The $200 Comeback: Everything You Need To Know About The Air Jordan 12 'Melo' 2004 Before Its 2025 Return
The legacy of Carmelo Anthony's earliest and most coveted non-PE Air Jordan 12 is officially being reignited, making the original 2004 release a crucial piece of sneaker history to own or study. As of today, December 24, 2025, the sneaker world is buzzing with confirmed details about the highly anticipated retro of the *Air Jordan 12 Retro “Melo”* in its famous White/University Blue colorway, which is scheduled to drop in the first half of 2025, more than two decades after its initial debut. This release is a direct tribute to Melo's formative years with the Denver Nuggets and has elevated the original 2004 edition to legendary status on the secondary market, making now the perfect time to understand its historical significance and its place in the modern sneaker landscape.
The original Air Jordan 12 "Melo" from 2004 was a landmark release that bridged the gap between Michael Jordan’s championship era and the new generation of Jordan Brand athletes. While it was not an official Player Exclusive (PE) colorway, its strong association with Carmelo Anthony and his Denver Nuggets uniform made it an instant classic. The upcoming 2025 retro ensures that this iconic colorway, which perfectly captures the team's signature powder blue and gold tones, will be available to a new generation of sneakerheads and basketball fans.
Carmelo Anthony: The Jordan Brand Icon and Nuggets Era
The story of the Air Jordan 12 "Melo" is inseparable from the career of its namesake, one of the most prolific scorers and decorated athletes in Jordan Brand history. Carmelo Anthony, often referred to simply as "Melo," signed with the Jumpman in 2003 as a rookie, immediately becoming a key face for the brand alongside peers like Chris Paul and Ray Allen.
- Full Name: Carmelo Kyam Anthony
- Nickname: Melo, Hoodie Melo
- Born: May 29, 1984 (Brooklyn, New York)
- College: Syracuse University (NCAA Champion 2003)
- NBA Draft: 3rd Overall Pick, 2003 (Denver Nuggets)
- NBA Career: 2003–2022 (Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers)
- Accolades: 10× NBA All-Star, 6× All-NBA Team, NBA Scoring Champion (2013), 3× Olympic Gold Medalist.
- Jordan Brand Status: One of the few athletes to receive a full signature sneaker line (13 installments) and an extensive collection of Player Exclusives (PEs).
The 2004 release coincided with Melo's rise to stardom in the NBA. The White/University Blue-Metallic Silver colorway was a commercial release, but it was so clearly aligned with the Denver Nuggets' uniform colors that it quickly earned the "Melo" moniker. This was significant because it was one of the first times a general release Air Jordan Retro was unofficially dedicated to a current Jordan Brand athlete, cementing Melo's importance to the brand.
The Air Jordan 12 "Melo" 2004: OG Release and Design Deep Dive
The Air Jordan 12 silhouette itself is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Created by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the shoe debuted during the 1996–97 NBA season and was famously the shoe Michael Jordan wore during his "Flu Game."
The Japanese Inspiration
The shoe's unique aesthetic draws inspiration from the Japanese "Rising Sun" flag. This influence is most noticeable in the stitching pattern on the side panels, which radiates out from the center, mimicking the sun's rays. The design was intended to embody characteristics of luxury, strength, and resilience, which are all hallmarks of the Air Jordan line.
The 2004 Original Release Details
The "Melo" colorway was a refreshing departure from the traditional Chicago Bulls-inspired palettes, bringing a vibrant, team-specific look to the classic silhouette.
- Original Release Date: May 15, 2004
- Original Retail Price: $135
- Style Code (Men's): 136001-142
- Colorway: White/University Blue-Metallic Silver
- Unique Feature: The University Blue mudguard and outsole, coupled with Metallic Silver accents on the lace loops, perfectly paid homage to the Denver Nuggets.
Interestingly, the shoe was first released in women's sizing in February 2004 before the men's version followed in May, which was a common practice for some Jordan releases at the time.
The 2025 Retro: What to Expect and Market Value Update
The biggest news for fans of the "Melo" 12 is its confirmed return in 2025, marking the first time the men’s version of this colorway has been retroed since the original 2004 release. A smaller, kids' (GS) sizing retro did happen in 2016, but the upcoming release is the full-scale return the sneaker community has been waiting for.
Confirmed 2025 Retro Specifications
This is the most up-to-date information regarding the highly anticipated 2025 release:
- New Release Date: May 17, 2025
- New Retail Price: $200
- New Style Code (Men's): CT8013-112
- Colorway: White/University Blue/Metallic Silver
- Anticipated Changes: While the 2025 version is expected to be a faithful recreation of the OG, subtle differences in materials, shape, and the shade of University Blue are common in retros compared to the 20-year-old original. Dedicated collectors will be watching comparison reviews closely to see how it stacks up against the 2004 model.
Current Secondary Market Value of the 2004 OG
For those looking to acquire the original 2004 pair (Style: 136001-142), the secondary market remains the only option. Due to its age, rarity, and historical significance, prices are highly variable and dependent on condition:
- Deadstock (New) Value: Prices for a brand-new pair of the 2004 original typically start around $375 and can climb significantly higher for larger or rarer sizes.
- Used/VNDS Value: A well-preserved, used pair can be found for prices ranging from the original retail price of $135 and up, though structural integrity (sole separation) is a major concern for a shoe this old.
The announcement of the 2025 retro has temporarily stabilized or slightly increased the demand for the original 2004 model, as collectors often seek the OG to compare against the new retro. The Air Jordan 12 "Melo" is a definitive piece of Jordan Brand's post-Michael Jordan history, celebrating the career of one of the NBA's most dominant scorers and ensuring the longevity of the iconic silhouette.
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