Since joining forces with Puma in 2020, LaMelo Ball has been at the forefront of the brand’s basketball division, with each of his signature models bringing a fresh and vibrant touch to performance footwear. Following the success of the MB.01, MB.02, and MB.03, LaMelo’s signature line has become a staple for on-court performance and streetwear culture. As we approach the start of the 2024-2025 NBA season, excitement is building for the release of his fourth signature model, the Puma MB.04. This new silhouette takes things to the next level, debuting in collaboration with LaMelo’s streetwear label, LaFrance, giving the sneaker an added layer of style and personality. Previously, we saw leaks of the sneaker back in March of the Red Volt rendition.
The Puma MB.04 comes with a monomesh base coated in a calming sky-blue hue, featuring a higher cut than its predecessors. Intricate TPU overlays in blue and cream run across the upper, forming branding details unique to LaMelo’s style. These details come constructed thanks to a 4D printing tech for zoned out durability. Words like 1 Of One appear on the left side of each shoe, LOVE on the right side, and RARE is spelled out across the toe, surrounded by a web pattern that adds an artistic flair. The tongue is adorned with LaMelo’s signature phoenix logo in white, while the heel boasts LaFrance branding, featuring the label’s LF logo for a personalized touch.
Underfoot, the MB.04 doesn’t skimp on performance. Cushioning comes from a compression-molded EVA foam for superior responsiveness, which is crucial for LaMelo’s explosive playing style. The tonal blue midsole and rubber outsole ensure grip and durability, with additional LaMelo branding to round out the design.
Jeremey Sallehe, Head of Design for PUMA Hoops, shared some insight into the design of the MB.04, stating, “The details and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the shoe are my favorite attributes. It was a big design challenge to make a shoe that couldn’t be mirrored left to right and still make it look cohesive. The inspiration was based around this idea of ‘Be Melo.' The kids love Melo and a lot of them want to be just like him. It’s basically the idea of symbiosis. The kid puts on the shoe, and they are enveloped by all of Melo’s attributes, rarities and One-of-one-ness.”
Leading up to the sneaker's launch, LaMelo is kicking off his North American Melo Tour. This will include stops in Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, and finally, NYC. Each stop will feature Melo engaging with local communities and youth organizations via meet-and-greets, product giveaways, and more.
The LaFrance x Puma MB.04 will release on September 12, 2024, through Puma and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men's sizing, the retail price is set at $125. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
LaFrance x Puma MB.04
Images via Puma
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
