Air Jordan 12 “Melo” Releases On May 17th

The chilly look should make for suitable summer wear.

Matt Varga March 31, 2025

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The opinions and information provided on this site are original editorial content of Sneaker News.

2004 was a much different time for the Jordan Brand. While keeping to a staid or Bulls-inspired palettes is no longer a requirement for retro releases, the Jumpman was still getting used to that idea following MJ’s retirement. The earnest start of the “LS era” in ’04/’05 opened the floodgates for louder, more vibrant do-ups of Mike’s signature models. Wedged between MJ’s retirement and that period is the Air Jordan 12 “Melo,” showcasing that ideological shift writ small and getting its first full-throated retro in May.

Our first look at this revitalized edition showcases essentially a note-for-note replication of what consumers got towards the turn of the century, plastering Nuggets-ready baby blue trim into an otherwise all-white edition. Silver metallic pops at the topmost eyelets complement that airy atmosphere, as well as tie into the Air Jordan 12‘s enduring “dressed-up” appeal. Though adults have been locked away from this color scheme since that ’04 launch, this technically marks the shoe’s second retro, as a “University Blue” pair from 2016 reprised its overall look for the GS crowd. The overall history on display with the Air Jordan 12 “Melo,” sported by the Jumpman’s first true signee, and how long it’s been since an earnest release should combine for a warm reception for this chilly edition.

As promised in our title, the Air Jordan 12 Melo is queued up for a May 17th, 2025 release. Be ready for a $200 price point upon arrival.

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “Melo” fkzsnkrs/IG

1 of 13

WHERE TO BUY

Mens Air Jordan 12 "Melo"

SKU: CT8013-112

RETAIL PRICE: $200

RELEASE DATE: May 17, 2025

After Market

M 4.5 / W 6 M 5 / W 6.5 M 5.5 / W 7 M 6 / W 7.5 M 6.5 / W 8 M 7 / W 8.5 M 7.5 / W 9 M 8 / W 9.5

See More Sizes

US 05/17/2025 Saturday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS US	Standard	Coming Soon

Get on the Where to Buy list

Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.