Asics Gel-1130 vs New Balance 2002R
Asics Gel-1130
New Balance 2002R
Gel-1130 has the Y2K nostalgia locked, 2002R brings the chunky modern energy — retro runners, two eras.
How They Compare
The things that actually matter 💅
Pick Your Side 💜
Which one stole your heart?
Which One Is For You?
Two amazing products, two different vibes ✨
- You are obsessed with early 2000s aesthetics done right
- You want a shoe that looks pulled from a vintage store
- You prefer silver and grey tones over bold colors
- You want a retro runner that still feels modern underfoot
- You like a bolder silhouette with more visual weight
- You prefer New Balance's current cultural momentum
The Full Story
LoveBar's deep-dive, written for humans 💕
Asics Gel-1130 and New Balance 2002R are both riding the retro running wave, but they are surfing completely different parts of it. The Gel-1130 is pure Y2K energy — silver mesh, layered panels, and a shape that looks like it was pulled from a 2002 running catalog. It became the shoe of choice for people who want their sneakers to look vintage without actually being vintage, and the gel cushioning still holds up for all-day wear. The 2002R is chunkier, bolder, and more deliberately styled — the Protection Pack versions with their deconstructed panels became an instant sensation. It has more modern tech underfoot and a thicker presence on your feet. The Gel-1130 whispers early millennium cool. The 2002R shouts contemporary confidence. Both will get you compliments from sneaker-aware people, but the Gel-1130 appeals to the archival crowd while the 2002R appeals to the fashion-forward crowd.