Few players match the reputation of Ken Griffey Jr. on the field, both in performance and popularity. Nicknamed “The Kid”, Griffey is an inducted member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, his legacy is not only celebrated on the sport but also in the league of great sneakers—he has lent his name to Nike in the creation of his signature kicks, putting him in the same position as other sports legends such as Michael Jordan. The Nike Air Griffey Max 1 found its way in the market in 1996, which was quickly followed by the Nike Air Griffey Max 2 the next year. Both silhouettes have seen countless re-releases in the following years, and are considered two of the most popular baseball trainers in history.
Release Date & Price
Release Date: March 2015
Original Price: US$150
Designed by Nike’s Tracy Teague, the Nike Air Griffey Max 2 was first retroed in the 2010s, the popularity of which led to more colorways in succeeding years. The University Red has not been seen on the kicks before and is a new colorway for the line. Predominantly red with hints of black and white, the shoes are made out of nubuck. The colors have been based on the team Cincinnati Reds.
Pros
The Nike Air Griffey Max 2 “University Red” is a handsome pair with a colorway that really manages to bring out the sleekness of the silhouette. The University Red pops out and would make most outfits appear more interesting and edgy. The black creates a nice contrast to the red color and gives it a bolder vibe, and the upper’s pattern helps create a more distinct sneaker. Nubuck make up most of the shoes’ upper, and it has a nice texture that complements the University Red color. It is equipped with an Air Max unit as well as more than enough ankle cushioning so that it could feel like a pillow to the feet, and its rubber outsole is especially designed for ultimate traction.
Cons
Like other Nike Air Griffey Max 2s, the University Reds could be heavy to some, and that might get in the trouble of a comfortable use if you have to wear them the whole day. As the kicks really have a noticeable color, styling them can take a little more time than just what you would usually spend on shoes with neutral colors.
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Image credit: KicksUSA (featured image), Nike, City Blue (article images)
