The Definitive Guide To The Nike Air Max CB '94: 5 Shocking Retro Releases Confirmed For 2025 & 2026

The Nike Air Max CB '94 is not just a sneaker; it's a monumental piece of '90s basketball history, and as of December 2025, the silhouette is making a powerful, multi-year comeback. Long-time fans and new sneakerheads alike are buzzing with excitement over the confirmed retro schedule, which sees a deep dive into the archives for some of the most sought-after original and classic colorways. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest news, focusing on the highly anticipated drops scheduled for 2025 and extending into 2026, solidifying the CB '94's status as a timeless icon in the Nike Basketball lineup. The latest information confirms that the chunky, unapologetic design—synonymous with NBA legend Charles Barkley—will dominate the retro market for the next two years. From the legendary "Suns" colorway to the stealthy "Triple Black," the upcoming releases are a testament to the shoe's enduring appeal, a hallmark of the "Golden Age" of basketball footwear. Prepare your rotation, as the era of Sir Charles' signature shoe is officially back, bringing its unmistakable lockdown system and aggressive aesthetic to a new generation.

The Profile of Sir Charles: Charles Barkley's Biography

The Nike Air Max CB '94 is inextricably linked to its namesake, Charles Wade Barkley, one of the most dominant and outspoken figures in basketball history. His career was marked by incredible athleticism, fierce rebounding, and a unique personality that transcended the sport.

• Full Name: Charles Wade Barkley
• Nickname: Sir Charles, The Round Mound of Rebound
• Born: February 20, 1963 (Age 62 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Leeds, Alabama, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
• Weight: 252 lbs (114 kg)
• NBA Draft: 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers
• NBA Playing Career: 1984–2000
• Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1984–1992), Phoenix Suns (1992–1996), Houston Rockets (1996–2000)
• Championships: None (NBA Finals appearance in 1993)
• Major Awards: NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1993), 11× NBA All-Star, 11× All-NBA Team, NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991), 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1992, 1996)
• Hall of Fame: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2006)
• Post-Playing Career: Highly successful and influential analyst on TNT's Inside the NBA.

Barkley's on-court ferocity and off-court charisma made him an ideal signature athlete for Nike. The Air Max CB '94 perfectly captured his powerful, aggressive style of play, becoming one of the most recognizable sneakers of the decade.

The Aggressive Anatomy: Design and History of the Air Max CB 94

The Nike Air Max CB '94, originally known as the Nike Air Max2 CB '94, debuted during the 1994-95 NBA season, a period when Barkley was leading the Phoenix Suns and his star power was at its absolute peak. It was a time of bold, maximalist design in athletic footwear.

Tinker Hatfield's Enduring Vision

The shoe was designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the creative mind behind some of Nike's most iconic silhouettes, including the Air Jordan III through XV. Hatfield’s vision for the CB '94 was to create a sneaker that was as formidable and unique as Barkley himself. The result was a high-top shoe with an aggressive, almost skeletal design that offered maximum support and lockdown. The design is instantly recognizable by several key features:

• Air Max2 Technology: The heel featured the Air Max2 cushioning unit, which used different air pressures in various chambers for superior impact protection and stability.
• Lockdown System: The leather upper is characterized by a distinctive, hole-punched overlay and a robust midfoot lockdown strap system, designed to keep Barkley’s powerful foot secure during his explosive movements.
• Aggressive Aesthetic: The overall look is chunky and commanding, a true reflection of the '90s "Golden Age" design ethos, contrasting sharply with today's minimalist footwear trends.

The shoe quickly became a staple, not just on the court, but in street fashion, cementing its status as a timeless piece of sneaker culture.

Confirmed: The Massive Air Max CB '94 Retro Schedule for 2025 & 2026

For collectors and fans who missed out on the sporadic retro releases of the past, the next two years represent a monumental opportunity. Nike is bringing back multiple highly-coveted original and classic colorways, ensuring the CB '94's legacy continues to thrive. This is the most current and confirmed release information available.

1. The Phoenix Suns OG Returns (May 2025)

Perhaps the most anticipated retro, the iconic "Suns" colorway is slated for a return in May 2025. This color scheme is a direct nod to Barkley's tenure with the Phoenix Suns, featuring a white base with black, purple, and orange accents that instantly evoke '90s basketball nostalgia. The "Suns" edition is often considered the definitive version of the sneaker.

2. The "Black Purple" Classic (May 2025)

Dropping in the same month as the "Suns," the "Black Purple" colorway will also make its return in May 2025. This version typically features a black upper with striking purple details, offering a darker, more menacing aesthetic that aligns with the shoe's rugged design. This release caters to those who prefer a more subtle yet still impactful look.

3. The Stealthy "Triple Black" (Spring 2026)

The "Triple Black" colorway is confirmed for a Spring 2026 release, marking its third retro in just six years. This all-black version is a versatile and popular choice, stripping the shoe of any team affiliation and emphasizing its aggressive silhouette. It’s a classic choice for year-round wear and a favorite among retro enthusiasts.

4. The OG "Black/Varsity Royal" (Fall 2026)

Another original colorway, the "Black/Varsity Royal," is scheduled to hit shelves in Fall 2026. This version combines a black upper with bright Varsity Royal blue accents, creating a bold, high-contrast look that was popular during the shoe's original run. This release will appeal to purists looking for a truly authentic '94 aesthetic.

5. The Nike SB Air Max2 CB 94 Low (Spring 2026)

In a surprising twist, there are strong rumors of a potential Nike SB collaboration on a low-top version of the sneaker, the Nike SB Air Max2 CB 94 Low, rumored to launch in Spring 2026. This indicates Nike's intent to reintroduce the silhouette not just as a basketball shoe, but as a lifestyle and skate-influenced model, expanding its topical authority beyond the court. While details are still emerging, this potential release is a massive development for both sneaker and skate culture.

The Enduring Legacy of Charles Barkley's Signature Line

The massive retro schedule for the Air Max CB '94 confirms its place in the pantheon of iconic basketball sneakers, alongside models like the Air Jordan line and the Penny Hardaway signatures. The shoe is a physical embodiment of the '90s NBA: loud, powerful, and uncompromising. The continuous stream of retro releases, including the recent January 2024 drop of the "White Black Old Royal" colorway, demonstrates that demand for this chunky, unapologetic silhouette remains incredibly high. As Charles Barkley continues to be a prominent figure in the sports world through his role on Inside the NBA, the relevance of his signature footwear line remains perpetually current. For sneaker collectors, the Air Max CB '94 represents a vital connection to the "Dream Team" era and the golden age of Nike Basketball. Its aggressive design, robust construction, and legendary association with Sir Charles make it a must-have piece of footwear history. With multiple confirmed releases stretching into 2026, the time to secure your piece of the CB '94 legacy is now.