The Air Jordan 13 Retro “Melo Class of 2002” remains one of the more unique Carmelo Anthony-inspired Jordan releases tied to his early basketball story. Instead of arriving through a wide full-retail launch, the shoe saw a limited September 15, 2018 release and quickly became known for its unusual rollout as many pairs were labeled Nike Factory B-Grades.
The sneaker pays tribute to Melo’s time at Oak Hill Academy, the Virginia basketball powerhouse that helped shape his path before college and the NBA. Jordan Brand used the school’s signature colors to build the look, dressing the Air Jordan 13 in a mix of black, University Gold, and University Red. The upper combines nylon, leather, and suede, giving the shoe layered texture while staying true to the model’s classic shape.
What made this pair stand out even more were the personal details. The right sockliner featured “Class of 2002,” directly referencing Carmelo Anthony’s graduating class, while the left included his personal Melo logo. Those touches gave the release a more exclusive feel and helped separate it from standard retro drops.
However, the pair did not follow a normal release path. Because of reported minor cosmetic flaws, many pairs were sent to Nike outlet stores as B-Grades rather than being pushed through a traditional full-price launch. Even so, the retail price was set at $190, and the shoe still drew attention from collectors and Melo fans who appreciated its backstory.
Today, the Air Jordan 13 “Melo Class of 2002” still holds a special place for fans of player-inspired retros. For anyone who missed the outlet drop, pairs continue to surface through resale platforms like StockX, offering another shot at one of the more overlooked Air Jordan 13 releases tied to Carmelo Anthony’s legacy.
Stay up to date with all upcoming Air Jordan releases from our Air Jordan Release Dates page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Air Jordan 13 Melo “Class of 2002”
Color: Black/University Red-University Gold
Style Code: 414571-035
Release Date: September 15, 2018
Price: $190
