SNS x New Balance 2002R Mule

"Goods for Home"

With a 2 decades-strong history in the books, we continue our friendship with New Balance, this time on a premium rendition of the 2002R Mule. The updated archive gem brings together comfort and style through a premium suede and mesh upper with ABZORB cushioning and N-ergy outsole. Inspired by creative craftsmanship and Japanese home accessories, this collaboration is brought to life with long-time creative contributor Yuthanan, an homage to the OG New Balance mule by swapping the current “N” branding and adding the New Balance 990V3 “N” logo.

Tying into the theme of “GOODS FOR HOME,” we also created a selection of crafted goods with local Japanese craftsman that include a hand made incense chamber that resembles the Mule and can hold the SNS x Apotheke Fragrance incense, which is also a part of the release. In addition we have also worked on hand-made cups and vases, as well as a 2-pack of Socks and a T-Shirt designed by Ikki Kobayashi.

The SNS x New Balance 2002R Mule will be released exclusively at all SNS locations, sneakersnstuff.com and newbalance.com on September 22nd.

See below how our collaborators describe the collection in their words.

Blackboots Ceramics

" *The SNS x New Balance Mule incense chamber is created in Seto, Aichi an area that has a long history of making ceramics. From the first step, making the plaster mold, to the last firing ceramic, Kensaku Harada makes everything by himself, this is a true piece of Japanese craftsmanship. *"

Apotheke Fragrance incense

" APFR is an artisanal, handmade fragrance brand from their Chiba, Japan workshop.

The SNS Incense Sticks stay true to our customers’ lifestyle, prescribing scents for their everyday lives. Founder Keita Sugasawa, in his travels to different countries, was both impressed and surprised at the number of shops selling scented oils and incense. After returning to Japan, Sugasawa took a position at a Japanese fragrance maker, as his first step to learning the ins and outs of the craft. In 2011, he established his own atelier in his boyhood home of Chiba Prefecture. This atelier became the new home of this hand-crafted fragrance brand.

This “Abstract Medicine” smell shows Japanese “WA” culture for the first time. "

Homegoods t-shirt

"Ikki Kobayashi is a Tokyo-based graphic designer. He likes to combine western minimal design and eastern cultural thinking."

Cups and vases

" Kouichi Kobayashi lives in the Yamanashi countryside where he creates his ceramics. He used to be a painter that’s why you can see various combinations of colors in his work. Each piece is hand made. "

Temper Collective

" I have always been into design & construction. Being influenced by my architect dad, I've always been around creativity and interior layouts. Studying industrial design back in South Australia, I was always fascinated by the construction of products/objects, how to problem solve or figure out how things are built and work out in my way, and how I can make it better or similar construction aesthetically. Being in Tokyo, the harmonious integration between traditional and modern designs was an interesting combination. Living in small apartments in Tokyo pushes your creativity to the limit in ways to create or maximize using spaces. At the same time, there are limits to how far you can do inside a Japanese apartment. With the noise complaints, I thought of weaving as it did not require any drilling holes for my initial idea of cane weaving. With simple hand tools, in the beginning, I challenged myself to build my furniture. "