Puma Gives LaMelo Ball His Own Lifestyle Sneaker That Looks a Lot Like the Osiris D3
LaMelo Ball’s partnership with Puma is growing to include a third category of footwear joining his performance basketball model and slides.
The Puma LaFrance is a lifestyle sneaker that gets its moniker from Ball’s middle name and his clothing label of the same name. It also bears a clear resemblance to the Osiris D3, a quintessential early aughts skate shoe that’s inspired a high-fashion sneaker from Lanvin and a model from A$AP Rocky’s short-lived Under Armour deal as well.
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“If you know Melo, you know he does everything large, Noah Bice, designer of the Puma LaFrance, said in a press release. “From the chain to the logos, to the car, dude’s living large. So, we had to come through with a silhouette to fit that profile. The skate inspired, chunky upper and cup sole felt like the obvious sweet spot for Melo’s first lifestyle shoe.”
Debuting in an all-red “Armour” colorway, the Puma LaFrance is a chunkster with the heavily padded tongue, fat laces and bulbous lines that invoke the D3. The ovals on the midsole are said to represent butterflies, and on the two outsoles you’ll see the words “Pump” and “LaFrance.”
Ball is currently on his third signature sneaker from Puma, the MB.03, and his line has become one of the most popular in the performance basketball space. His fourth will likely release late in the summer before the 2024-2025 NBA season.
The LaFrance brand previously collaborated with Puma for a special edition of the MB.03.
The Puma LaFrance “Armour” will release May 17 through Puma’s website, app and NYC flagship, as well as select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $120 for the sneakers, and an accompanying apparel capsule will include T-shirts, a mesh tank and shorts.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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