LaMelo Ball’s Puma MB.03 Sneaker First Launching As NFT

The Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball is continuing his signature shoe journey with PUMA by exploring the world of Web3. The third model in his line is called the MB.03 and features a completely new design that maintains the chaotic and unrestrained aesthetic seen in the previous two models.

The MB.03 is the most daring of the trio, particularly with its bold midsole design that splashes upwards into the mid-foot of the shoes. The achilles area is quilted for padding, and the heel has a scooping shape, reflecting the “Not From Here” design approach and providing an organic look that matches the overlays.

The debut colorway for the MB.03 is called “GutterMelo,” which is a collaboration with the NFT collectible company Gutter Cat Gang. The Gutter Cat mascot, imprinted in a heat-map color gradient that matches the pattern on the synthetic overlay, appears on the tongue of the shoe.

Before the physical shoe is released later this year, the Puma MB.03 “GutterMelo” will be available as an NFT on OpenSea starting from June 29th. The NFT can be purchased using either ETH (Ethereum) or a credit card. Owners of the NFT will have the first opportunity to obtain the physical version of the shoe during a specific time window from July 18th to August 20th. After that period, there will be no further chance to claim the shoes. The NFT will be priced starting at $175.

It is likely that additional colorways of the MB.03 will be released later in the Fall 2023 season.