New Balance's newest 2002R shoes prove the statement that a bit of leather makes everything better. Or so they say. Well, not really "they," more so myself (I just made the saying up).

We're used to seeing the semi-chunky New Balance shoe with mesh and suede uppers. But the newest pack of New Balance 2002R sneakers arrives as a trio of leathery dad shoes. And I must admit, they look pretty good.

Aptly named the "Leather Pack," the New Balance 2002R sneakers present fresh, supple leather panels alongside its usual suede and mesh moments for a tasteful remake to a classic shoe.

Standard New Balance logos appear throughout the shoe, while grey accents and an intentionally yellowed sole round off the buttery sneakers with a hint of lived-in class. Nice and simple with a splash of leather. Done.

There's been other leather New Balance 2002Rs in the past. In 2023, the sneaker label dropped off some vintage leather 2002Rs rendered in green, burgundy, and grey. The shoes came with gum soles and still linger in grade school sizes at select retailers.

However, the newest New Balance 2002Rs boasts a cleaner look, thanks to colorways even more muted than the occasional furry feels and GORE-TEX upgrades given to previous 2002 drops. Also, whereas the 2023 collection had entirely leather uppers, the 2024 trio preserves the 2002R's classic textures with hints of leather. Again, a little leather goes a long way, and NB's new "Leather Pack" understood the assignment.

The New Balance 2002R "Leather Pack" sneakers are expected to drop sometime during 2024 on New Balance's website and the usual stockists. The smooth New Balances will launch in three colorways, including black, white, and red leather.

New Balance is coming off a strong 2023, which ended with the brand making $6.5 billion in sales (a 23% increase from 2022). New Balance's 2024 outlook appears to be quite solid as well — leathery, too. Must I remind you of its glossy patent leather 550s?