Los Angeles’ sneaker scene got a major shake-up this week when LaMelo Ball and PUMA Hoops teamed up with Complex to host a two-day pop-up on Melrose Avenue celebrating the launch of the highly-anticipated MB.05 World Tour.
Taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday (August 26 & 27), the space wasn’t just a sneaker shop — it was a full-on experience that channeled Melo’s signature rockstar energy, blending basketball culture, fashion, and gaming into one hype-filled destination. Fans lined up early outside 8371 Melrose Ave, ready to be the first to get their hands on Melo’s newest silhouette before it officially hits shelves on this Friday (August 29).
Inside, the pop-up delivered on every level. Walls dripped in bold pink and iridescent graphics matched the shoe’s eye-catching design, racks of fresh PUMA Hoops apparel and accessories lined the space, and fans even jumped into a Fortnite gaming station for some off-court fun. But the real moment everyone was waiting for happened on Tuesday when LaMelo himself pulled up to meet fans, check out the space, and celebrate his next big drop in style.
Melo’s arrival sent the crowd into a frenzy. Decked out in their favorite PUMA fits, sneakerheads and hoop fans alike got the chance to meet the Charlotte Hornets guard, snap photos, see what the MB.05 World Tour looks like firsthand. With the NBA season just around the corner, the pop-up felt like the perfect warm-up — and Melo brought every ounce of the energy that makes him one of basketball’s most exciting young stars.
Of course, the true star of the event was the MB.05 World Tour itself. Designed in collaboration with Melo, the sneaker is as bold and unapologetic as he is. Dropping in fluorescent pink with iridescent detailing, the shoe takes inspiration directly from Melo’s tattoos with barbed wire accents, while a molded skull and hidden “1” in the outsole nod to his one-of-one status. Built with PUMA’s NITROFOAM™ cushioning, the MB.05 doesn’t just look good — it’s engineered for maximum performance on the court.
Retailing at $130, the MB.05 officially lands everywhere this Friday, August 29, at PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Kids Foot Locker, and other select retailers. And this is just the beginning — sneaker fans can expect even more bold colorways to roll out later this fall, meaning the MB.05 is set to dominate both the streets and the hardwood.
Celeb Secrets was there IRL, and trust us — this wasn’t just a sneaker launch, it was a moment. Between the buzzing energy on Melrose Ave, the exclusive first access to the MB.05, and Melo’s meet-and-greet with fans, the pop-up perfectly captured everything that makes LaMelo Ball larger than life: style, swagger, and a game-changing presence that extends far beyond basketball.
So if you missed your shot at the pop-up, don’t worry — you can check out our highlights from the event below! And don’t forget… the MB.05 World Tour officially drops August 29, and you better believe these are going to fly fast. Consider this your warning, sneaker fam: get ready to cop while you can.
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