You remember that day in February 2022? The internet basically melted. When PUMA dropped the first pair of LaMelo Ball Rick and Morty shoes, it wasn't just another sneaker collab. It was chaos. We saw grown men camping out for a mismatched pair of "slime green" and "neon red" basketball kicks that looked like they’d been pulled straight out of a portal.
Fast forward to early 2026. Usually, these hype-train collaborations die out after six months. But the MB line? It’s different. Honestly, LaMelo’s partnership with Adult Swim’s favorite duo has become a blueprint for how to do a "loud" sneaker without it feeling like a cheap gimmick.
The MB.01: The One That Started the Madness
The original PUMA MB.01 Rick and Morty is the GOAT of this collection. Period. If you're looking for that specific mismatched look—green on the left, red on the right—this is the pair that most people are actually talking about.
What's wild is that the design wasn't just about the colors. PUMA actually hid "Rick" and "Morty" faces on the back of the tongues. You’ve also got the portal graphics creeping up the lace guards. It feels like a fan made them, but the tech inside is all business. We’re talking full-length NITRO foam. Even now, in 2026, people still hoop in these because the traction (especially on the non-translucent pairs) is actually elite.
Why everyone is still hunting them
If you're checking prices on the secondary market right now, be ready for some sticker shock. A deadstock pair of the MB.01s can easily clear $300 to $450 depending on the size.
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- The Mismatch Factor: It was one of the first mainstream hoops shoes to go full "mismatch" in a way that didn't look accidental.
- The Cultural Peak: It dropped right when Rick and Morty was at its absolute peak of "everyone-is-watching-this" status.
- Performance: Unlike a lot of lifestyle collabs, these actually play well on a hardwood floor.
Moving Into the Multiverse: The MB.02 and MB.05
PUMA didn't stop at the first one. They saw the bags being made and kept the portal open. The MB.02 Rick and Morty Adventures took a slightly different path. Instead of the deep red and green, they went with a "Safety Yellow" and "Elektro Green" palette.
It’s a bit more "neon" and a bit less "portal slime." Honestly, the MB.02 had mixed reviews. Some players felt the traction was a bit slippy on dusty courts compared to the 01s. But for the collectors? It didn't matter. The wing-like patterns on the side of the 02 actually made the "interdimensional" theme look even more aggressive.
The New Blood: The MB.05 Rick and Morty
Just a few months ago, in late 2025, we got the latest installment: the MB.05. This one flips the script again. We’re looking at "Rickie Orange" and "Electric Peppermint." It’s definitely the boldest one yet.
The 05 version has these trippy, glitch-like patterns on the upper. They also added straps over the tongue that literally say "Not From Here"—LaMelo’s catchphrase. It’s less about the show's specific items (like the portal gun) and more about the "vibe" of the multiverse. You still get the character faces on the heels, which is a nice touch for the Day 1 fans.
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Performance vs. Hype: Should You Actually Play in Them?
Let’s be real for a second. Most people buying these are just wearing them to the mall or keeping them in a glass box. But if you're actually a hooper, here is the breakdown of how they handle:
MB.01: The most stable of the bunch. The materials feel premium and the lockdown is solid. It's a bit heavier than a modern Kobe or a KD, but the cushion is top-tier.
MB.02: Lighter than the first one, but the "fuse" overlays can feel a bit plasticky. If you've got wide feet, these might feel a little suffocating at first. They need a break-in period.
MB.05: This is the "shifty guard" shoe. It’s built for players like Melo who are constantly changing direction. The traction is aggressive, but the loud colors mean you’re going to be a target for every defender on the court. You better be able to back up the look with your game.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Prices
I see people all the time thinking they can walk into a Foot Locker and grab the original MB.01s for retail. Nope. Not happening. Those days are gone.
If you find a pair of "LaMelo shoes Rick and Morty" for under $150 in 2026, you're almost certainly looking at a used pair or the newer MB.05 release. The 01 and 02 models are strictly "resell" territory now.
Pro Tip: Always check the SKU. For the original MB.01, you’re looking for 376682-01. If the numbers don't match, you might be looking at a "tribute" colorway or, worse, a fake.
The Verdict on the Collection
Is it over-the-top? Yeah. Is it "cringe" to some sneakerheads? Maybe. But you can't deny that LaMelo Ball and PUMA changed the game with this collab. They proved that a signature shoe doesn't have to be boring or "professional." It can be weird. It can be mismatched. It can be inspired by a cartoon about a drunk scientist and his grandson.
If you’re trying to pick up a pair today, my advice is to go for the MB.05 if you want to actually play basketball. It's the most modern tech and you can still find them for the $135 retail price if you look around.
But if you’re a collector? You’ve gotta save up for the MB.01. It’s a piece of sneaker history. Just make sure you use a reputable authentication service like GOAT or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. There are a lot of "Portal Gun" replicas floating around out there that wouldn't survive one game of pickup.
Your Next Steps for the Hunt
- Check the Sizing: PUMA MBs usually run true to size, but the 02s are narrow. If you're a wide-footer, go up half a size.
- Verify the Box: The Rick and Morty pairs come in special edition boxes (usually a split-open style). If a seller offers them in a standard PUMA box, walk away.
- Monitor the Market: Use price tracking apps to see if the MB.01 is dipping. Sometimes prices drop right after a new Melo model (like the upcoming MB.06) is announced.