New Balance's Distressed Sneakers Appear To Have Been Worn To Death

As the popularity (and irony) of expensive pre-worn sneakers grows, Extra Butter has collaborated with New Balance to create a pack of 2002R sneakers complete with distressed panels and eroded details. The shoes, inspired by the early 2000s, appear to have been worn since the 2002R was introduced in 2010 — or perhaps since its original counterpart debuted in 2002.

The designs, which consist of three neutral colorways, were created by New Balance designer Yue Wu, who suggested a different take on the shoe's Y2K influence. While many reimagined '00s trends celebrate young celebrity looks, Wu wanted to emphasize the era's age, creating the illusion that these 2002R pairs were "trapped in time."

Wu's point is reinforced by hairy suedes and leather overlays that have been ripped up to reveal underlying mesh panels. The shoes are available in three colorways: monochromatic black, white with colorful details, and dark gray. They continue the time capsule theme with yellowed sole units and retro New Balance "N" branding. The trio is completed by an updated NERGY cushioning system, which provides more support than the original 2002 model.

The three disheveled sneakers, ironically dubbed the "Protection Pack," will most likely sell out, joining other exclusive yet eroded models. While today's clout revolves around owning limited-edition, hard-to-find items, adding a distressed look to such items only adds to the hype — there appears to be nothing more effortless than paying top dollar for already distressed sneakers. Despite their battered appearance, Extra Butter and New Balance's 2002R models, for example, cost $150 each.