It’s the return of the “success story” of recent years on the sneaker market. To try to find a place among the behemoths of the segment, Puma had focused on LaMelo Ball to develop a signature shoe line with a strong identity in the early 2020s.
The Hornets leader with a very unique playing style is thus presented as coming from another planet, with innovative packaging and colors to stand out from the competition. The general public was there for the MB.01, which was a hit with colors that strengthened the DNA of the pair. The machine was launched, and the MB.02 and MB.03 were thus able to ride on a great “hype”.
The MB.04 focuses on details
Even if the collection has managed to retain its overall DNA, whether in terms of the composition of the sole, the design and the (many) patterns present on the upper, the model has nevertheless been able to evolve over the years, until deliver a reference MB.03, among the best models released in 2023-2024, technically impeccable, with better support, and still visually attractive.
Puma has touched perfection and has therefore contented itself with fine adjustments to try to improve this MB.04, released just a month ago in France. The technical characteristics remain the same, the sole is identical to that of the MB.03, attention has therefore been paid to the details and other “Easter Eggs” slipped into the design covering the mesh upper. Made using 4D printing technology, they are nods to LaMelo Ball and his story.
The overall result remains really very good, also with an outsole with impressive grip, even if the surprise effect compared to previous years is perhaps a little less present.
GENERAL COMFORT
The shoe is easy to put on thanks to the arrangement of the tongue. This one is also well padded which is always a plus. As with the MB.03, we appreciate both the quality of the overall support and the general comfort of the shoe.
Comfort is of course there and among the highest quality on the market. The soft and dynamic finish on the forefoot has become the model's trademark. Ventilation, however, remains a weak point.
CUSHIONED
We could have hoped for a little innovation as is required at the sole level. However, the composition of this remains identical to that of the MB.03, with a layer of EVA combined with a “Nitro Foam” unit under the forefoot.
The result is still just as good, with the generosity of the midsole at the heel, to ensure quality cushioning, and towards the front of the foot to preserve the reactive aspect of the rebound.
Rating: 9/10
TRACTION
The MB.03 already had remarkable grip. This MB.04 does just as well if not better with its rubber covering with multi-directional chevrons particularly worked and indented to give the feeling of clinging to the ground.
The lateral supports are perfectly accompanied, as are the forward starts. This should also be one of the market references this year again.
Rating: 9/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
The cut is high enough to ensure good overall support, and this is also one of the strengths of the MB.04. The laces do the job for the top of the foot and the front is also well supported.
Stability is also an important element for models intended for players with the profile of LaMelo Ball. The weight of the shoe and the quality of the sole contribute to the good stabilization of the whole. A plastic plate placed in the sole under the midfoot completes the device to contribute to stability on large impulses.
Rating: 8.5/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
It is on this point that Puma has pulled out all the stops to try to innovate and distinguish the MB.04 from its big sisters. The patterns and details covering the mesh upper, produced using 4D printing technology, are infinitely numerous.
We find “pell-mell”, the classic inscriptions “1ofOne”, “Love” or “Rare” to accompany the Phoenix motif deployed on the forefoot. A “Melo” appears on the side of the sole, while above the “Not From Here” written under the sole, we can see a flying saucer flanked by the number 1.
The heel will have a different logo for each color. For the first “La Francé” version of the MB.04, in sky blue and white, it is the “LF” logo of the LaMelo Ball brand, of the same name, which is represented. The final rendering touches on the work of art, also recalling LaMelo Ball's passion for the world of fashion.
Nothing negative to report regarding the lifespan or any unusual points of wear which could harm the performance aspect of the shoe, both in terms of the upper and the sole.
Rating: 9/10
VERDICT OF MB.04
Puma has gradually established the “MB” brand as a reference and came close to perfection with the release of the MB.03, a favorite BasketUSA from last season. There was therefore no question of disrupting a proven formula, meeting all the technical characteristics, in terms of grip, cushioning, comfort but also support.
The MB.04 brings few innovations, using the same sole and a similar design, on which the finishes have been revised. The model therefore remains no less exceptional, especially considering its price, but the surprise effect tends to fade.
This MB.04 could then complete the end of a cycle with one last big success, before moving towards completely new trajectories for the continuation of its signature line.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoe weight (size 45): 484 grams
Price: available at 130 euros on Basket4Ballers
Grading scale
- – minus ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: faults which may stop some but qualities which will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
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