American tennis sensation, Coco Gauff, teamed up with New Balance to create the Coco Delray Tennis Shoe, a shoe built for every level of tennis, and inspired by her upbringing in Delray Beach, Florida. The shows showcase a rich history of family, community, and dedication for the game of tennis, which New Balance describes as “more than just a sport.”
If you’re a fan of tennis, then you definitely know who Coco Gauff is. Guaff is one of the world’s best tennis players at the moment, but her tenure as a tennis icon has come from years of dedication on the court. She shocked the world when she became the youngest person to qualify for Wimbledon at just 15 years old. She shocked the world further when she beat Venus Williams in that very tournament. The American tennis star currently sits at rank No. 3 in the world, and at the age of 21-years-old, the Florida native has a long, illustrious career ahead of her.
The Story Behind the Coco Delray
Becoming a tennis superstar demands devotion, practice, sacrifice, and a whole lot of support from all those around you. For Coco, she had this in abundance. The 2023 US Open winner attributes her success to her family, friends, and community.
The Coco Delray Tennis Shoe celebrates Gauff’s hometown with a model designed for performance and casual styling. While the shoe boasts many performance-driven features, it’s designed to be enjoyed by casual tennis players as well as those looking for a unique, off-court styling option.
“I’m incredibly proud to launch the new Coco Delray because it’s more than just a tennis shoe – it represents an opportunity to broaden access to those interested in playing the game and will have a positive cultural impact for generations to come,” Coco Gauff said. “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 video features Coco and her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, who tells the story of Coco’s roots growing up in Delray Beach. Gauff grew up playing at the public courts at Pompey Park, where she received an incredible amount of support from her family, community, and friends. The video showcases Coco’s love for the game, how her upbringing was more than developing a skill, but an investment in a community, and how tennis can help move culture.
The shoe is available for both men and women, and will see new colorways released throughout 2025. The shoe itself is inspired by the New Balance Coco CG2 D Width Tennis Shoes, Gauff’s choice of shoe for all her tournaments. The Coco Delray shares features with the CG2s, such as its NDurance outsole, a rubber compound that enhances durability in high-wear areas of the shoe. That said, the Coco Delray was designed for comfort, style, and accessibility. This shoe is ideal for newer players, Coco enthusiasts, or those looking for more comfort on the court.
New Balance tennis product manager Josh Wilder says that he hopes the shoe brings more people to the sport of tennis. A stylish shoe that offers on-court performance, and is lightweight and forgiving makes the shoe wearable in a variety of situations, says Forbes.
At $109.95, this tennis shoe is considerably more affordable than most high-performing shoes on the market. It’s an ideal shoe for those just starting to play tennis, and its aesthetically pleasing design is sure to turn a few heads.
“Our hope with the Coco Delray is to emphasize access to sport for all. It means a lot to Coco that anyone who wants to play tennis should be able to pick up a racquet and play. The Coco Delray represents her ongoing commitment to promoting this inclusivity within the sport, starting in her own backyard.” - Evan Zeder, New Balance Head of Tennis Sports Marketing
The shoe’s release comes amid the Sunshine Double, just before the Miami Open kicks off on March 18, 2025.
The Coco Delray Specs and Features
The Delray features a lower-cut ankle collar to reduce weight and provide more ankle mobility than the Coco CG2. A solid NDurance rubber outsole offers impressive durability for long matches. The FuelCell Delray can be styled off-court as well.
Upper: Lightweight breathable mesh upper with a synthetic drag tip. Lace-up closure.
Insole: Removable insole
Midsole: Full-length FuelCell unit for lightweight cushioning.
Outsole: The non-marking, NDurance rubber compound enhances durability in high-wear areas of the shoe. This allows for a multi-directional traction pattern that provides enhanced traction for lateral movements and quick pivoting. New raised lateral outrigger for added stability.
Why Shop at Tennis Express?
Because here, at Tennis Express, we are more than just a tennis retailer. We are lovers of the game, and it is stories like these that inspire us to push the sport beyond itself. Like Coco Gauff, we believe this sport is for everyone, not just those who have access to courts, gear, and coaching. If you are a beginner tennis player, we’d love to be at the forefront of your tennis experience. Conversely, if you’re a tennis expert, take advantage of our competitive prices and insightful blogs and reviews.
