Nike Basketball’s archives run deep, with many models from the ‘90s seeing renewed interest as those who grew up in this era now have the disposable income to reach back and grab some of the most coveted sneakers of their childhood. In 2022, Nike went through several classic retros from the late ‘80s and ‘90s, including Charles Barkley’s Nike Air Max 2 CB 94. Following news that Bo Jackson’s Air Trainer SC High in the original Auburn colorway is making a return in 2025, Sole Retriever can confirm that Barkley’s Air Max 2 CB 94, which, as the Air Trainer SC High retroed back in 2022, is also coming back in 2025.
For this newest retro release, Nike retains the same SKU used on the 2022 version, meaning we’ll get the same material and colors as the pair from three years back. Across the upper, the model is coated in white tumbled leather, with black perforations on panels along the midfoot and collar. The Phoenix Suns’ color scheme of orange and purple is found on select details, a nod to Barkley’s time with the NBA franchise, including the purple Nike text on the midfoot, purple and orange Air Max CB 2 branding on the tongue tag, purple Nike Air text on the heel, and orange on the tongue lining.
Direct nods to Barkley are found on the lateral collar as his jersey number 34 is embroidered in a black textile atop the white tumbled leather heel counter. Moving toward the tongue, we see a white mesh contrasting the black TPU eyelets and lace set, which run atop white nylon bands. The black, purple, and orange foam midsole finishes the design with an exposed Air unit in the heel and a white and orange rubber outsole.
The Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 Suns will release in Summer 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $170. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
