“Didn’t Know if That Would Work”: Coco Gauff Shares Inspiration Behind New Version of New Balance Shoes
Coco Gauff: A Fashion Icon Redefining Tennis Style with the Coco Delray
Coco Gauff has firmly established herself as a fashion icon, captivating fans with her Marvel-inspired tennis kits, street style, and signature New Balance shoe collections. From the CG1 to the CG2, her designs have become fan favorites, blending performance with personality. But what makes her style so compelling? It’s her authenticity and passion, combined with a commitment to staying true to her roots. Now, as she teases a new line of NB shoes, could she bring this magic together once again?
The Evolution of Gauff’s New Balance Collection
Earlier this month, Gauff hinted that something was “cooking” in the New Balance lab, sparking speculation about an upcoming CG2 refresh. In an interview with Tennis Channel, she revealed how versatile her shoes are, saying they pair effortlessly with jeans or skirts. Teasing a possible redesign, she playfully announced:
“Get it here first on Tennis Channel, keep your eye out for some…maybe a new type of CG2 later in a few weeks.”
It seems the cat’s out of the bag now!
Introducing the Coco Delray: A Tribute to Her Hometown
On her birthday, New Balance unveiled the Coco Delray, a low-top version of the CG2. But why move away from the sturdy high-tops? Gauff explained on the WTA Instagram:
“A lot of people like the CG2, and some people were like, ‘We want a low version,’”
This feedback “heavily inspired” the Coco Delray’s sleek, low-top design, available in chic colorways like white with navy and off-white Parchment with aqua and navy accents.
More than just a style shift, the Coco Delray is a tribute to Gauff’s roots. Growing up in Delray Beach, Florida, her tennis journey began there, and she wanted her new shoe to reflect that special connection. However, naming the sneaker after her hometown wasn’t as simple as she initially thought:
“I wanted to do something with ‘Delray Beach,’ but at first, I wasn’t sure. You know how trademarking stuff goes; I didn’t know if that would work, but luckily it did.”
Ultimately, New Balance added her name to the branding, with Gauff humorously noting:
“I like to call it just ‘The Delray,’ but you know that ‘Coco’ part was probably what was going to make it sell, so they added that too.”
Gauff’s Impact on New Balance’s Success
Following the CG2’s release, New Balance’s brand value skyrocketed to $4.3 billion, proving Gauff’s massive influence in the sneaker world. But for Coco, the Coco Delray is more than just a stylish sneaker—it represents her commitment to inclusivity in tennis.
“Delray Beach helped spark my tennis journey, so it’s special to me to tell the story of this community that influenced exactly why I love this sport.”
The Creative Minds Behind the Coco Delray
Gauff also credits those who helped bring the shoe to life, including her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, and renowned designer Joe Freshgoods.
Her grandmother, a trailblazer who integrated Delray Beach public schools as the first Black student, narrates the campaign video, making the release even more meaningful.
Additionally, Joe Freshgoods, a powerhouse in sneaker culture, played a pivotal role in the Coco Delray’s design. Gauff praised him, calling him “an incredible creative visionary” who has “broken records with his shoe JoeFreshGoods.” She publicly thanked him, saying:
“If you don’t know Joe, Joe is an incredible creative visionary. He has done wonders at NB. He has broken records with his shoe JoeFreshGoods. If you don’t know him, you should know him. First, I wanna thank you publicly. I have privately, but thank you for this project. I’m very proud and very honored that you did that.”
Will Coco Gauff Debut the Coco Delray at the Miami Open?
As Gauff gears up for the Miami Open, fans are eager to see if she’ll rock her new sneakers on the court. After a dominant first-round win, she’s proving she’s not just a fashion icon—but a force to be reckoned with in tennis.
What do you think of Gauff’s latest sneaker drop? Could the Coco Delray become her most iconic release yet?
