The New Balance 2002R is, without a doubt, one of this year's most popular silhouettes. A model that was first introduced back in 2002, hence the name, it's making a massive comeback a whole two decades later. With that said, a sample of the New Balance 2002R Mule has just popped up online and it's making us question our very own existence.

Unveiled by sneaker insider and sample collector @woganwodeyang, this NB is unlike anything we've seen before. Bearing a striking resemblance to the "Black", it retains the same colour palette and materials, but if you haven't noticed already, the heel has completely disappeared so you can slip your foot in and out with ease, making this a slide version of the classic sneaker.

New Balance's signature italicised "N" logo graces the lateral and medial side panels, while the midsole has been dipped in white for a high-contrast look. Interestingly, we can't seem to find any N-ERGY branding, so the Boston-based brand might have dropped that cushioning tech for this silhouette.

Already released in Asian markets, make sure you keep it locked at The Sole Supplier for more news on the New Balance 2002R Mule "Black" as it develops! Let us know what you think of this model, and in related news, the Bryant Giles x New Balance 2002R is made for the art enthusiast!