Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom
New Balance
1 / 2

Brand: New Balance

Model: 2002R

Release Date: TBD

Price: TBD

Buy: Coming soon to New Balance

Editor’s Notes: If these shoes surfaced on April Fool's, I wouldn't have been surprised. But, they are completely real, and they've already received mixed reactions across the internet.

Based on the New Balance 2002R sneaker, the mules receive the same sole and upper, sans lacing. The shoe's sporty design has been kept without sacrificing the comfort that NB is known for, as the sole is cushioned and ideal for those looking for a shoe that sits somewhere between a slipper and a trainer.

As someone who is part of the post-sneaker society, my appreciation for a good pair of mules has grown exponentially. There's nothing quite like slipping on a good pair of slippers and heading down to the coffee shop for an overpriced cold brew, and I get the feeling that somehow, these would fit right in my rotation.

I'm sat somewhere between appreciating their comfort, whilst also being upset that a really good sneaker silhouette, the 2002R, has been done so dirty.

Thus far, the shoe is only available in China, but will likely see a wider release sometime this year. I have a feeling these are about to be everywhere.

But, as Highsnobiety writer Sam Cole put it, "Please don't make it a thing to chop shoes in halves and call them mules," we can do better.

We Recommend
  • From New Balance to Louis Vuitton, the Seven Best Sneakers to Cop Right Now
  • From New Balance to Crocs, the Seven Best Sneakers to Cop Right Now
  • The Best Sneaker Releases of 2025... So Far
  • These Pre-Ripped New Balance Dad Shoes Look Sharp In Chrome Armor
  • From ASICS to Salomon, Browse This Week’s Best Sneaker Releases
What To Read Next
  • Berlin Designers’ Moodboards Were a Mix of David Beckham & Dragon-Slaying
  • The Confusing Clashing Patterns of Vans’ Premium Skate Shoe
  • Rick Owens, ASICS & More: Browse This Season's Latest Drops
  • A 250-Year-Old, Underrated Royal Watchmaker Returns
  • Squid Game x PUMA Shouldn’t Be This Good, Right?
  • Once a Mere Hairstyle, the Mullet Is Now a Dress Code