Matt Varga Updated November 27th, 2024: While the “Melo Dunkman” logo still factors greatly into this release, official word from PUMA confirms that this edition of the MB.04 is called the “Heem,” referencing one of LaMelo’s many tattoos. A release date is also confirmed for December 13th; men’s sizing retails at $125 while GS sizing retails at $100.
WHERE TO BUY
Puma MB.04 "Heem"
US 12/13/2024 Friday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PUMA | Standard | Check Site |
| Champs | Standard | Check Site |
LaMelo Ball’s highlights this year have mostly been of a shooting variety: circus shots, one-legged threes, the works. But don’t sleep on the raw athleticism of the Chino Hills product, which is partially why he was such an electrifying force in his first few years in the league. Though his game has metamorphosed over the years, the latest edition of the PUMA MB.04 is circling back to his second year in the league with the “Melo Dunkman” edition.
Check the heel for the new piece of branding, a fully saturated do-up of an action shot where ‘Melo hangs from the rim energized after a slam, taken from a January game against the Hawks in 2022. Right above it, the more traditional motif of “Not From Here” is stamped in digital type before the rest of the shoe eases back into a more expected arrangement. The tendril-like TPU shell is maintained, but the mesh layer underneath features liquid distortion detailing, furthering a psychedelic atmosphere on a silhouette that never lacks for out-of-this-world patterns.
While it’s unclear whether the darkened multi-color palette for the PUMA MB.04 “Melo Dunkman” has any additional purpose other than presenting a clean look, it aligns with the eccentric design language that continues to define Lamelo’s signature line. As with most LaMelo Ball shoes, the PUMA MB.04 “Melo Dunkman” will release in both men’s ($125) and GS ($100) sizing. The release info is currently unconfirmed; keep an eye out for further updates via this article and our Sneaker Release Dates page.
