LaMelo Ball is arguably the most hyped player before being drafted into the NBA after LeBron James himself. With such star power, it is no surprise that sneaker brands have been quick to pitch the rookie of the year deals with multi-year contracts. Among the deals presented, however, LaMelo decided to go with the German sports goods designer and manufacturer, Puma. While this duo officially began working together in 2020, only now are we met with the first signature sneaker of the partnership: The Puma MB.01.
“I am excited to officially launch my first signature basketball shoe with Puma. Puma was great to work with during the design process. After signing with the brand last October, we got to work on MB.01,”
LaMelo Ball is not only known for his flashy playing style but his equally flashy personality as well. It is for this reason that Melo decided to incorporate showstopping colors and a unique design in order to represent his identity in real life. Through the sneaker’s sleek aesthetic, LaMelo presents the opportunity for fans and consumers to wear the sneaker both on and off the court.
What sets this sneaker apart from other recent basketball shoes is the involvement of the player in the design process. In fact, LaMelo was so hands-on during the sneaker’s creation that he decided to label each sneaker with a “1 of 1” on the tongue to further emphasize the silhouette’s exclusivity. The all-red colorway seems to be quite fitting as the Puma MB.01 is set to debut sometime this December, in time for Christmas.
As for the performance side of things, the Puma MB.01 incorporates the brand’s trademark Nitro Foam technology throughout the midsole for high caliber responsiveness as well as comfort. In addition, the sneaker boasts a full-coverage non-slip rubber compound for enhanced durability and traction, and breathable monomesh for a supportive and ultra-lightweight feel.
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