Honestly, the hype around Cooper Flagg New Balance shoes is kinda weird. Usually, when a "generational" prospect hits the league, the sneaker world expects a signature line immediately. You know the drill—a flashy logo, a $200 price tag, and a massive marketing campaign built on a shoe that doesn't exist yet.
But Flagg isn't doing that.
The 2025 No. 1 overall pick and current Dallas Mavericks star is taking a different path. Instead of a "Cooper 1," he’s been dominating his rookie season in the New Balance Hesi Low v2. It’s a $110 performance shoe that’s basically become his unofficial signature model. It’s a move that feels very "Maine"—practical, gritty, and low-key.
The Maine Connection: Hesi Low v2 PE
If you've been watching Mavs games lately, you've probably noticed a specific forest-green and grey colorway on Flagg's feet. That’s the Hesi Low v2 x Cooper Flagg. It launched on October 22, 2024—the same day he made his NBA debut against the Spurs.
This wasn't just a random color pick. The design is a direct tribute to Newport, Maine. The palette uses deep fir greens and earthy greys to mimic the northern foliage Flagg grew up around.
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The tech specs are actually pretty solid for the price point:
- Full-length FuelCell midsole: This is New Balance's high-rebound foam. It's designed for that "propulsive" feel when you're cutting to the rim.
- Engineered knit upper: It’s breathable but has synthetic overlays for support.
- Traction pattern: It radiates out from the ball of the foot, which is perfect for a guy like Flagg who covers a lot of ground defensively.
New Balance basically used this launch to signal that Flagg is the face of their "quick" category. While Kawhi Leonard holds down the signature fort for the brand, Flagg is the one bringing the Hesi Low v2 to the masses.
Why He Wore Nike at Duke (The "Tough Situation")
There was a lot of confusion during the 2024-25 college season. People were asking, "Wait, if he signed with New Balance in high school, why is he wearing Nikes at Duke?"
It was a classic NIL mess.
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Duke is a Nike-sponsored school. Because of the team's contract, Flagg was forced to wear the Swoosh during all team activities and games. He even admitted in a press conference before the Sweet 16 that it was a "tough situation" because he genuinely wanted to be in New Balances. Nike even used the moment to troll New Balance on social media during March Madness, though they eventually deleted the posts once the draft buzz got too loud.
The second he hit the NBA Draft Combine in May 2025, he ditched the Nikes for a pair of "Sunfade Red" Hesi Lows. He hasn't looked back since.
Is a Signature Shoe Coming in 2026?
Here is the truth about signature shoes: they take forever to develop.
New Balance usually spends 18 to 24 months designing a signature silhouette from scratch. Since Flagg officially signed his multi-year pro deal (rumored to be worth around $13 million annually) in late 2024, the timeline suggests we might not see a true Cooper Flagg signature shoe until the 2026-27 season.
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Right now, New Balance is leaning into the "Grit over Glitz" campaign. They're marketing Flagg as an "intelligent choice" athlete. They’d rather he build his brand on winning and defensive highlights than just selling a $200 piece of plastic.
Where to Buy Cooper Flagg New Balance Shoes
If you're trying to grab a pair, you've got to be quick. The Maine-inspired PE colorway sold out almost instantly on the New Balance website and at major retailers like Foot Locker.
- NewBalance.com: Check for restocks of the Hesi Low v2. They frequently drop new "Flavors" like the Green Punch or Sunfade Red.
- Resale Markets: On sites like StockX or GOAT, the "Maine" PE is currently trading for well over its $120 retail price—sometimes hitting the $210 range.
- In-Store: If you're near Skowhegan or Newport, Maine, local shops occasionally get exclusive runs because of Flagg’s deep ties to the area.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of fans think Flagg is "settling" for a budget shoe. That’s not really how it works. The Hesi Low v2 is specifically built for "fleet-footed" players. Even though Flagg is 6'9", he plays like a wing. He needs a low-profile shoe with a lot of court feel, not a bulky "big man" boot.
The choice to wear a $110 shoe is actually a massive marketing win. It makes him relatable to the kids in Maine who can't afford $200 Jordans. It’s accessible. It’s part of the reason his jersey and shoe sales are already top-ten in the league.
Next Steps for Fans and Hoopsters
- Check your fit: The Hesi Low v2 tends to run slightly narrow. If you have a wide foot, you might want to size up or look for the "Wide" versions New Balance occasionally drops.
- Watch the "Flagg Day" drops: New Balance has been releasing apparel collections (hoodies and tees) to bridge the gap until the signature shoe arrives. Keep an eye on their social channels for the next drop.
- Track his PE rotations: Flagg has been debuting 3-4 new colorways every month. If you see a color you like on a Tuesday night broadcast, it usually hits the "Flavors" pack at retail about three weeks later.