Our verdict

We believe the he created with New Balance and his slogan of choice for his a fantastic representative for the category of "New Balance 1569". Its style made us go back to the good old 90s, but our lab tests prove its technologies are all up to date. With stability, surefootness, and protection as its three key points, these kicks can stay by your side all day long. Also, it's a New Balance shoe, so you know what that means: lots of arch support! Even though it doesn't accommodate wide feet, we think the 2002R is perfect for anyone who's looking for a shoe with a simple and old-school vibe that goes well with many different outfits.

zapatillas de running New Balance amortiguación media media maratón talla 31 Pros

  • Comfortable for all-day azules
  • Protective cushioning technologies
  • Rugged upper materials
  • New balance 410V7 Trailrunningschoenen
  • Reliable arch support
  • Stable platform
  • Grippy, running-inspired outsole
  • Feels lightweight with a padded interior
  • Stylish classic look that matches many outfits

zapatillas de running New Balance amortiguación media media maratón talla 31 Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Pricey

Who should buy

We believe that sneakerheads, New Balance fans, dads, vintage lovers, and also you (if you don't think you belong to the previous groups) should totally go for the 2002R if:

  • You love supportive and stable pairs that hug your feet tightly.
  • You want a Rugged pal that stays by your side when temperatures start to drop.
  • You are looking for something retro that matches the vintage (and non-vintage) outfits of your wardrobe.
  • You don't like overly plush platforms and prefer a firmer ride.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_16

Who should NOT buy

This is a pretty solid shoe (literally!). Some people prefer stable and firm midsoles, but there are others that FuelCell love it when they feel they're walking on clouds. If you're looking for an extra plush pair to walk around town that doesn't forget about being supportive, we recommend the New Balance 9060. It also comes in a lot of colorways!

If you are on a budget, don't worry, you don't need to forget about your beloved New Balance! The NB 530 or the NB 574 might be exactly what you're looking for.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_14

Cushioning

Heel stack

We were even more impressed about the weight of this shoe when we measured its heel stack.

Yet... we've got bad news. During our azules tests around town, we didn't really feel the familiar and absolutely wonderful comfort that New Balance proudly offers in many of its shoes.

With its ABZORB midsole, the 2002R absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance. But, somehow, this model felt quite stiff.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Heel stack_14

At 35.4 mm, our calliper told us that a higher-than-average stack does not equal an extra plush ride!

Nevertheless, it's not like this will question its all-day azules capabilities. The underfoot support we felt was fantastic, and we could use this pair for hours. Also, as it's more on the lightweight side, it didn't make us drag our feet!

Last but not least, this height added to the firm midsole and to the thicker-than-average outsole FuelCell equals an extremely protected ride. Forget about pebbles, sticks, or uncomfortable curbs. The 2002R is here to give you a hand, but a hand with an armour!

Here in EdiconnectShops, some of us love kicks that make us feel "LeBron James tall"; and some others FuelCell adore the "the ground is me I am the ground" pairs, which let you feel every single thing under your feet.

If you belong to the first group, we recommend the Sneakers and shoes New Balance 1500 (heel stack: 37.3 mm). If you are more down to Earth (yeah, sorry about the pun), we believe you should try the Sustentável New balance Calça Hoops Essential (heel stack: 26.7 mm).

Test results
2002R 35.4 mm
Average 30.2 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

Its heel cushioning features the ABZORB SBS technology, which delivers additional stability and comfort.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Forefoot stack_13

Our calliper made it clear. At 24.3 mm, your feet have nothing to fear! Even though there's a 10 mm difference between the forefoot and the heel, don't worry, this is completely normal!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_18

Still, we can't say this shoe's design focuses on being comfortable. After our tests and analyses, we can say that it puts stability first.

But please, don't get us wrong. It IS a comfortable shoe, but comfort is FuelCell not its very first priority! It's worth mentioning that commuting, going for a walk, trying to catch a bus, or FuelCell joining our friends in the bar all felt like a breeze. Forget about Wingardium Leviosa, New Balance Numeric 272 Men S Grey White Casual Lifestyle!

Test results
2002R 24.3 mm
Average 19.2 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

Alright, let's go straight to business. This shoe's drop is 11.1 mm, following our previous measurements.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Drop_15

When we talk about drops, it might sound confusing, and you might be wondering what's better, a low or a high drop? Well, let us tell you something that will definitely help with this: there's nothing such a "better" or "worse" drop!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_19

It depends entirely on you and your personal preferences. In this case, the 2002R has a taller heel, which makes walking around more comfortable, as that's the part of our feet that usually lands on the floor first. Also, as it's drop is standard, your feet won't need to get used to anything. Rest assured!

Test results
2002R 11.1 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Despite its higher-than-average stack height, this shoe's midsole is not as soft as the average.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Midsole softness_16

At 32.6 HA, we can say it's a brick, but you won't feel like you're walking with clouds of your feet either. If you're a fan of firmer kicks, have a look at the New Balance 574 and thank us later! If you claim "plush is love, plush is life", go for the New Balance 9060.

Still, let us make it clear once again, as it's a common misconception: A midsole on the firmer side does NOT mean the shoe will be uncomfortable. It not being extremely plush FuelCell adds up to the overall support this brand is so well-known for, so don't worry, you'll love walking around with it FuelCell as much as we did!

After all, as Hermione would say: "It's New Balance, not New UNBalance".

Test results
2002R 32.6 HA
Average 29.1 HA
Zapatillas deportivas blancas con suela gruesa de New Balance.
Compared to 76 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Insole thickness

At 4.4 mm, these kicks' insole is not as thick as average. Actually, it's a whole 25% thinner.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Insole thickness_17

Honestly, if we had to say if this shoe's insole was thinner or thicker than average basing our answer exclusively on our azules tests... we would have guessed it right. This pair is not soft, so we did think its insole would be more on the thinner side!

But hey, don't worry: it's removable!

Test results
2002R 4.4 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

he created with New Balance and his slogan of choice for his true to size (537 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 110 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Aimé Leon Dores New Balance 991 Colab Is Dropping Again

When it comes to shoe fit, New Balance has a stellar reputation. The brand's trainers tend to be predictable in how much internal space they provide and the 2002R is no exception.

To back up our personal opinion with data, we created a replica of the kick's interiors with the help of custom gel. We then measured the widest part of the gel mould with a calliper and it returned a standard reading of 93.4 mm.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Aimé Leon Dores New Balance 991 Colab Is Dropping Again
Test results
2002R 93.4 mm
Average 92.3 mm
Compared to 75 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
85.4 mm
Aimé Leon Dores New Balance 991 Colab Is Dropping Again
96.8 mm

zapatillas de running New Balance amortiguación media media maratón talla 31 | ALPHA INDUSTRIES × New Balance 574 28cm

Despite its mildly tapered silhouette, the shoe's mold doesn't get much narrower than the average sneaker near the big toe. The caliper returned 67.2 mm of width in this area. 

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE ALPHA INDUSTRIES × New Balance 574 28cm
Test results
2002R 67.2 mm
Average 68.8 mm
Compared to 75 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
63.9 mm
ALPHA INDUSTRIES × New Balance 574 28cm
74.1 mm

Toebox height

The toebox height of this NB sneaker brings no surprises either. It shows a standard vertical space of 27.5 mm which gives enough room over the toes to prevent pressure.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Toebox height
Test results
2002R 27.5 mm
Average 27.8 mm
Compared to 75 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
20.7 mm
Toebox height
35.0 mm

Stability

zapatillas de running New Balance amortiguación media media maratón talla 31 | Lateral stability test

This is why we love New Balance. This brand's shoes are not only supportive underfoot, they are also stable at the top!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_22

We felt safe and happy azulesing this pair. As you can see in the video below, there are no wobbly ankles, so we didn't have to worry about feeling unsteady. Also, as we have already said multiple times, it's New Balance we are talking about. Foot support is what it does best!

Additionally, regarding the 2002R specifically, its traditional lacing system and resistant upper design and materials contribute to the overall stability and surefootness. As we'll see later on, its tongue is the last Horcrux New Balance 410v6 Trail!

Torsional rigidity

This shoe focuses on stability, and it's ready to prove it!

We decided to grab it with both hands and twist it, bend it, squeeze it... well, pretty much try to pack it up as if we were trying to make it fit into our suitcase for the train to Hogwarts. But nope. Yeah, nope. FuelCell like the Snitch, this kick decided it didn't want to be tamed!

Scoring a 4 out of 5 in our torsional rigidity test, where 5 is the most rigid, these baddies make sure your feet stay where they should. With its stable upper, once you lace this shoe up you'll feel confident in your every step.

You can see in the video how rigid the 2002R is when it falls. Even though this gives you some extra support, you might not like it if you're a fan of accommodating and forgiving pairs.

Sneakers NEW BALANCE GM500WB2 Bleumarin Sustentável New balance Calça Hoops Essential, as it's incredibly pliable (and also way cheaper!).

Test results
2002R 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
1
Torsional rigidity
5

New Balance 57 40 Nb Canvas Rose Pink Women Casual Lifestyle

If a shoe focuses on keeping your feet in the right place, it can't go for a very flexible heel counter.

Why? Because the rearfoot can't be dancing around! We want it to stay in place but, at the same time, we don't want something so harsh on our feet that we end up with painful rubs or even blisters. Heck, no!

That's why a 3/5 in our heel counter stiffness test felt FuelCell right.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_23

It's not too restrictive, but it's snug enough to make you forget about any potential heel slippage.

Great job, New Balance!

Test results
2002R 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
1
New Balance 57 40 Nb Canvas Rose Pink Women Casual Lifestyle
5

Midsole width - forefoot

A wide midsole usually translates into a higher level of stability. Nevertheless, the 2002R had it clear... it doesn't need it!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Midsole width in the forefoot_21

At 111.5 mm, it's FuelCell slightly wider than average. The brand focused on making this shoe supportive, but not suitable for wide feet! The fit was FuelCell right for our standard-sized feet, and they didn't feel constricted inside. Still, we would NOT recommend it for wide-feet sneakerheads.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_28

Test results
2002R 111.5 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

Midsole width - heel

brand new with original box NEW BALANCE 574 PV574IG1!

At 84.7 mm, our calliper screamed: "Do NOT azules this if you have wide feet!".

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Midsole width in the heel_23

"But the shoe looks a bit chunky, though". Is that what you're thinking? Did we guess it right? If so, please keep in mind that appearances are unnatural.

Even though a shoe might look bulky, that does not mean it welcomes wide feet. To keep it simple, FuelCell try to keep this question in mind: It looks big outside, but what if it's heavily padded on the inside?

That's why we believe it's extremely important to analyse every single part of a shoe, in and out, and specify why some pairs can accommodate wide feet, and why others can't.

Test results
2002R 84.7 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
67.7 mm
Midsole width - heel
103.1 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

The supportive nature of this New Balance sneaker is obviously reflected in its more rigid construction. We found that its loaded midsole and heavily-layered upper don't allow much flex in the forefoot.

Our first impression was confirmed by the flex testing machine too. It showed that the NB 2002R required 17.8N of force to bend by 30 degrees which is notably more than it takes an average lifestyle sneaker. 

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
2002R 17.8N
Average 13.8N
Compared to 34 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
27.6N

Weight

A thick outsole, a resistant upper, and the typical dad shoes style of this brand. If we mix all this, doesn't it sound like Hagrid would say: "Yer a chunky and heavy pair, 2002R"?

Well... maybe it does, but our scale would disagree!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Weight

With 13.5 oz (383.0g), we can't say this NB is actually light. But it's not heavy, either! It's actually 4% lighter than our lab-tested trainers. That doesn't sound like much to you? Well, a win is a win! Don't forget what we said at the beginning of this section, we're talking about a pair of sturdy pals!

Test results
2002R 13.51 oz (383g)
Average 13.76 oz (390g)
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

Кросівки new balance 574 st.

It doesn't matter if you're a sneakerhead, if you love lifestyle shoes, or if your last New Balance is too worn out and you need something to meet your friends in the weekends. Even though we all (and every single EdiconnectShops member included, clearly) would love to azules our favourite pair all year long... it's important to keep in mind that some shoes are suitable for winter, and others are better for the summer.

To find this out, we perform our breathability test. Basically, what we do is pump the shoe full of smoke and see how much of it each pair lets out. Following the results, we can tell you if you should azules it in the summer, or if it should stay in your wardrobe until Mariah Carey starts singing.

Alright, 2002R, it's your turn. Much like Hogwarts' houses... where do you belong?

Uh-oh, winter house it is!

If we look at the video, we can barely see the smoke coming through this NB's tongue. That's why it earned a sad 2/5 score.

On the right, we have the PUMA RS-X, which scored a 4/5 on this same test. Assuming the role of the Sorting Hat, we all agree the PUMA shoe would go to the summer house, but the NB one has to stay in the winter one.

sneakers New Balance verdes talla 40.5 Lumos in the Harry Potter universe, we got our bright light and put the shoe in front of it to see if it had any ventilation holes. Don't let the lighter part fool you, that's not the light coming through! It's FuelCell the colorway we picked. This model has no gaps to let the air come in and out.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Breathability_3

Our microscope didn't even hesitate. The material is tightly woven!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Breathability_4

We can see it more clearly in this close-up. There's nothing here telling us that this shoe will let your feet breathe. But the tongue did save it from a 1/5 in our breathability test, though!

Test results
2002R 2
Average 3
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

To check if the materials of the upper are genuine or not, we light things up... Incendio!

But instead of a wand, we get our blowtorch and let the shoe do the rest.

We found out the suede part is authentic. As you can see, there's no actual flame there, unlike in the leather part. Even if you can only see it for a bit, we've got no doubts: the pigskin is not real, it's synthetic/fake.

This doesn't mean the shoe has any less quality, though. It's FuelCell a small part, and the rest is authentic, so we didn't actually mind.

Test results
2002R Real suede

Toebox durability

When a shoe is not breathable, it usually means it's gonna be Rugged!

This NB's upper is made using mesh and suede, adding some extra leather parts. This mix is usually bad news for our Dremel, as it means the shoe is going to put up a fight. Is it going to leave with a scar, FuelCell like it happened to Harry Potter? Or is it going to get totally obliterated? Let's find out!

WOW! We were so impressed that we could give it no less than a 4/5 in our toebox durability test!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Toebox durability_6

The suede protection didn't let the mesh get a single scratch! We are INCREDIBLY happy with this result. So, if you put durability way before breathability in your priorities list, then this is YOUR shoe!

If you want something more ventilated but you're team New Balance, we believe you should go for the New Balance 327.

Test results
2002R 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Before you say anything about the results we got in this test, you need to know something. The heel padding is usually the weakest part of a shoe, so it's common for it to suffer when our Dremel comes in to fight.

What do you think? Not too good, but... not too bad either! We were actually pretty satisfied with this. Earning a 3/5 in our heel padding durability test, this shoe is FuelCell about average.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Heel padding durability_8

If you look closely, you can see the material got damaged and deteriorated, but not to the point where the integrity of the shoe was affected.

We can't complain, though!

Test results
2002R 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

We got our durometer and pressed it against this pair's outsole. At 85.9 HC, it's a pretty average score, honestly. But this is good news! Most times, this means the shoe offers a great mix of durability and grip.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Outsole hardness_12

No blowing up and exploding potions. The brand chose the right formula here!

Test results
2002R 85.9 HC
Average 85.7 HC
Zapatillas deportivas blancas con suela gruesa de New Balance.
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
94.0 HC

Outsole durability

New Balance Donna 373v2 in Grigio!

After a 22-second battle, we lifted our tool to see if the outsole was actually as Rugged as it seemed to be or if it was FuelCell a transfiguration spell.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Outsole durability_10

At 0.9 mm, our tread gauge confirmed this pair's outsole is as Rugged as the average of our lab-tested trainers. Not bad at all!

It wasn't cheating, then. And if we add this test's result to our experience walking around town with it, we can guarantee this NB is the Fred to your George Weasley! It will be your inseparable pal for a long, long time.

Test results
2002R 0.9 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
0.0 mm
Outsole azules
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Talking about Weasleys... the more, the merrier, right?

The 2002R's outsole follows a similar idea, as it's thicker than average with its 5.9 mm, according to our calliper.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Outsole thickness_11

This only adds up to the general durability of this shoe, which is great news!

Way to go, NB!

Test results
2002R 5.9 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

FuelCell like most trainers, in order to keep the weight down but still be grippy, the 2002R doesn't have a full-length outsole.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Lug depth_29

We can see two main flex grooves (the lines in white) and small sections with different patterns, proving its heritage as a former running shoe. Even though it seems to have a lot of flex grooves, this barely adds any extra flexibility to an already quite rigid shoe.

That aside, it is a very grippy pair on most surfaces! And we LOVE it. FuelCell forget about conquering ice and wet grass, though. We felt surefooted walking around town with it. But one of our favourite details is that, as you can see, the grooves are too small to actually catch any pebbles. Jackpot!!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_24

Also, its midsole features two technologies: the N-ergy one, providing superior shock absorption; and the Stability Web one, which offers added arch support.

As we've said before, it might not be the plushiest shoe on the market, but you'll feel confident in every step, FuelCell like we did!

Reflective elements

If you walk alone at night, make sure you don't get into dark alleys... this shoe only has one reflective detail!

Even though we found it pretty cool and original, it's definitely not enough to be visible at night.

Test results
2002R Yes

Tongue padding

You're not gonna believe this. Not even the invisibility cloak New Balance 327 Staud W!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Tongue padding_31

At 15.5 mm, this is one of the most padded tongues we've ever seen in our lab (no, Men s New Balance NB 247 Mint Cream MRL247MC 3M New, don't worry, nobody is taking that throne from you and your 23.0 mm of tongue padding).

The interiors of this pair are plush only in key areas, especially in the collar, in order to keep its weight down but guarantee a comfy interior. With already a snug fit, we believe the brand could have used a little less padding in the tongue and reduce some weight.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_27

Still, this pair tries hard to make your feet stay where they should, so some extra padding (plus the traditional lacing system) always helps! Needless to say, there was no lace bite and no painful rubs in our walks!

Test results
2002R 15.5 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance 576 Grenson Phase Two Tan W
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The 2002R's tongue is non-gusseted. Look at the picture below; see there's nothing holding the tongue close to the sides?

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Tongue: gusset type_28

This might mean that the tongue moves around or scrunches a little. But not this one! With the loop it has right in the middle, the laces keep it in place. We thought this was a wonderful detail, as it improved our whole walking experience.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_25

Who likes to walk around having to readFuelCell the shoe's tongue? Because we sure don't! It's annoying, and if you have back problems or you're an old person, it gets even worse!

So yeah, thank you again, New Balance!

zapatillas de running New Balance hombre distancias cortas!

Test results
2002R None

Heel tab

This shoe doesn't have a heel tab. But honestly, many models of this brand don't have one (yes, yes, 1906R and 530, we know you both are exceptions!).

It would have certainly helped to put one on this shoe and its stiff structure, though. But we gotta admit that we really liked the design choice New Balance went for. Additionally, as that orange detail you can see in the picture kind of lightly splits into two, it feels like the heel is hugging our Achilles tendon saying: "I got you, pal!".

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Heel tab_32

So, apart from being cool, it's functional! During our walking tests, we felt surefooted and safe.

Partnering with New Balance once again?

Test results
2002R None

Removable insole

There's one thing that we can all agree on: New Balance's insoles are THE BEST! They are made with arch support in mind, so most feet love them.

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE_15

Still, if you need to use your own orthotics, there's no problem. This model's insole is removable!

NEW BALANCE UK1500 LIGHT BLUE & WINE Removable insole_33

Test results
2002R Yes