Freshwater Flow: The Air Griffey Max 1 Is Back for Another Swing

The ‘Freshwater’ is sliding back into the lineup for Holiday 2025, once again flexing its signature Seattle swagger. First laced up in 1996 by Ken Griffey Jr. – the backwards-cap-wearing, home-run-crushing poster child of 90s baseball – the silhouette has aged like a perfectly preserved rookie card.

The ‘Freshwater’ colourway is pure nostalgia: black nubuck overlays meet crisp white leather panels, all sitting atop that wavy midsole packed with visible Air units. The pop of teal – a nod to Griffey’s Mariners days – is still the star attraction, while hits of red Swoosh embroidery add just enough flash to keep your rotation spicy. And let’s not forget the ankle strap stamped with Griffey’s legendary number 24.

This isn’t the first time the ‘Freshwater’ has stepped back into the box – retros landed in both 2016 and 2021 – but demand never seems to strike out. With baseball 'fits creeping back into the streetwear zeitgeist of late, the timing feels perfect for another trip around the bases.

In terms of historical significance, the Griffey Max 1 was Nike’s first major foray into baseball footwear that truly crossed over into streetwear. Built like a trainer but dressed like a performance cleat, the design featured chunky mid-90s lines, visible Air bubbles front and back, a unique strap system across the ankle, and Griffey’s jersey number, 24, stamped proudly into the side.

Expect the Nike Air Griffey Max 1 ‘Freshwater’ to land later this year via SNKRS and select retailers. If you missed out last time, consider this your hanging curveball – don’t whiff.

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