JJJJound and New Balance are more than a half-dozen collaborations deep and boast a partnership that stretches back five years. Still, among all the minimalistic, muted efforts they’ve produced in that time span — a roster of heavy hitters made up of the 990v3, 990v4, 991, 992 and 2002R — they’ve never once experimented with GORE-TEX. That’s set to change soon though, as early images of a 2002R collaboration equipped with the famed waterproof membrane have surfaced.
Simplicity, functionality and practicality are driving forces behind JJJJound’s design ethos, and this 2002R, revealed by sneaker leaker @winglee0330, follows each to a T. It’s dressed in a no-frills grey and black color scheme, with the former color appearing on the suede midfoot, toe cap and other overlays, while the latter is used on the rugged, almost Kevlar-esque mesh that can be seen on toeboxes, tongues and collars. The only direct pop of flair is provided by hiking-style bungee laces, and a small branded tag on the lateral collar indicates the design’s waterproof construction. Down below, all-black midsoles and outsoles round off the look.
A release date for this GORE-TEX-lined JJJJound and New Balance 2002R collaboration has yet to be revealed, but it’s likely to hit shelves sometime in 2024. Enjoy the first look above, and stay tuned for updates as they’re available.
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