How do you design a signature shoe for one of the most versatile ballers in the game today? You focus on fit. This allows the shoe to act as an extension of the player, turning their focus solely on the game at hand. That’s exactly what was done for Carmelo Anthony’s Jordan Melo M9, with the goal to make it his best-fitting shoe yet.

High-end watches that Melo has gained an appreciation for served as an inspiration for the M9’s design and the idea of fit. Complex, intricate, and precise – each piece within a watch must work together perfectly for it to perform at its highest level.

That intricacy comes to life through an exposed dynamic-fit system that extends from out of the midsole and around the back of the ankle for a custom and secure fit. These straps also integrate with the M9’s laces for lightweight support that moves with the foot.

Premium cushioning also plays a role in the fit of the M9. We’ve given these a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot for responsiveness, but taken it up a notch with a forefoot pod that creates a mechanical piston effect. The heel provides impact protection by rocking maximum volume Nike Zoom.

Keep an eye on the details as well. Four notches on the heel allude to the four key points on a watch face. Above the midsole is a TPU plate that mimics a handcrafted metal finish. Nine perforations (for Melo’s ninth signature shoe) appear on the toe top, while the number “7” (Melo’s number) appears on the toe itself.

For those looking for an unmatched fit, four colorways of the Melo M9 drop on January 9th.

Game Royal/White-Black-Team Orange

Black/Bright Citrus-White

Black/University Blue-White

Gym Red/White-Black