PUMA Announce Release Date For LaMelo Ball's MB.01
News on this release was originally published on October 12, 2021.
Update December 10, 2021: LaMelo Ball's MB.01 is set to debut in its inaugural 'Red Blast/Fiery Red' colourway on December 16. It'll be available through the PUMA webstore and select retailers, accompanied by a matching apparel collection and priced at $125.
Reigning Rookie of the Year has been famous since before he could drive a car – and had his own shoes for almost that long too, thanks to LaVar Ball's short-lived signature sneaker efforts – but now the youngest Ball brother is entering a new stage in his footwear career thanks to the release of his first signature shoe with . Dubbed the , LaMelo's new kicks aim to represent his personality with special details inspired by his motto, signature ankle tattoo and more.
Debuting in a vivid red, the MB.01 features a mid-cut upper and PUMA ProFoam cushioning tech in its midsole. It's also loaded with details specific to LaMelo's story. 'Not From Here' and '1 of 1' are emblazoned on the lower and upper tongue, appearing around a custom lace keeper graphic. 'I live by the motto “One of One,” which means I am not like everyone else,' said LaMelo. 'I stand out as being different and I’m always 100% myself.'
Besides those details, there are also hits like a tonal '1 of 1' on the synthetic mudguard, a flame-inspired pattern towards the collar and a 'M.E.L.O' spellout on the heel. There's even a 'rare' graphic present under the translucent outsole's rubber build. 'I joined PUMA because they let me be me,' LaMelo said while discussing making the shoe. 'I wanted to work with a brand that allowed me to be authentic, incorporating my ideas while also [allowing me] to show off my style. PUMA makes me feel like I am truly part of the fam [by] incorporating my fresh ideas.' LaMelo is the first PUMA athlete to recieve a signature shoe since relaunched in 2018, and the MB.01 follows in the footsteps of past signature model recipients like and .
The PUMA MB.01 will release this December and retail for $125. You'll be able to catch LaMelo rocking it all year long during his sophomore season with the Charlotte Hornets as well.