Mark: Atmos x New Balance
Model: 2002R
Release date: October 29
To buy: atmos tokyo website (raffle opens October 24)
Editor’s notes: Another New Balance 2002R from atmos? Honestly, I wouldn’t have any other way.
atmos and New Balance continue their beautiful friendship with the delivery of yet another 2002R sneaker collaboration. Dubbed “Oasis,” the duo’s shoe exudes the essence of a desert oasis.
Now, many think desert oases are a bit of a mystery. And I can’t blame them. If I saw a pool of water and trees in the middle of the desert, I would think I had a mirage.
A little geography lesson here: water doesn’t magically appear in the middle of dry land. You see, an oasis can be created naturally by a spring or by humans via an underground water source like an aquifer (fun fact: the Sahara desert has 90 of them).
In short, the change of scenery is not to be feared. It’s quite peaceful when you look at it. Fresh blue water? Surrounding greenery, sometimes including palm trees? It’s like an isolated paradise in the middle of the desert.
Known for paying attention to detail (even when it comes to rodents), atmos emphasizes the obvious and overlooked features of a desert oasis with their 2002R sneakers.
Teal hits the model’s heel cushions and oversized “N” on the upper, nodding to pools encompassing the lush area. At the same time, the varying shades of brown and gray signal the earthy hues of the desert.
The atmos x New Balance 2002R “Oasis” also features a combination of mesh, suede and nubuck on the upper, capturing the essence of the different textures of the desert landscape, like its smooth sand and rugged mountains.
I’ve become a fan of atmos’ exclusive sneaker collaborations and colorways. The Japanese brand is not only a master of detail, it also knows the color wheel. As a result, atmos manages to turn sneakers into tourist guides and make ASICS look delicious.
With these 2002R “Oasis” under its belt, the brand can also tick “transform sneakers into zen football” from its list.
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