LaMelo Ball's journey from high school prodigy to NBA star has been anything but conventional. His path through professional basketball in Lithuania and the JBA before making a splash in the NBL and finally landing in the NBA is a testament to his talent and resilience. Beyond his on-court achievements, LaMelo has cultivated a unique brand identity through his streetwear label, LaFrance, demonstrating his flair for fashion and design. Alongside his brand, Ball has a partnership with Puma, who produces his signature performance basketball line, the Puma MB, currently on the MB.03. Following multiple collaborations with his LaFrance label, Puma has given Ball a lifestyle silhouette.
The Puma LaFrance Amour features a low-top silhouette that combines the chunkiness of skate shoes from the Y2K era with the sleekness of contemporary fashion sneakers, such as those from Lanvin. The design incorporates patent leather around the toe and midfoot, with circular cutouts revealing a canvas base underneath. Oversized, bold laces further emphasize the shoe's unique aesthetic.
Branding elements are strategically placed throughout the sneaker, with LaMelo's "1 1 1" logo adorning the toe, a nod to his personal mantra and on-court philosophy. Additional LaFrance logos can be found on the vamp, tongue, and insole, solidifying the collaboration's identity. The sneaker is grounded by a rubber midsole, which enhances comfort and serves as a canvas for further branding, including "01 Of One," "Not From Here," and a distinctive LaFrance logo that adds a personal touch to the design. A durable rubber outsole featuring a LaFrance-branded traction pattern completes the design.
The Puma LaFrance Amour Red is slated for release on May 1, 2024, through BSTN. A wider release via Puma and select retailers online and in-store will follow on May 17. Available in men's and GS sizing, the retail price for men's pairs is set at $110. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for the latest information on this release and more in the sneaker and streetwear world, including upcoming releases, raffles, and news.
Puma LaFrance Amour Red
Images via Puma
