Charles Barkley’s Nike Air Max2 CB ’94 Returns in Low-Top “Phoenix Suns” Form

Nike’s Charles Barkley line is going low for 2027, with the Nike Air Max2 CB ’94 Low “Phoenix Suns” expected to arrive next spring.

Originally tied to Barkley’s mid-’90s run in Phoenix, the Air Max2 CB ’94 remains one of the most aggressive basketball sneakers of its era, known for its strapped-down build, bulky tooling, and unmistakable Suns-friendly palette. For 2027, Nike is expected to rework that energy into a low-top cut, giving the classic signature model a slightly more relaxed shape without losing the original's attitude.

The pictured mock-up shows the pair in a familiar mix of white, black, purple, and orange. White leather covers the upper, while black hits the sculpted midsole and lower overlays. Purple Nike branding appears on the side panel, with orange accents landing across the forefoot pods, tongue, heel, and visible Air unit. A “34” detail on the lateral collar nods directly to Barkley’s jersey number.

Alongside this “Phoenix Suns” colorway, a low-top version of the Black/Varsity Purple Air Max2 CB ’94 is also expected to release, suggesting Nike has more planned for the Barkley line heading into 2027.

The Nike Air Max2 CB ’94 Low “Phoenix Suns” is currently expected to release in Spring 2027. No firm date or pricing has been confirmed at this stage.

Mock-up pictured. Info via Sneaker Market Romania.