Charles Barkley’s Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 is Back in Nike’s Lineup Next Month

Published July 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Quick Facts

Starting with black nubuck on the toe and wavy side panels and blue leather on the rest of the upper, black panels with vented circles stretch up to the lace loops
A white midsole leads to a clear blue Air unit in the heel, with more black added to the tongue and laces to round it all out
The Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 Black Varsity Royal will be released August 14, 2026

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Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 Black Varsity Royal

Over the years, there have been more NBA nicknames than we could possibly remember, but amongst classics like the Big Ticket and the Admiral and modern renditions like the Alien and King James, one moniker stands above the rest: the Round Mound of Rebound. Charles Barkley may have retired without a championship, but the Hall of Famer is an all-time MVP in the nickname category.

A Round Mound Retro in Royal Blue

Beyond his rhyming nickname, Barkley’s legacy lives on in part through his Nike signature line and its endless retro releases. Now, arriving back in the Nike catalog for the first time in over 20 years, the black and blue Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 is back from 1994 for the first time since 2004. This follows a few retro pairs last year, a triple-black drop, and an SB remix earlier this year.

Seen in new retailer images, the Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 Black Varsity Royal colorway is a perfect match for the OG, with black nubuck on the toe and wavy side panels, blue leather on the rest of the upper, and black panels with vented circles stretching up to the lace loops. A white midsole leads to a clear blue Air unit in the heel, with more black added to the tongue and laces to round it all out.

Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 Black Varsity Royal Release Details

The Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 Black Varsity Royal will be released August 14, 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $160. To keep up with all the latest NBA signature retros, download the Sole Retriever App.