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Of all the superstar MLB players from the ‘90s, Ken Griffey Jr. may hold the most nostalgia, especially for sneakerheads. The Kid brought an energy to the league that was much needed after the strike in ‘94, and he would take the field in the latter part of the decade in his very own signature sneaker, the Air Griffey Max. Nearly 30 years have passed since the debut of his signature series, and no other MLB player has been able to replicate the crossover success of his sneaker.
Luckily, Nike brings back the sneaker every few years, with The Swoosh last giving the Air Griffey Max 1 the retro treatment in 2021 and 2022. We’ve previously reported on the retros of the Emerald (aka Black Freshwater) and Royal colorways from Holiday 2025 and Spring 2026, respectively. However, Sole Retriever can confirm that the original Freshwater colorway is set to return in Summer 2026.
With the 2026 retro featuring the same product SKU as the 2021 retro of the Griffey Max 1 Freshwater, the pair is expected to return identical to that version of the sneaker. White leather acts as the base for the black nubuck paneling that coats much of the upper. Pops of red appear on the vamp’s nylon lace loop and on the outline of the Swoosh on the freshwater-shaded nylon pull tab on the tongue.
More of the titular shade is present on the heel’s pull tab, the mini Swoosh near the “24” branding on the lockdown strap, and on the outline of the Swoosh on the heel tab. Down below, the model is complete with a white and black foam midsole, featuring freshwater-shaded Air units, and a white, black, and freshwater outsole.
The Nike Air Griffey Max 1 Freshwater will release Summer 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $170. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
