Carmelo Anthony’s legacy with Jordan Brand receives a fresh nod this spring as the Air Jordan 12 Melo prepares for its first-ever retro release. Launching on May 17, the colorway brings back a piece of basketball history rooted in Anthony’s rookie year with the Denver Nuggets. Originally designed in 2004 as a Player Exclusive, the white and University Blue design is reintroduced two decades later with a construction faithful to the original.
A Rookie-Era Classic Returns
The Melo edition of the Air Jordan 12 was first associated with Anthony during his transition from NCAA champion at Syracuse to NBA franchise cornerstone in Denver. While initially crafted as a PE, the sneaker made its public debut in 2004, though only in women’s sizing. Jordan Brand followed up with a wider release in men’s sizes that same year, giving fans full access to one of the most anticipated colorways tied to a rising star.
This 2025 iteration revisits the same palette and blocking that made the original stand out. The upper is built with premium white leather, including the signature quilted paneling and stitched lines modeled after rays of the sun – a motif first introduced by Tinker Hatfield for the Air Jordan 12’s design.
University Blue and Metallic Silver Accents
The sneaker’s standout feature remains its University Blue detailing, pulled directly from the Denver Nuggets’ uniform colors of the early 2000s. Blue coats the heel tab, sockliner, and rubber outsole, offering sharp contrast against the white leather base. Jumpman logos on the tongue and sockliner arrive in matching blue, while the heel tab carries classic Jordan branding.
To complete the look, the topmost lace eyelets appear in metallic silver, adding a sleek finish without overpowering the design. Although widely referred to as the “Melo,” this version – like the original – does not feature any personalized branding. The shoe speaks through its historical context rather than custom logos.
Built for On-Court Performance
Performance specs match the AJ12’s original build. The sneaker includes a full-length Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning, paired with a carbon fiber shank plate for torsional support. A herringbone-patterned outsole improves grip and helps deliver stable footwork on the hardwood. The exterior features a faux reptile-textured mudguard, adding subtle texture while reinforcing high-wear areas.
Together, the materials and tech design support both athletic use and everyday wear, aligning with the sneaker’s place in basketball’s golden era and in Carmelo Anthony’s early career rotation.
Launch Details
The Air Jordan 12 Melo in White, University Blue, and Metallic Silver will release on May 17, 2025. It will be available in a full family size run via Nike’s SNKRS platform and through select Jordan Brand retailers. Retail is set at $200 for adult sizing.
Model: Air Jordan 12 “Melo”
Colorway: White/University Blue/Metallic Silver
SKU: CT8013-112
Price: 200 USD
Release Date: May 17
Available at: Nike SNKRS and select retailers
