More than 20 years after its last release, the Nike Air Max2 CB ’94 “Varsity Royal” is finally coming back. The colorway last appeared in 2004 and has remained on the sidelines while other Barkley favorites returned more than once.

This retro sticks with the pair’s original black, royal blue, and white setup. Black nubuck wraps most of the upper, with blue leather showing through the model’s cutout panels and continuing across the tongue and collar. Small silver mesh windows break up the darker sections, while a white midsole brings some separation underfoot.

The familiar details are still in place, including the jagged black sections climbing up from the outsole and visible Air cushioning in the heel. It is an unmistakably bulky ’90s basketball shoe, built during an era when Barkley’s signature line looked just as physical as his game.

Nike Air Max2 CB 94 Varsity Royal 2026 Release Date

The Nike Air Max2 CB ’94 “Varsity Royal” is expected to release on August 14, 2026 through select retailers and Nike.com. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price tag is set at $160 USD.

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Photos: leel1flyguy