Sneaker Releases

Jordan 12 Retro "Melo" Launching 05/17 Colorway: WHITE/UNIVERSITY BLUE/METALLIC SILVER Style: Men's & Kids' Sneakers

Release Date: May 17, 2025

May 6, 2025

While Carmelo Anthony has officially hung up his jersey, after retiring in 2023, his 19-year NBA career was filled with some of the highest of highs. He was selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft and made an immediate impact, averaging 21 points per game in his rookie season. Over his career, Anthony played for six teams: the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a 10-time NBA All-Star and is recognized as one of the league's all-time leading scorers. His sneaker collaborations also live on, and in 2025, we’re seeing the comeback of the Air Jordan 12 Retro “Melo.”

The Air Jordan 12 Retro “Melo” is set to return on May 17, offering fans a chance to relive a classic that pays homage to Carmelo Anthony's impactful rookie season with the Denver Nuggets. Originally released in 2004, this white, Metallic Silver and University Blue sneaker quickly became a favorite among collectors and basketball enthusiasts alike.​ You can get your hands on a pair of the “Melo” sneakers at Hibbett in toddler, preschool, grade school and men’s sizing. Enter the Hibbett sneaker raffle on your mobile app now for your chance at copping a pair of these sneakers. 

The Air Jordan 12 “Melo” holds a special place in sneaker history. Initially released in women's sizing in February 2004, it was later made available in men’s sizes a few months later. In 2016, the “Melo” 12 returned as a kids’ exclusive, featuring gold eyelets that mirrored Anthony's original Denver PE. The 2025 release promises a true-to-original experience, replicating the 2004 retail version that made the “Melo” a coveted sneaker among collectors.

Staying true to its original design, the 2025 iteration features a premium white leather upper with quilted side panels that radiate outward, reminiscent of the Japanese Rising Sun flag—a nod to the shoe's inspiration. University Blue accents adorn the outsole, heel tab, inner lining, and the iconic Jumpman logo on the tongue, reflecting the Denver Nuggets' team colors during Anthony's tenure. Metallic silver eyelets add a touch of elegance, while the herringbone-patterned outsole ensures superior traction on the court. 

While Anthony began his career in 2004, the Air Jordan 12 first hit the scene all the way back in 1996, designed by Tinker Hatfield as the next step in Michael Jordan's ever-evolving sneaker legacy. Inspired by the elegance of the Japanese Nisshōki flag and a 19th-century women’s boot-like shoe, the AJ 12 marked a shift toward bold minimalism. It was also the first Jordan to feature Nike's Zoom Air cushioning, offering a performance boost that matched MJ’s explosive play. Famously worn during the 1997 NBA Playoffs, including that legendary “Flu Game,” the shoe became an icon not just for its looks, but for its association with Jordan's grit under pressure.

Design-wise, the Air Jordan 12 stands out for its stitched, radiating lines and luxe materials like genuine leather and faux reptile-textured mudguards. It ditched the visible Air unit from previous models, opting instead for a sleek full-length Zoom Air system hidden within the sole. Metal lace hooks, a carbon fiber shank plate and a herringbone traction pattern make it both sturdy and stylish, whether you’re balling on the court or flexing off it.

Be sure you’ve entered the raffle at up to three nearby locations for your chance to grab a piece of NBA and sneaker greatness. The Air Jordan 12 Retro “Melo” will land in Hibbett stores beginning May 17 in toddler, preK, grade school and men’s sizes. 

Still looking for a grail to add to your collection? We’ve got a few pairs of Air Jordan 12 Retro “Melo” up for grabs in toddler, preK, grade school and men’s sizes!

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