UPDATE 3/6/26: The Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” is now available on Nike SNKRS for $180 USD.

Original Story 2/20/26:
Nike’s retro lineup tied to Ken Griffey Jr. has stayed focused on one model for years—the Air Max Griffey 1. While several colorways cycle back into rotation, the spotlight rarely shifts away from the original silhouette that helped define Griffey’s off-field legacy. Now, one of its standout modern-era releases is making another comeback.

The Air Max Griffey 1 “Varsity Royal,” first introduced in 2009 and last seen in 2021, is returning once again. This version sticks closely to its previous release, keeping the same style code and overall build intact. A clean mix of Varsity Royal and white leather shapes the upper, while Volt accents energize the visible Air units for a bold finish.

Griffey’s impact still carries weight decades after his playing days. Known for his effortless swing, elite defense, and unmistakable presence, “The Kid” helped shape both baseball culture and sneaker history. His signature logo remains one of Nike’s most recognizable athlete marks, sitting near the top alongside basketball icons.

Nike originally produced six signature models for Griffey between the late ’90s and early 2000s, quietly building one of the strongest non-basketball sneaker lines ever created. Today, that legacy continues to live through consistent retros like this one.

Nike Air Griffey Max 1 Varsity Royal 2026 Release Date

The Nike Air Max Griffey 1 “Varsity Royal” is currently scheduled to release on March 6th. Retail pricing is set at $180 for men’s sizing and $122 for grade school pairs.

Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Photos: Finish Line