Puma is taking an interesting approach with the first release of the MB.03, NBA star LaMelo Ball's third signature hoops shoe with the brand, by tying it to a collaborative NFT project.
Shown here is the inaguaral Puma MB.03 "GutterMelo" colorway designed in partnership with NFT company Gutter Cat Gang. Starting on June 29, fans will have the opportunity to buy a MB.03 "GutterMelo" NFT, which doubles as a ticket to claim a physical version of the shoe between July 18 and Aug. 20.
Building off the previous MB sneakers, the MB.03 silhouette will once again opt for the mid-cut upper that's coupled with the responsive Nitro foam cushioning technology in the midsole. Signature "Melo" branding appears throughout the shoe, including "1 of 1" stamped on the tongue and "Rare" embedded on the outsole's tread pattern.
Readers will be able to cop the Puma MB.03 "GutterMelo" NFT on June 29 at OpenSea.io at 11 a.m. ET, with prices starting at $175.
UPDATE (07/13): After making its debut in the "GutterMelo" colorway, images of an unreleased Puma MB.03 "Hills" style have now surfaced courtesy of @jumpershop_th on Instagram. Like the debut "GutterMelo" pair, this "Hills" colorway features a layered upper, this time mixing shades of white, grey, and neon green.
There are no release details for the new "Hills" MB.03 iteration at the time of writing, but readers can check back soon for updates.
