This past February, we watched in excitement as the Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Freshwater” stepped into the proverbial batter's box to celebrate the silhouette's 25th anniversary. Unsurprisingly, its release was an out-of-the-park success, and the model's aerial onslaught doesn't appear to be over just yet. The coveted “Varsity Royal” colorway of Ken Griffey Jr.'s first signature sneaker is set to take the plate later this month.
The Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” made its debut in 1996 alongside two classic, Seattle Mariners–inspired versions – the aforementioned “Freshwater” makeup, and an “Emerald” color scheme. We last caught a glimpse of the elusive “Varsity Royal” colorway in 2016, when it released to commemorate Junior's induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
This 2021 iteration comes in OG form, boasting a smooth, white leather upper. Nubuck overlays, which appear on the mudguards, quarter panels, eyestays, and ankle straps, arrive in a rich “Varsity Royal” tone. The iconic ankle straps are home to bold, embossed Nike lettering, and “24” insignias, while black Nike Swooshes appear on the forefoot panels.
The upper is peppered with bright “Volt” hits, which grace the heels and tongue tabs via Swoosh logos. Migrating toward the sole, you'll find white foam midsoles – a perfect canvas for contrasting black accents and “Volt”-tinted Max Air units, which are housed in the forefoot and heels. The colorway is completed with standard, black rubber outsoles.
Look for the Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal” to hit JimmyJazz.com on May 29th in full-family sizing.
