Charles Barkley’s 1990s Nike Sneakers Are Coming Back Next Year
One of Charles Barkley’s most popular Nike signature sneakers will reportedly make a return in 2025.
Last seen on retailer shelves in 2016, Barkley’s third Nike signature shoe, the Air CB 34, is slated for a reissue nearly 10 years later. According to @sneakermarketro, the retro sneaker will reportedly return in its blank “Triple White” colorway during fall 2025, meaning it could arrive in stores as early as July. Devoid of color, the all-white iteration of the Air CB 34 was seen during the model’s last run of releases in ’16 alongside the original Phoenix Suns-themed “Godzilla” colorway.
While not quite as aggressive in its design as some of Barkley’s other sneakers, the Air CB 34 is memorable for its Godzilla-inspired design. Taking a page from an early 1990s Weiden+Kennedy commercial pitting Barkley against the mythical monster, Nike leaned into the fictional theme by designing the midsole of the Air CB 34 to look like Godzilla’s feet — or teeth, depending on who you ask. At the bottom, a unique traction pattern spelled out Barkley’s “Sir Charles” nickname complete with a crown graphic to represent royalty.
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Like many of Barkley’s shoes, the Air CB 34 featured a supportive midfoot strap to contain Barkley’s explosive style of play — although it was considerably toned down from the straitjacket-inspired elastics seen on his previous shoe, the Air Max2 CB 94.
The Air CB 34 was originally released in 1995 as a follow-up to the aforementioned Air Max2 CB 94. Its first-ever retro came in 2007, followed by its most recent appearance in ’16.
With the pending arrival of the “Triple White” Nike Air CB 34 retro, it seems like a safe bet that the original “Godzilla” colorway will also be returning, although that has not yet been confirmed. For now, ‘90s basketball and sneaker fans and Barkley devotees can expect the model to return during the second half of ’25. The ’16 iteration of the “Triple White” colorway is pictured here.
