Jordan Brand and Carmelo Anthony officially launched the latest installment of the NBA star’s signature shoe this week: the Jordan Melo 11.
The shoe features brand innovations like the FlightPlate, designed to harness and return energy, which is placed directly over the forefoot Nike Zoom unit for ample cushioning, while a molded collar optimizes fit and enhances ankle support for Melo’s versatile game. As for styling, the upper boasts synthetic leather for a sleek look, alongside perforated details to enhance breathability. A webbed strapping system wraps the foot to provide superior lockdown, and the updated foam heel counter integrates into the midsole, bringing strength and support to the collar, as well as a distinctive pattern produced by repetition of the letter M.
The Melo 11 also underwent a transformation with a fresh new look, just like the player himself. After training all summer, Anthony returned slimmer and fitter. So, he wanted a shoe to match… telling multiple stories.
Jordan designers came back with four colorways, each with a specific story.
The “Concrete Jungle”, launching Jan. 3, is inspred by New York City. It features gray across the forefoot, echoing the concrete streets, while the detailing on the tongue is a nod to brightly colored graffiti and street art. A subtle speckled midsole evokes the bright lights of the city that never sleeps.
Melo requested the “Jordan Family” model to pay tribute to the tribute to the Jordan Brand family, who have supported him throughout his career. It features the traditional colorways worn by Michael Jordan — black, red and white — the shoe calls to mind the great Jordan rivalries with New York throughout the 1990s. It also launches Jan. 3.
The “Red Hook Sunset,” which releases March 1, is a nod to the Red Hook projects in Brooklyn, where he was born and remains inspired by. The colorway brings to mind sunsets in Red Hook and early memories of his childhood in the famous New York borough.
Finally, the “Black/Gold” colorway is a simple, premium color scheme. As a tribute to his fans, Melo asked the Jordan Brand if he could poll the social media community to name the black/gold shoe, a first ever in the Melo shoe franchise history. Starting now, fans can vote on the name of Melo’s favorite M11 colorway via his Twitter account: @CarmeloAnthony. This colorway also drops on Jan. 3.
