Somerville, Mass. – October 7, 2021
PUMA X BLACK FIVES LAUNCH NEW VINTAGE-INSPIRED COLLECTION RELEASING OCTOBER 8

Global sports company PUMA will be launching their second PUMA x Black Fives collection in its ongoing partnership with the Black Fives Foundation, whose mission is to research, preserve, showcase, teach and honor the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.

The new collection celebrates the way teams in the Black Fives Era expanded their reach beyond neighborhoods where they began, into cities and towns throughout the United States. On the courts of these big cities and remote towns alike, they played an instrumental role in popularizing the game while providing essential cultural inspiration to Black communities across America. The collection is a reminder of their pioneering efforts, which paved the way for the success and appeal of the modern game today.

This seven-piece collection encompasses vintage-inspired designs with historical graphics and authentic logos maintained by the Foundation. Banner graphics showcase Black Fives teams along with cities they played in across the U.S. from Los Angeles to New York.

Items in the collection include multi-colored hoodie and sweatpants, shorts, T-shirt, long-sleeved T-shirt, cardigan, and a black Suede Mid Black Fives, which includes a pop of color on the sole and team logos on the formstrip.

The collection launches globally October 8 on PUMA.com, at PUMA stores and select retailers worldwide.

 

SOMERVILLE, MASS., October 12, 2021
MB.01 IS BEGINNING ITS ASCENT: LAMELO BALL’S FIRST PUMA SIGNATURE SHOE SET TO LAUNCH DECEMBER
After a stellar debut NBA season, receiving league-wide accolades and winning NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award, LaMelo Ball has another personal accomplishment to announce: his first signature shoe with PUMA. Global sports company PUMA has officially unveiled NBA superstar LaMelo Ball’s first PUMA signature basketball shoe, the MB.01.

The MB.01 marks PUMA Hoops’ first signature shoe release since re-launching its basketball category in 2018. MB.01 joins the lineup of PUMA’s iconic basketball signature shoes named after basketball legends Walt "Clyde” Frazier and Ralph Sampson.

“We are proud to introduce the MB.01 as our first PUMA Hoops signature shoe, just three years after reentering the basketball category, said Adam Petrick, Global Director of Brand and Marketing at PUMA. “LaMelo and the MB.01 truly embodies what PUMA Hoops is about, merging sport with culture, while also pushing the brand forward with bold, bright and disruptive designs. This is just the beginning of many exciting projects to come.”

MB.01 was co-designed by LaMelo, incorporating his personal style throughout the shoe from bold color choices to intricate unique details, including an artistic outline of flames shooting down from the ankle collar that lines up to Melo’s famed rocket ankle tattoo. The tongue of the shoe includes LaMelo’s “Not from Here” creative and the outsole showcases the word “rare,” which describes his talent on the hardwood.

 

 

“I am excited to officially launch my first signature basketball shoe with PUMA," said LaMelo Ball. “It’s crazy to see my vision come to life with the MB.01. The design process was very collaborative, incorporating my style and unique details like the rocket flames. I can’t wait to wear them on court this season.”

Additional technology features of the MB.01 includes PUMA’s Nitro Foam throughout the midsole for superior responsiveness and comfort, full coverage non-slip rubber compound for enhanced durability and traction, and breathable monomesh for a supportive and ultra-lightweight feel. The 3D-printed disruptive upper construction completes the shoe’s sleek design.

 

 

The MB.01 will be available globally in December on PUMA.com, at PUMA Stores and select retailers worldwide.

Additional styles will be releasing throughout 2021 and 2022. For the most up-to-date MB.01 information, please visit www.PUMA.com.

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