Charles Barkley's Latest Nike Sneakers Are Almost Gone

Charles Barkley's latest Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 colorway is still in stock at two retailers.

Charles Barkley's Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 are still in stock. | IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley was an unorthodox player. Just as his stature belied his talent on the court, his outsized personality has made him even more a household name after his NBA playing days.

The same sort of unusual description could be used to describe his latest retro Nike sneaker release. The Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 "Black Varsity Royal" colorway hit shelves early at some retailers, then sat longer than expected before almost selling out entirely at Nike.

Luckily for fans who missed the roller coaster release, the Barkley's retro basketball shoes are still in stock at two retailers. Below is a detailed breakdown of what fans must know.

Shopping Information

The Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 "Black Varsity Royal" colorway. | Nike

The Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 "Black Varsity Royal" was officially released on August 4, 2026. The retro basketball shoes had a retail price of $160 in adult sizes at Nike and select retailers. The kicks are almost sold out in every size at Nike, but are still in stock at Foot Locker and Hibbett's.

Savvy shoppers might be able to score the shoes at a discount on sneaker resale platforms. Currently, the average resale price is $147 on StockX. Even better, the asking price is lower than that in some sizes.

Colorway Design

The Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 "Black Varsity Royal" colorway. | Nike

This colorway features a Black upper constructed with a synthetic material with perforations for breathability. Shades of Varsity Royal on the leather offer a complementary contrast. The white midsole allows the black Nike Swoosh logos to pop off the sides.

However, our only complaint about the design is that the iconic "Nike Air" branding on the heel appears in black, making it barely visible. Lastly, the jagged traction pattern on the black rubber outsole completes the shoe. Overall, it's a great shoe. It's just as hard to figure out as Barkley's unconventional style.

Performance Technology

The Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 "Black Varsity Royal" colorway. | JD Sports

As I've written before, I wore the Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 during intramural games in college (2012), but these shoes are not really meant for performance basketball anymore. Fans are better off rocking them casually.

The Nike Max Air unit in the heel offers ample cushioning, and the rubber outsole is durable enough for outdoor courts. Luckily, the silhouette's timeless design has made the shoe popular more than three decades after its initial release.

Charles Barkley x Nike

The Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 "Black Varsity Royal" colorway. | Nike

Barkley was a Nike athlete throughout his entire career and has often credited Michael Jordan for giving him the best business advice of all time. He took a smaller amount in money under his contract in favor of company stock. Still, that was not enough to get Barkley to wear Jordans.

Barkley wore the Nike Air Max 2 CB '94 throughout the 1994-95 NBA season. They are just one of many legendary Nike basketball shoes synonymous with "Sir Charles." Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond.