Back in 2022, Frank Cooke shared a look at an unreleased Air Jordan 7 sample inspired by Ken Griffey Jr., offering a rare glimpse at one of Jordan Brand’s more unexpected archive concepts
The pair takes its cues from Griffey’s Nike signature line, most notably the Air Griffey Max 1 “Freshwater.”Dressed in a mix of teal and black, the sample nods to Griffey’s Seattle Mariners era while adding several direct links to his own footwear history. Red Swoosh detailing appears on the forefoot and heel tab, tying the Air Jordan 7 back to the “Swingman” line
The inspiration also connects to Foot Locker’s Slam Fest, a late-’80s-to-mid-’90s event that saw professional athletes from outside the NBA compete in a dunk contest. Griffey Jr. took part in the event in both 1990 and 1992, making the Air Jordan 7 a fitting silhouette for the concept
A hybrid Jumpman and Swingman-style logo appears on the insole, bringing together Griffey’s baseball legacy with Jordan Brand’s basketball roots. While the pair never made it past the sample stage, it remains one of the more interesting “what if” projects from the Jordan archive
As of now, the Air Jordan 7 “Ken Griffey Jr.” sample is not expected to release
For Jordan 7s that will release, the “Miro” colorway is returning on July 10th
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