Carmelo Anthony is finally getting his flowers, and sneakerheads are eating it up.
Introduction:
While his NBA accolades may not stack as high as fellow 2003 draft stars like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, Melo has always held the crown when it comes to personal style and cultural aura. Case in point: the long-awaited return of the Air Jordan 12 ‘Melo', dropping May 17, 2025, for $200.
Design Details:
Originally released in 2004, the ‘White/University Blue’ colourway was designed as a Player Exclusive (PE) for Carmelo during his Denver Nuggets days. It perfectly captured Denver's uniforms' powder blue and gold tones, giving the Air Jordan 12 a refreshing and unmistakable identity.
Though Melo’s OG PE featured gold eyelets and his nickname embroidered on the heel, the 2025 retro sticks closely to the classic vibe, with an upper dressed in clean white leather, pops of University Blue on the lining, heel tab, and midsole, and subtle Metallic Silver accents for extra flair.
This marks the first true retro of the beloved colourway in full men’s sizing since its limited 2004 release. Though Jordan Brand teased fans with a kids' version in 2016, the new drop finally gives adult sneakerheads their moment.
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Conclusion:
Carmelo was actually Jordan Brand’s first official signature athlete, and the AJ12 ‘Melo’ is a shining symbol of that era. It reflects not just his dominance on the court, but his impact on sneaker culture. Whether you’re a longtime Melo fan or just into clean, UNC-inspired colourways, this release is one to watch.
Set your reminder, the Air Jordan 12 ‘Melo’ drops May 17 via SNKRS and select retailers. Don’t miss this piece of Jordan Brand and Carmelo Anthony history.
Next up on Crep Daily: Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 ‘Racer Blue’
