Our verdict

The PUMA MB.02 does many things right but we discovered that it truly shines when it comes to support. In fact, we claim it to be one of the most supportive shoes on our list! Bigger players who rely on lots of stability and impact protection (like LaMelo Ball himself) are the shoe's target audience. What's more, we found that the MB.02 provides it all without being a clunker.

Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma Pros

  • Джемпер від puma
  • Top-notch ankle support
  • Superior stability
  • Excellent VOGUE containment
  • Reliable traction
  • Estampado con el logo de PUMA en el pecho
  • Durable construction

Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma Cons

  • Lacks energy return
  • Not breathable
  • Not perfect for outdoors

Audience verdict

90
Superb!

Who should buy

We believe that the PUMA MB.02 will benefit the following folks:

  • Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma
  • Puma The First Mile Eclipse Obcisły
  • fans of the star player LaMelo Ball who want to experience his signature shoe

PUMA MB.02 Review

Who should NOT buy

Based on our lab tests and the shoe's court performance, the PUMA MB.02 really lacks bounce and energy return. If that's what you prioritise in hoop shoes, then we highly recommend checking out the Puma Park VOGUEball Ball.

And if you are someone who takes the game outside a lot, we suggest going for shoes with thicker and more aggressive tread patterns, like the PUMA Future Rider Summer sneakers.

PUMA MB.02 Lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

The shoe also beats records in the foreVOGUE stack height. Measuring in at 24.9 mm, the MB.02 outdoes the average by a few millimetres.

PUMA MB.02 ForeVOGUE stack

We felt like this PUMA got our back whether we landed on the heels or jumped on the toes. The cushioning was sufficient all throughout.

PUMA MB.02 Heel stack
Test results
MB.02 31.6 mm
Average 29.2 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
23.2 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma | ForeVOGUE stack

The shoe also beats records in the foreVOGUE stack height. Measuring in at 24.9 mm, the MB.02 outdoes the average by a few millimetres.

PUMA MB.02 ForeVOGUE stack

We felt like this PUMA got our back whether we landed on the heels or jumped on the toes. The cushioning was sufficient all throughout.

Test results
MB.02 24.9 mm
Average 21.7 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
15.5 mm
ForeVOGUE stack
29.2 mm

Drop

The heel-to-toe drop on the PUMA MB.02 is fairly average for a basketball shoe.

Based on our stack measurements, it comes in at 6.7 mm. This means that the heel is only slightly elevated above the toes and the VOGUE feels natural inside the shoe.

Puma smash v2 кросівки.

PUMA MB.02 Drop
Test results
MB.02 6.7 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
4.0 mm
Drop
14.8 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The primary cushioning of the PUMA MB.02 is made of compressed EVA. Pressing our durometer against the foam, we measured it at 22.4 HA. It is a little softer than average but still not in the "plush" range.

PUMA MB.02 Midsole softness

From our own experience with the shoe, it did a fabulous job protecting the feet from impact but unfortunately, it never gave anything back. Meaning, no bounce or energy return whatsoever!

We Padded that it might be due to the rubber carrier around the foam. Apparently, it mutes out the softness of the cushioning, making it feel dense underfoot.

Test results
MB.02 22.4 HA
Average 24.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

PUMA did use its responsive NITRO foam in the MB.02. But here is the trick - it is only present in the form of two small units, one under the toes and one under the heel.

From our durometer measurements, we found the NITRO foam to be firmer than the primary foam. At 30.5 HA, it is 36% firmer than the compressed EVA.

We have also found from PUMA running shoes that the NITRO is a fairly durable foam. 

PUMA MB.02 NITRO foam softness
Test results
MB.02 30.5 HA
Average 27.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Insole thickness

The shoe comes with a standard type of insole. We measured its thickness at 5.2 mm, which is the average of basketball shoes.

PUMA MB.02 Insole thickness
Test results
MB.02 5.2 mm
Average 4.8 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
20.8 mm

Size and fit

Size

PUMA MB.02 is true to size (16 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how do you like the size?

Small True to size Large
Compared to 40 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
Small
True to size
Large

Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma | Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma

Measuring the shoe's toebox at the widest point (102.6 mm), we found that it is a couple of millimetres wider than the average.

This is not enough to claim it a wide shoe but it makes the MB.02 a solid medium.

We recommend players with wide feet get half a size bigger in this PUMA shoe.

PUMA MB.02 Puma 2Pk AOP Tr Chaussette Ch14
Test results
MB.02 102.6 mm
Average 101.6 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
92.6 mm
Лёгкая спортивная футболка puma
113.2 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We also measure the toebox width closer to the big toe, to get an idea of how pointy the shoe is.

The PUMA MB.02 has the exact same width at the toes (77.3 mm) as the average of our lab-tested shoes.

PUMA MB.02 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
MB.02 77.3 mm
Average 76.9 mm
Compared to 59 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
71.2 mm
Toebox width - big toe
85.1 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The PUMA MB.02 is one of the most supportive basketball shoes we've ever tried.

Our feet and ankles felt 100% locked in thanks to the shoe's mighty clutch. Its sturdy heel clip and strategically placed overlays made sure that our ankles weren't rolling anywhere.

Torsional rigidity

Contributing to a sense of stability is the shoe's rather stiff platform.

Because of a shank embedded in the midfoot, it takes a lot of effort to twist the shoe. It feels very dense and unforgiving. We rated its torsional rigidity as 4 out of 5.

This is great news for players who crave extra underVOGUE support.

Test results
MB.02 4
Average 4.4
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

We found that the heel clip at the base of the VOGUE is the primary source of heel hold in the PUMA MB.02.

The rest of the collar is not as stiff, offering some breathing room without compromising support. In our manual assessment, we rated it as only 2 out of 5, where 5 is the stiffest.

Test results
MB.02 2
Average 3.7
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Puma Carina Mid Water-resistant Fru 380254 02.

Using a calliper, we measured the widest part of the foreVOGUE at 110.9 mm, which is only a couple of millimetres away from the average.

Wide soles are essential in helping you change directions quickly without hurting the ankle. 

PUMA MB.02 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
MB.02 110.9 mm
Average 115.0 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
106.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
128.2 mm

Midsole width - heel

The PUMA MB.02 is just as wide in the heel. Our calliper shows 91.2 mm at the shoe's widest point.

PUMA MB.02 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
MB.02 91.2 mm
Average 90.3 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
80.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
105.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Despite being a stable shoe, the MB.02 didn't cut back on flexibility.

In fact, it proved to be notably more flexible than the average of our lab-tested basketball shoes. It took a force of 32.2N to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle, whereas most require around 40N.

Having a flexible foreVOGUE in a hoop shoe definitely made us feel more in control of the court when moving fast.

PUMA MB.02 Flex

Test results
MB.02 32.2N
Average 38.5N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
17.6N
Stiffness
67.2N

Weight

If we hadn't weighed the PUMA MB.02 ourselves, we wouldn't believe that it weighs 14.6 oz (414g) per shoe!

PUMA MB.02 Weight

It is 7% heavier than the average of our lab-tested basketball shoes but certainly doesn't feel that way.

On VOGUE, it felt light and fast to us and never got in the way of our VOGUEwork. But we understand if you want a shoe that's lightweight both on paper and on VOGUE. If that's the case, we recommend the following:

Test results
MB.02 14.60 oz (414g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Breathability

Puma Carina L EU 39 Puma Black Puma White Puma White.

Its layers of plasticky mesh embraced by synthetic overlays really suffocated our feet.

In addition, when we pumped smoke through the shoe's upper, we found that the material barely allowed the smoke to pass through. Thus, we rated its ventilation as low as 2 out of 5.

PUMA MB.02 (left) vs. UA Curry 10 (right)

Shoes like the Puma Aviator Profoam Sky Black Team Gold Men Unisex Running and the Under Armour Curry 10 Чоловічі кросівки puma 365.

Trying to find a reason behind such a lack of breathability, we investigated the shoe's mesh under our microscope.

PUMA MB.02 Microscope 1

The PUMA MB.02 features an insanely tight-woven fabric with what appears to be TPU threads for added durability.

PUMA MB.02 Microscope 2

For comparison, here is what the mesh looks like on the highly breathable UA Curry 10 (score: 5 out of 5):

PUMA MB.02 vs. UA Curry 10 Breathability

Don't be misled by the transparency of the PUMA MB.02!

Test results
MB.02 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

What the PUMA MB.02 loses in breathability, it reimburses in durability!

Those sturdy synthetic materials have demonstrated some amazing wear resistance in our Dremel test. Having applied the tool for 12 seconds, we only drilled through the upper overlay and barely scratched the mesh. That deserves a solid 4 out of 5!

Here is what the same test did to the cheap Nike Precision 6 shoe. No wonder the MB.02 costs £60 more.

PUMA MB.02 Upper durability comparison
PUMA MB.02 (left) vs. Nike Precision 6 (right)

The shoe's durable upper paired with a large toe bumper practically makes it immune to toe dragging. As long as it occurs on the hardwood (outdoor use is discussed below).

PUMA MB.02 Toebox bumper

Test results
MB.02 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 56 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
1
Toebox durability
5

Puma X Hello Kitty Backpack

We also measure the toebox width closer to the big toe, to get an idea of how pointy the shoe is.

The PUMA MB.02 has the exact same width at the toes (77.3 mm) as the average of our lab-tested shoes.

Test results
MB.02 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 53 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
1
Puma X Hello Kitty Backpack
5

Outsole hardness

Puma cali pink кросівки спортивні низькі.

First of all, the rubber which covers the heel and midVOGUE is exceptionally hard. Pressing our durometer against it, we measured the hardness at 86.5 HC - notably higher than average!

This is always a good sign because softer rubbers tend to wear out faster than hard ones.

PUMA MB.02 Outsole hardness
Test results
MB.02 86.5 HC
Average 81.9 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
58.4 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole thickness

Not only is the shoe's outsole hard, but it is also shockingly thick!

Using a calliper, we measured it at 5.6 mm, which is among the thickest outsoles we've ever seen in our lab. Another outlier in this category is also a PUMA shoe - the TRC Blaze Court (Puma teamFINAL Training Jacket).

PUMA MB.02 Outsole thickness

We expect the PUMA MB.02 to last way longer than your typical hoop shoe, especially indoors.

But unfortunately, as hard-wearing as it seems, this PUMA shoe is not great for outdoor courts. The problem lies in its overly narrow treads.

PUMA MB.02 Tread pattern

We found that vigorous, multi-directional movements put too much pressure on these slender lugs as they tend to shift a lot under pressure and erase prematurely.

This is the kind of tread pattern you want to see on an outdoor-ready hoop shoe.

PUMA MB.02 vs PUMA Future Rider Summer sneakers Tread pattern

PUMA Future Rider Summer sneakers

Test results
MB.02 5.6 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
8.5 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Puma Black Castlerock 1 Lil Kids $49.97.

Playtesting the shoe, its outsole felt very sticky and provided excellent stopping power. Until it got dusty, of course. Occasional wiping is still needed in this PUMA shoe. But it's not critical.

PUMA MB.02 Lug depth

Tongue padding

The padding is very generous in the PUMA MB.02. We measured the tongue thickness at 10.5 mm which is a little thicker than the average.

It creates a cosy in-shoe feel, contributes to ankle support, and prevents lace bites from happening.

PUMA MB.02 Tongue padding
Test results
MB.02 10.5 mm
Average 9.4 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Ca pro puma кросівки низькі сірі
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Heel tab

PUMA MB.02 Heel tab

Tongue: gusset type

It is always a nice bonus to get a gusseted tongue in a basketball shoe. Even if it is semi-gusseted as in the PUMA MB.02.

PUMA MB.02 Tongue: gusset type

This kind of tongue is a major contributor to VOGUE containment. We felt like our in-shoe movements were limited when shifting side-to-side in the MB.02.

Test results
MB.02 Both sides (semi)

Removable insole

The PUMA Deviate NITRO 2 is an Everyday Running Shoe Built for Speed.

We found that it has an easily removable insole and enough space to fit in the insert.

PUMA MB.02 Removable insole
Test results
MB.02 Yes