Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” Returns March 6th

Again and again.

Andrew Rizzo February 22nd, 2026 (updated)

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Ken Griffey Jr. had other shoes, but for the last decade and change, Nike’s lifestyle retros have revolved almost entirely around the original Air Max Griffey 1. The original Mariners-inspired “Freshwater” do-ups are known to rear their heads every few years, as are other pairs introduced later on. Here we have the return of the 2009-born Air Max Griffey 1 “Varsity Royal,” set to hit shelves for the first time since 2021.

Griffey is a name that hardly needs an introduction, but it suddenly hits that it’s been sixteen years since The Kid hung up his backwards ballcap. The Hall-of-Famer dominated ’90s baseball, pairing effortless power with elite defense in center field (and doing it without steroids). Just as memorable was the swagger, punctuated by Home Run Derby appearances in that iconic backwards hat, launching moonshots with one of the sweetest swings ever. It’s that image that inspired his signature logo, arguably second only to the Jumpman in the athlete footwear pantheon. Nike made a total of six Ken Griffey Jr. shoes from the late ’90s into the early 2000s, unknowingly creating the best signature line outside of basketball.

The upcoming Air Max Griffey 1 “Varsity Royal” is a direct reproduction of the 2021 edition, style code included. Varsity Royal and white leather make up the upper, while bright Volt punctuates the visible Air units. These are currently up on Finish Line’s release calendar for March 6th, priced at $180 in men’s sizing and $122 for grade schoolers. See official retailer images below if you need a refresher.

: Finish Line

: Finish Line

: Finish Line

: Finish Line

: Finish Line

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WHERE TO BUY

Mens Nike Air Griffey Max 1

SKU: DJ5161-400

RETAIL PRICE: $180

RELEASE DATE: Mar 6, 2026

US 03/06/2026 Friday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS	Standard	Check Site
Foot Locker	Standard	Check Site
Sneaker Politics	Standard	Check Site
SNIPES US	Standard	Check Site

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Additional Images

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

: Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” DTLR

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.