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Baseball may be America’s pastime, but off-the-field sneakers from MLB players are few and far between. One of the only players with a signature line that found its way into sneaker and streetwear culture is Ken Griffey Jr., whose Air Griffey Max 1 is remembered fondly. After a retro run in 2021, the model will return in Holiday 2025 in one of the original colorways, Emerald.
It may be a bit confusing at first glance as some people, including Nike, have referred to this colorway of the Griffey Max 1 as “Freshwater.” However, this black, fresh water, and white rendition was originally dubbed Emerald when it first retroed in 2009, while the white, black, and freshwater colorway is the actual “Freshwater” pair.
The pair returning in Holiday 2025 comes with the same SKU as the 2021 retro, meaning it will come identical to that previous release. Across the upper sits black suede on the mudguard, eyelet panels, lockdown strap, and medial midfoot, while the freshwater blue, mimicking the shade of the Seattle Mariners blue, is found on the base layer.
Pops of white land on the Swoosh along the toe, the white lace set, and the 24 found on the lockdown strap, while the Swoosh on the pull tabs comes in white with red trim. Finishing the sneaker is the black and white foam midsole with visible Air units paired with a black, white, and fresh water outsole.
The Nike Air Griffey Max 1 Emerald will release December 12, 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s and GS sizing, the retail price is $180 and $120, respectively. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Nike Air Griffey Max 1 Emerald
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
