Before the hoodie, before the gold medals, before “Stay Melo” became a mantra—Carmelo Anthony was just a 19-year-old problem in Denver, putting up 21 a night and looking like he belonged in the league from day one. And on his feet? A smooth, player-exclusive pair of Air Jordan 12s—white leather, University Blue accents, and a future Hall of Fame aura baked right in.

Now, 21 years later, that PE is finally coming home.

The Air Jordan 12 “Melo” is dropping May 2025, and it’s a nearly 1:1 retro of the same pair Melo wore during his rookie season with the Nuggets in 2003–04. That year was a turning point—LeBron was the hype, but Melo was the proof. And those 12s? They were stitched into every step of that debut.

For years, the “Melo” 12s lived in sneaker lore—never released to the public, only spotted in NBA footage and grainy Slam Magazine scans. Retro rumors hit in 2016 and again in 2022, but nothing stuck. Now, with Melo retired and his impact fully cemented, Jordan Brand is finally giving this one the respect it deserves.

This isn’t just a tribute—it’s a time capsule.

Watch Melo lace up the “Melo” 12s on court in this @nicekicks story — straight from his rookie season. 🎥 →

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Design-wise, it’s straight nostalgia with a premium twist: tumbled white leather upper, powdery University Blue outsole and accents, metallic silver eyelets, and black sockliner. It’s pure throwback, but with modern finishing. No retro remix here—just clean respect to a PE that deserved its flowers.

Release Details:

Colorway: White / University Blue
Release Date: May 17, 2025
Retail Price: $200 USD
Pricing + Style Codes:

Men’s: $200 USD (CT8013-112)
Grade School (GS): $150 USD (153265-112)
Preschool (PS): $90 USD (850000-112)
Toddler (TD): $75 USD (850001-112)

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Packaging mirrors the OG Jordan 12 style, but we could see a nod to Melo somewhere inside—stay tuned on that. One thing’s for sure: this one won’t sit. It’s been 21 years in the making, and resellers already know the story behind this heat.

Whether you were there for 2003, or you’re just now learning why Melo stayed winning without ever needing a ring—this release is for you.

The Air Jordan 12 “Melo” is more than a retro. It’s a thank-you. A rewind. A reminder.

Stay Melo. Or better yet—wear Melo.