The Charlotte Hornets are prepping for what they hope is a better season, as last year they finished with just 21 wins. Part of the underperformance was the lack of LaMelo Ball on the court, who, in January 2024, was sidelined due to an ankle injury. Since last taking the court for the team, Ball has launched his latest signature performance basketball sneaker, the MB.04, with the sneaker appearing in vibrant makeups like the Love colorway and the LaFrance rendition. Images of a Hornets-inspired colorway have appeared before the public has a shot at the aforementioned Love pair.
On the base of the sneaker is a blue atoll-shaded double-layered mesh with alien tentacle-inspired TPU support spread across the upper. Embedded within these purple and pink TPU panels are phrases that represent LaMelo, including “1 Of One,” “RARE,” and “LOVE.” More nods to Melo include the phoenix logo attached to the top of the tongue, which rests on a purple suede panel sitting atop most of the mesh, and the “1 Of 1” logo on the pull tab. While the color scheme screams Charlotte Hornets, Puma directly refers to Melo’s team via an added emblem on the heel, which features a hornet in Charlotte Hornet’s colors wearing Melo’s jersey and a pair of MB.04s. All of this comes paired with a NITROFOAM-cushioned midsole in blue with purple TPU near the toe paired with a split blue and purple rubber outsole.
The Puma MB.04 Hornets will release sometime in 2024 through Puma and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s and GS sizing, the retail price is set at $125 and $105, respectively. Check below for official images of the sneaker, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Puma MB.04 Hornets
Images via Puma
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
