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New Balance 2002R Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

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New Balance 2002R Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

Fashion Sports & Outdoor Fake vs Real Guide

The New Balance 2002R is one of the most popular shoes on the market today.Building on the success of the 990 line,the 2002R carries over the dad-shoe aesthetic but at a more attainable price point with additional comfort granted by the N-ergy and ABZORB midsole. This has made it the choice sneaker for collaborators like thisisneverthat, Joe Freshgoods, Salehe Bembury, J.Crew and Bape.But with the rise in popularity, there has also been an increase in counterfeits.It is very difficult to notice the difference between a real and a fake New Balance shoe these days as the replicas are getting more and more like the authentic one.How to spot the fake New Balance 2002R?How do I know if my New Balance 2002R is fake?What is the difference between the real and fake New Balance 2002R?In this article, I’ll quickly show you some tips on how to spot a fake New Balance 2002R — from the sole to the logo print, all details are included.And at the end of the article, there are a few websites to buy new and second-hand New Balance 2002R online for the cheapest.

Cover Photo:shoepalace.com

1. The Overlook of New Balance 2002R

The first difference that you should look for is the overlook of the shoe. The real shoes will have a classic and timeless design that has remained consistent over the years. Onthe other hand,the fake shoes will have a design that is slightly off or different from the real shoes.

1) The authentic pair is slightly longer than the fake one.

2) The outsole extend a bit further on the fakes.

3) The real New Balance 2002R will have thick and durable laces that are easy to tie. Fake shoes, on the other hand, will have thin and flimsy laces that are difficult to tie.

4) The real pair has a consistent color throughout the entire shoe. Fake shoes, on the other hand, will have a color that is slightly off or faded in some cases.The heel liner is off white on the real pair but snow white on the fakes.The mesh material on the toe area has a grey shade on the real pair but is grey and blue on the fakes.

5) The stitches will be even and consistent throughout the real shoe. On fake shoes, the stitches will be crooked and uneven in some cases.

6) The toe overlay features a soft leather material on the real pair but furry suede on the fakes.

2. The Material Quality

When it comes to material quality, the differences between real and fake shoes are quite noticeable.New Balance 2002R is made of high quality materials and offers a comfortable fit.It is soft to the touch and extremely durable. However,the fake shoes will have a lower quality material that is stiff and less durable.

3. The Outsole

The outsole of the real pair will be made from a rubber compound that provides excellent grip and traction. Fake shoes will not have the same quality outsole that does not provide the same level of grip and traction.And, on real shoes, the sole will have a thick and solid look. On fake shoes, the sole will appear thin and flimsy in some cases.There are also other obvious differences you will find on the piture below.

4. The Insole

1) The insole of the real pair will have a thick and cushioning look. On fake shoes, the insole will be thin and flimsy in some cases.

2) The NB logo is of a lighter shade of green on the real pair.

5. The Modsole

1) The midsole pattern is very vivid on the real pair but subtle on the fakes.

2) The stitching is light grey on the real pair.However,the stitching is black on the fake shoes.

3) The gap between the midsole and the panel overlay is much wider on the real pair.

4) The "N" logo is slightly bigger on the fakes.

6. The Tongue

1) The “N” logo on the throat line is slightly larger on the real pair and is off white while the fake pair has a snow white “N” logo.

2) On real shoes, the logo will be centered on the tongue and heel of the shoe. On the other hand,the logo on fake shoes will be off-centered or even crooked in some cases which is a sure sign that the shoe is a fake.

3) The throat line is much wider on the real pair.

4) The tongue and its extension are shorter on the fake pair.

7. The Back

1) The heel logo area has an orange color shade on the fake pair but a light gold shade on the real pair.

2) The perforations are much bigger on the fake pair.

8. The Box

1) The real pair’s box is slightly wider than the fake pair’s box.And the fake box have a lot of spots on it, its NB logo is a bit faded.

2) The gap between the new balance text and the bottom of the box is much wider on the fake box.

3) The box label of the real pair is much wider than the fake’s label and the references aren’t the same between both even though they are the same size.

4) The NB logo on the tissue paper is more faded on the real pair.

9. The Inserts

The fake pair comes with inserts that are covered with the brand’s logo while the real pair doesn’t have that. The inserts are also much smaller on the fakes.

Where To Buy New And Second-hand New Balance 2002R?

New Balance 2002R sneakers are available in New Balance boutiques worldwide and online. You can alos find New Balance 2002R at at sneaker boutiques.And you can also get a second-hand and New Balance 2002R on some resale websites! Sign up at Extrabux.com, you can get up to 4% cash back on new and second-hand New Balance 2002R purchase at these sites below！

New Balance (2% super cash back)
Foot Locker (4% super cash back)
Champs Sports (4% sper cash back)
StockX
GOAT
Finish Line (5% super cash back)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use New Balance 2002R for running?

Just FYI it's not for running, it just has "running shoe aesthetics" says NB. They are very comfortable for working/ walking around in, but there's no way they'd be remotely comfortable to run in.

Is the New Balance 2002R good for wide feet?

The sneaker fits true to size. Going with your standard athletic shoe size when purchasing the New Balance 2002R is a safe bet. If you have wide feet, you may want to size up half a size from your standard shoe size.

When was the New Balance 2002R release?

In 2010. Its aggressive paneling and streamlined sole unit might've put off a few customers when it debuted in 2010, but these days the buzzy aughts-soaked dad sneaker couldn't look cooler.