MEAING OF PROTECTION PACK ON NEW BALANCE: Unveiling The Essential Shield

What does protection pack mean on New Balance?

New Balance's Protection Pack has quickly become one of the most sought-after releases in recent times. The pack updates the beloved silhouettes of the 2002R and the recently revived 1906, offering a statement look even without flashy colorways. What makes it even more surprising is that the Protection Pack is not associated with any big-name collaborator, nor was it the focus of an extensive marketing campaign from the Boston-based brand.

New Balance initially teased the release of the 2002R Protection Pack for months before finally launching it in mid-2021. The collection features muted palettes and cut suede layers on the uppers, resulting in a unique aesthetic that garnered significant demand upon its release. While the pack was an instant hit, the name "Protection Pack" has been a point of contention for the designer behind the shoe.

The designer responsible for the Protection Pack is Yue Wu, an in-house designer at New Balance. Wu drew inspiration from the way New Balance shoes maintain their original form despite years of wear and tear. The initial name for the shoe, "Refined Future," reflects this idea. However, the Protection Pack name was given to it by the first retailer to launch the collection. Wu has expressed some dissatisfaction with this name, as he believes the perfectly worn aesthetic of the shoe was not a simple process. Each cut and line was carefully considered to achieve the desired look.

Interestingly, the Protection Pack was Wu's first venture into designing a lifestyle silhouette for New Balance. He had previously focused on performance models after completing an internship with the brand. As part of the label's lifestyle team, Wu decided to deviate from the usual smooth lines of the upper and instead opted for jagged-looking strips of suede. This design choice resulted in the birth of the Protection Pack (formerly known as Refined Future).

Following the success of the 2002R Protection Pack, the 1906 was the next shoe to receive the same treatment. The 1906D iteration features muted palettes and a torn-away look, just like its predecessor. Rough strips of suede give the shoe a deconstructed feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a wearable shoe that ages gracefully. With a steady stream of new colorways, the Protection Pack continues to impress and solidify its place within New Balance's lifestyle offerings.

For those interested in the Protection Pack and other New Balance products, they can be found on the brand's website, with a special discount of 20% off for emergency service personnel.