Building on the success of LaMelo Ball’s previous signature shoes, the Puma MB.04 is now confirmed to debut in September.
Ball’s fourth signature Puma sneaker will first arrive courtesy of the Charlotte Hornets star’s streetwear brand, LaFrancé. Like Ball’s previous models, the MB.04 uses an abstract design across its upper, and it’s been dialed up to extreme levels this time around. According to the product description, the eye-catching look is achieved with a woven mesh base that is then wrapped by a 5D printing exoskeleton.
The wrap not only supports the foot, but gives the MB.04 a graphic covering that features many of Ball’s signature taglines including “1 of 1,” “love,” “rare” and on the outsole, “not from here.”
Cushioning in the Puma MB.04 is provided by the brand’s proprietary nitrogen-infused Nitrofoam, while Pumagrip rubber is intended to provide traction on a variety of playing surfaces.
Since debuting with Ball’s first signature sneaker, the Puma MB.01, in December 2021, the line — and Ball’s on-court stature — have grown considerably. Collaborations with the likes of “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Rick & Morty” have helped elevate the shoe’s status with younger audiences, and Puma has also expanded the line with a new lifestyle model known as the LaFrancé.
The LaFrancé x Puma MB.04 comes in a two-tone “Team Light Blue/Cool Mid Gray” colorway and features LaFrancé’s “LF” on the heel. Keeping consistent with the price of the MB.03, the Puma MB.04 retails for $125 in adult sizes. It will be released September 12 at 10 a.m. ET from puma.com and will also be offered at select retailers.
