LaMelo Ball has been off the court for most of the 2023-24 NBA season due to injury, but the Charlotte Hornets star has managed to stay busy. His signature Puma performance His line remains extremely popular, with the most popular colorways racking up high commissions on the resale market. Now, the duo has joined forces for Ball's first lifestyle sneaker, his just-released LaMelo Ball x Puma LaFrance.
Designed to turn heads on the sidewalk, these bulbous kicks feel like a luxe take on Y2K-era skate shoes, trendier than ever, with a fluffy sole. “If you know Melo, you know he does everything big,” PUMA Hoop designer Noah Bice said in a statement. “So we had to come up with a silhouette that fit that profile.” Needless to say, mission accomplished. This is huge.
“I wanted to create lifestyle shoes that expressed my style and unique personality,” Ball said. GQ on mail. Glossy and chunky, LaFrance's debut cherry red “Amour” colorway is one of his most outrageous makeup looks we've ever seen. That flashy intensity was very important to Ball. “The LaFrance Amour is crazy loud to wear off the court. The butterfly midsole, inspired by my tattoos, represents good energy.” Padded tongue and wide shoe Lace and zigzag lace closures add an exaggerated finish. It's like a sneaker version of an early 2000s rap video.
The LaMelo Ball x Puma LaFrance will be available worldwide on May 17th.