Honestly, the sneaker world usually moves on in about five minutes. You get a drop, the bots eat it up, and by next month, everyone is staring at the next shiny object. But the lamelo ball shoes rick and morty collaboration? That's a different beast entirely. It’s been years since that first lime-green and neon-red mismatched pair hit the floor, and yet, you still can’t walk into a gym without seeing someone rocking them.
It was chaotic. It was loud. It was exactly like LaMelo Ball’s game—and exactly like a Rick Sanchez fever dream.
If you’re trying to figure out why these things are still reselling for double their retail price or if the newer MB.02 and MB.05 versions live up to the hype, I’ve got you. We’re going past the surface-level "cool colors" talk and getting into the actual tech, the design secrets, and why Puma basically struck gold by leaning into Adult Swim.
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The MB.01: The Pair That Started the Madness
The original lamelo ball shoes rick and morty drop happened back in February 2022. At the time, Melo was the NBA’s shiny new toy, and Puma was desperately trying to prove they could compete with Nike’s dominance in the basketball space.
They didn't just compete; they took over the conversation.
The MB.01 was already a solid performer, but the Rick and Morty edition turned it into a cultural moment. Most brands do "collaborations" by slapping a logo on the heel. Puma went full multiverse. They gave us a mismatched pair where the left shoe was a slime-drenched "Jasmine Green" (Rick) and the right was a vibrant "Nrgy Rose" (Morty).
What’s actually inside the shoe?
It wasn't just about the looks. If these were bricks on the court, they would’ve died out.
- NITRO Foam: This is Puma’s secret sauce. It’s nitrogen-infused foam that feels bouncy but doesn't bottom out after three games. It’s the reason why guards love this shoe; you get that explosive first step without feeling like you're jumping on concrete.
- Monomesh Upper: It’s breathable. Kinda thin, but surprisingly supportive.
- The Portal Graphics: If you look closely at the lace guards, there are portal graphics. Even the tongues have Rick and Morty’s faces on the inside.
It’s rare to see a performance shoe have this much "fan service" without sacrificing the actual ability to play 48 minutes of high-intensity ball.
Why Do They Still Cost So Much?
Go check eBay or StockX right now. You’ll see the original MB.01s listed for anywhere from $250 to $400 depending on the size. Why?
Supply and demand is the boring answer. The real answer is that these shoes became the "status symbol" for the younger generation of hoopers. They represent a shift in basketball culture where "loud" is better. Before Melo, signature shoes were often sleek and serious. The lamelo ball shoes rick and morty collab told everyone it was okay to be a little weird.
Also, they are remarkably durable. I know guys who have been hooping in their pair for two years, and the traction—that translucent rubber—is still biting the floor. That kind of longevity keeps the resale value high because people actually want to wear them, not just look at them in a box.
From MB.01 to the MB.05: The Evolution
Puma knew they couldn't just stop at one. Since that 2022 explosion, we've seen the Rick and Morty theme evolve across several models.
The MB.02 "Adventures"
Released about a year later, the MB.02 took a slightly different path. Instead of solid mismatched colors, they went with a gradient look. Think Safety Yellow fading into Elektro Green. It felt more "cosmic." The wings on the side—Melo’s signature design element—were integrated into the show’s aesthetic.
The MB.05 "Interdimensional"
By the time we got to the MB.05, the tech had shifted. We’re talking about a more complex upper and even better lockdown. The colorways stayed wild—charged-up aqua for Rick and vibrant orange for Morty.
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What’s interesting is how the "mismatched" look has become synonymous with the lamelo ball shoes rick and morty brand. It’s reached a point where if the shoes did match, fans would probably be disappointed.
The Gear You Didn't Know Existed
Everyone talks about the kicks, but the "capsule" was actually huge. Puma dropped hoodies, sweatpants, and T-shirts that were just as trippy as the sneakers.
The hoodie, in particular, became a grail for fans of the show. It featured a relaxed fit and heavy-duty cotton, but the real draw was the "Not From Here" branding mixed with portal graphics. It’s the kind of stuff that usually sells out in seconds and then ends up on Grailed for triple the price.
Real Talk: Are They Actually Good for Basketball?
Look, I’m going to be honest with you. If you’re a heavy center who needs maximum ankle support and maximum impact protection, these might feel a little "minimal."
But for everyone else?
The traction is elite. Puma used a non-slip rubber compound that honestly outperforms most Jordans on dusty courts. If you're a guard who does a lot of lateral movements—crossovers, step-backs, the usual Melo highlights—the "space-age" grip is a lifesaver.
The weight is another win. Because of the monomesh and the Nitro foam, the shoe feels like an extension of your foot. You don't feel "clunky."
What Most People Get Wrong
A big misconception is that these are just "collector's items." People think because they look like cartoons, they aren't serious basketball shoes.
That’s a mistake.
LaMelo Ball actually wears these in NBA games. These aren't just for show. They are built to withstand the torque and pressure of a 6'7" point guard sprinting and jumping at professional speeds.
Another thing? The "Jasmine Green" on the left shoe is specifically designed to mimic the exact hex code of the portal from the show. The attention to detail is borderline obsessive.
How to Get a Pair Without Getting Scammed
If you’re hunting for a pair of lamelo ball shoes rick and morty today, you have to be careful. Because of the high resale value, the market is flooded with fakes.
- Check the Foam: Real Nitro foam has a specific texture. It should feel responsive, not like hard plastic.
- The Tongues: The Rick and Morty faces on the inner tongues should be crisp. If they look blurry or the colors are off, walk away.
- The Box: The box itself is a piece of art. It should have co-branded graphics that match the shoe’s theme.
The Actionable Verdict
If you’re a hooper, buy them for the traction and the bounce. If you’re a collector, aim for the original MB.01, as that will always be the "holy grail" of this partnership.
To keep your pair in top shape, stay off the blacktop. These are indoor shoes. The translucent outsole is amazing on hardwood but will shred in weeks if you’re playing streetball. Use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap for the mesh—don't throw these in the washing machine unless you want to ruin the foam's integrity.
Moving forward, keep an eye on the "Rare Reserve" drops. Puma occasionally brings back older colorways in limited runs, and that’s your best bet to snag them at retail price ($135) instead of paying the "hype tax" on the secondary market.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current inventory on the Puma official site or trusted boutiques like Foot Locker. If they are sold out, head to a verified resale platform like GOAT or eBay (look for the "Authenticity Guarantee" blue checkmark) to compare prices across the MB.01, MB.02, and MB.05 models. If you're buying for performance, the MB.01 remains the fan favorite for its court feel, but the MB.05 offers the most modern support features.