pliable? Will it develop a nice patina over time? These are the questions that keep sneaker nerds like me up at night.

So mark your calendars for March 2025. I know I have – with multiple reminders set on every device I own. These Size? exclusive New Balance 2002R Protection Packs aren’t just another release; they’re a continuation of a design revolution that’s still influencing sneaker culture today.

And if anyone has a time machine I could borrow, I’d really appreciate it. The wait is already killing me.