In this post, I’ll be sharing an honest, in-depth New Balance 2002R Goretex Review—based on two full years of wearing them in my daily routine.
This review is all about one thing: comfort.
I work in a job that often requires me to walk over 20,000 steps a day. If the shoes I wear aren’t up to the task, I start to feel pain in the soles of my feet, and the fatigue builds quickly. That’s why comfort is the number one factor I look for in a pair of shoes.
Everything I’ll be sharing here comes from actual, long-term experience—no guesswork or first impressions, just real wear and tear.
My Top 3 Priorities When Choosing Shoes
There are three specific features I always look for. If even one of these is missing, it’s nearly impossible to make it through a day of walking 20,000 steps:
- Cushioning Essential for reducing strain on your feet and knees.
- Responsiveness Helps convert each step into forward motion. A good bounce can really make a difference during long walks.
- Stability A secure fit—especially around the heel—prevents wasted energy and keeps your gait efficient. Loose or unstable shoes end up tiring you out faster.
Compared with Other New Balance Models
In this review, I’ll also compare the 2002R with other New Balance pairs I’ve worn in the past. Every model I mention here is one I’ve actually used, not just tried on.
• CM996
• M2040 V1
• M998
• WR993
• MR993
• M990 V5
• 2002R
• 2002R GORETEX
• M990V3
• 991v2
• M990V6
Looks and Materials
Before diving into how they feel, let’s start with how they look.
After two years of use, the aging and wear are clearly visible—but in a good way. The materials seem to have aged gracefully.
The fabric used here feels noticeably more premium than the standard version of the New Balance 2002R, which I also own. There’s a clear difference in the quality of the upper, giving it a more luxurious appearance.
Inside the upper, there’s a GORE-TEX membrane.
This membrane plays a key role: it keeps water out.
Thanks to this GORE-TEX layer, the wearing experience is quite different from the regular 2002R.
I’ll go into more detail about that in the comfort section below.
1. Cushioning
The cushioning is solid. It’s clearly designed for shock absorption, and it does that job very well during walks.
You can really feel it absorbing the impact from each step.
As expected from a shoe that uses ABZORB technology.
2. Responsiveness
This is where the 2002R falls a bit short.
Because the cushioning is focused on shock absorption, it doesn’t return much energy when you step.
There’s not that “bounce” or forward push you might expect in more responsive shoes.
Personally, once I pass 10,000 steps, I start to feel soreness in the soles of my feet.
3. Stability
Stability is where this shoe really shines.
Thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane—which is made of a relatively stiff material—the overall structure of the shoe feels firm and supportive.
The standard 2002R model tends to feel less stable, especially in the upper. That’s because it lacks heel support components that help reduce wobbling.
Other New Balance models often include these heel stabilizers, and you can definitely feel the difference when they’re there.
On the flip side, breathability is where this version falls short.
The shoe tends to trap heat and lacks proper airflow, especially on hot and humid days.
Wearing them in summer can lead to noticeable discomfort.
How Does the 2002R GORE-TEX Perform on Rainy Days?
If you’re considering the GORE-TEX version of the 2002R as a rain-friendly sneaker, here’s what you need to know.
Excellent Waterproofing
The waterproofing is solid—no issues at all.
Even in heavy rain, I’ve never had water seep into the shoe.
That said, keep in mind this is not a high-cut model.
If you step into a deep puddle, water may still get in from the top, so a bit of caution is needed.
Outsole Can Be Slippery
One downside is the outsole—it can be slippery on wet surfaces.
On rainy days, I’ve occasionally found myself almost slipping.
It would’ve been great if New Balance had used a grippier sole, like a Vibram outsole, to improve traction in wet conditions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the GORE-TEX version of the 2002R offers better comfort than the standard model.
I can walk up to 10,000 steps without any foot pain, which is a noticeable improvement.
That said, if your job requires you to stand all day or walk extensively, I would recommend a shoe with better energy return.
Models like the 990v6 or 990v3 would be more suitable in that case.
As for breathability, this pair runs warm—heat tends to build up on hotter days.
I’d suggest wearing them in cooler weather, especially during fall or winter.
For rainy days, they provide excellent waterproof protection.
However, be cautious on wet surfaces, as the outsole can get a bit slippery.
Thank you for reading until the end.
I’ve put together a short Vlog capturing bits of my everyday life—always in my go-to New Balance sneakers.
If you’re into simple routines, quiet moments, or just curious about how others spend their day, come take a look.
Sayonara
