The wait is finally over! Cooper Flagg’s first New Balance sneaker has landed, and it’s far more than just another basketball drop. The New Balance Hesi Low V2 x Cooper Flagg celebrates the Dallas Mavericks rookie’s journey—from the courts of Maine to the bright lights of the NBA—while showcasing the performance technology and craftsmanship that have become synonymous with New Balance.
Released on October 22, coinciding with Flagg’s NBA debut, this collaboration doubles as a statement of identity, heritage, and athletic evolution. Naturally, fans of both Flagg and New Balance have been counting down the days, and the Hesi Low V2 delivers on every level: style, story, and on-court functionality.
A Hometown Tribute in Sneaker Form
At first glance, the New Balance Hesi Low V2 x Cooper Flagg feels deeply personal. Inspired by Flagg’s home state of Maine, the colorway reflects its lush, natural landscape. Deep and light greens echo the forests, while soft greys and creams evoke misty mornings and rugged coastlines.
Flagg shared the shoe’s significance, saying, “I’m taking the next step in my career, but I’m always going to be a product of my hometown in Maine. Working with the New Balance design team on this has been really cool.”
Moreover, the New Balance team captured that essence perfectly. They balanced small-town authenticity with big-league ambition. Even the promotional video highlights his roots. It features Flagg in a Maine garage, surrounded by shoeboxes and subtle state symbols, like a chickadee license plate and a lobster tag.
More Than Just a Colorway: It’s a Story
While not an official signature model, the New Balance Hesi Low V2 x Cooper Flagg delivers storytelling and design depth usually reserved for top-tier player collaborations. Every color, texture, and material nods to the bond between athlete and environment.
Beyond the design, this collaboration tells a bigger story: New Balance’s deep roots in Maine. The brand has been manufactured in the state for decades and recently announced a $65 million expansion of its Skowhegan factory. That factory sits less than 30 miles from Flagg’s hometown of Newport. It’s a full-circle moment that adds authenticity to the partnership.
By weaving Flagg’s upbringing together with New Balance’s heritage, the Hesi Low V2 becomes more than a shoe. It’s a celebration of Maine craftsmanship, community spirit, and NBA-level performance.
Technical Innovation Meets Lightweight Performance
Beyond its storytelling, the New Balance Hesi Low V2 is one of the brand’s most advanced basketball silhouettes. It’s built for quick, explosive play—perfect for Flagg’s versatile, high-energy style.
The shoe features a full-length FuelCell midsole that delivers responsive cushioning, providing both bounce and control during fast cuts and jumps. Its engineered knit mesh upper ensures breathability while maintaining essential support. Meanwhile, the TPU heel counter and nylon shank enhance stability for multidirectional movement.
Even the traction has been reimagined. A redesigned pattern radiates from the ball of the foot, offering superior grip on the court. Together, these elements make the Hesi Low V2 x Cooper Flagg not only visually striking but technically elite. Indeed, it’s a performance sneaker ready for the big stage.
A New Era for Cooper Flagg and New Balance
The #1 Draft pick is ready for Day 1. Introducing the Hesi Low v2 x @Cooper_Flagg.
Available 10/22. pic.twitter.com/pHbQ2k1LWx
— New Balance (@newbalance) October 16, 2025
This release marks a major milestone in Cooper Flagg’s professional journey. After emerging as a breakout star at Duke University and becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg’s partnership with New Balance has grown from campaign appearances to this personal, player-exclusive launch.
Flagg has been a visible ambassador for the brand. Now, his first exclusive colorway signals the start of what could become a long-term sneaker legacy. Recently, New Balance has positioned itself as a home for young, forward-thinking athletes, joining stars like Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray. Flagg fits perfectly into that roster.
The New Balance Hesi Low V2 x Cooper Flagg officially went on sale on October 22 at 10 a.m. for $120 USD on the New Balance website and in select stores. The release coincided perfectly with the Mavericks’ opening night matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, creating a memorable debut both on and off the court.
Carrying Maine to the NBA Hardwood
For Flagg, the shoe is a reminder that no matter how bright the NBA lights shine, his Maine roots will always define him. The muted, nature-inspired palette and subtle nods to home tell that story in ways words cannot.
As the season kicks off, fans can expect to see Flagg lacing up the New Balance Hesi Low V2 x Cooper Flagg on the court. It’s a fitting symbol of both where he’s come from and where he’s headed. A rookie’s first sneaker rarely feels this personal. For Cooper Flagg, though, that is exactly what makes it special.
From the forests of Maine to the hardwood of Dallas, Flagg’s first New Balance shoe stands as a statement: grounded, authentic, and built for greatness.
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Featured image: New Balance
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