KICKZ PERFORMANCE REVIEW: PUMA MB.02
Who would have thought that of all people, LaMelo would turn out to be the Big Baller after all? Sure, Lonzo is a Bull and Gelo is in and out of the Association but the youngest Ball brother is already an All-Star and has his own signature line. Not to mention, that he’s the poster child for PUMA Hoops. The MB.01 was one of the most hyped shoes of last year. So getting my hands on a pair of MB.02s was something I definitely looked forward to. Here are my thoughts:
DESIGN
The shoe has a rather traditional mid-top silhouette, which I would not have expected from a young baller like LaMelo Ball. However, I really like the variation it brings into the sneaker market. I am sure you have also noticed the strong shift to low-tops in recent years and this one comes in as a promising option for players that are looking for more ankle support. What really sets the MB.02 apart though, are the popping colorways. The one in this review is no exception and I am really digging the neon colors. Additionally, you will find LaMelo‘s signature logo on the heel and the tongue, which rounds off the bold look. At 410 g, these are average when it comes to weight but they don‘t feel heavy on foot.
MATERIALS
Puma used what they would describe as an „engineered mesh“ on the upper and strengthened some areas by using fuse overlayers. That concept isn’t anything new but the application on this shoe specifically does make the upper feel a bit stiff. You’ll definitely have to spend some time breaking the materials in properly until they conform to your feet nicely. Regarding durability though, I have no concerns, even though the mesh itself is thin and breathable. All in all, not the most premium approach but one that gets the job done.
TRACTION
A non-slip rubber compound was used according to PUMA and I think the name matches its behavior well. The bite was hard and gave me that consistent traction I am looking for in a shoe. This also applied on dusty courts, where it performed reliably. So no issues here. Just be prepared to wipe regularly as the traction pattern’s grooves are thin and pick up dust fairly easily. Unfortunately, the pattern also keeps them from being a top-tier outdoor option. While the rubber itself seems to be durable enough to last on blacktops, the grooves probably won’t. So take these indoors for best results. For a good outdoor alternative check out the LeBron Witness 7.
Cushion
The highlight of this cushioning setup is the infused NITRO foam, which should be perfect for „high-energy, explosive playstyles“ according to PUMA. In practice, the setup was generally comfortable, while not necessarily being the softest or bounciest ride, as it did feel denser than a PG6 or LeBron 20, for example. But overall the cushioning is solid and gets the job done. Court feel was okay, even though I personally would have preferred a bit more of it. What I liked the most about the setup was the forefoot NITRO, which provided some bounce, while the heel area offered good impact protection. So overall, the cushioning is nothing special but is definitely solid enough to hoop in worry-free.
Fit
Breaking the upper in is the key here. As mentioned, the materials start out quite stiff. Once you get that out of the way, the shoe feels comfortable, conforms to your feet and contains them nicely. Unnecessary dead space was really not an issue and I never had the feeling that there were other factors that would influence my feet’s position within the shoe. What I also liked is the padding, which added to the comfortable fit that these provide. Regarding the size, I went true to size, which worked well for me. However, note that the toe box is snug/narrow, which can require wide footers to go up half a size.
SUPPORT
PUMA highlighted their TPU heel clip and formstrip on the lateral sides as the main support features of the MB.02. Both worked pretty nicely and gave me a secure feeling while wearing these. The lacing system, the fuse overlays and the overall fit added to that, locking my feet in and making sure they don’t move out of position. For me personally, the additional ankle support came in as a very welcome feature and made this model an even stronger option for players who need extra ankle support.
BOTTOM LINE
LaMelo Ball’s second signature shoe is an exciting one. Is this a potential fan favorite? The MB.02 has some clearly outlined strengths that would suggest so. It can cater to different playstyles, while providing top-tier traction and support. The materials and the cushioning setup are somewhat basic, but overall, there’s nothing this shoe is bad at. It really comes down to personal preferences. At EUR 130,- though, these are a good mid-level option for players that value a mid-top silhouette with that extra bit of ankle support.
Feedback
Any questions? Find me on Instagram at @ONEtothe2.