Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R 'Peace Be The Journey'

Salehe Bembury, the Versace VP who traded city chaos for dawn hikes up 4,000-foot peaks, poured that raw peace into his first New Balance collab on the 2002R silhouette. Drawing straight from Antelope Canyon's swirling earth tones - those burnt orange walls and arid badlands of Arizona - he layered yellow mesh, shaggy orange suede, and maroon leather across the upper for a texture bomb that mirrors the canyon's wild curves. Blue shearling N logo pops like sky above the crevices, cork insoles stamp his name, and a speckled N-ERGY sole grounds it all. These aren't your standard runners; they're a daily trek to that utopian hush Bembury chases, blending '00s running heritage with high-end hairy vibes that demand you step into the journey. Peace be the journey, every stride.

Antelope Canyon Earth Tones

Bembury channels Arizona's Antelope Canyon with a palette of burnt orange hairy suede dominating the upper, accented by bright yellow mesh for breathability and maroon leather overlays that echo the slot canyon's rugged layers. This desert-inspired mix captures the natural drama of arid hikes, turning every angle into a textured tribute to those sweeping, sun-scorched formations he meditates on daily.

Blue Shearling N Logo

A fluffy sky-blue shearling N logo wraps the midfoot, mimicking clouds drifting over canyon crevasses, while Bembury branding hits the tongue and throat strip in crisp contrast. Paired with co-branded cork insoles, it fuses luxury feel with his personal stamp, elevating the 2002R from runner to statement piece born from morning ascents above the chaos.

Speckled N-ERGY Sole

Swapping the original midsole for an 860v2 N-ERGY unit speckled orange and maroon over white, topped with a grippy maroon rubber outsole, delivers plush cushioning that's firm under arch - no mushy sink for all-day treks. Airy mesh keeps it ventilated, true to the 2002R's running roots reimagined for Bembury's peaceful pursuits.

Canyon Hike Casual

Pair with relaxed olive cargo pants, a faded black graphic tee nodding to '90s skate vibes, and a lightweight windbreaker in earthy tan. Add a woven friendship bracelet and oversized aviators to channel that Antelope trailhead escape, letting the orange suede pop against neutral tones for effortless weekend wanderlust.

Street Zen Layered

Rock with slim black joggers, a chunky cream hoodie unzipped over a white tank, and a puffer vest in muted rust. Layer a beaded necklace for texture play, balancing the hairy suede's wildness with clean lines - perfect for urban strolls that feel like Bembury's pre-dawn peace quests.

Festival Earth Vibes

Team up baggy khaki chinos, a tie-dye orange band tee, and fringed suede jacket. Slip on stacked silver rings and a crossbody bag in woven leather, harmonizing the shearling blue with boho accents for festival grounds or city block parties alive with canyon-inspired energy.

Specifications

Shipping

• ETA Shipping – approx. 18–20 days

SKU: ML2002R1