In 1995, Nike made one of Charles Barkley‘s most iconic ever sneakers. Working with the mastermind behind Michael Jordan’s famous Air Jordans, Tinker Hatfield, Sir Charles released a $140 version of his own shoe. Inspired by the movie Godzilla, the 1995 CB34s sold like hotcakes back in the day. With its unique design that featured an oversized shape and a different colorway, the CB34s were in many’s eyes, the most popular sneaker of the year. And, recently the lore and the hype surrounding the shoe were broken down by Ray Polanco Jr., who shared a video about the same on Instagram.
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Ever since the introduction of the Jordan 1s back in 1984, sneakers have evolved into a culture of their own. Companies like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, and more have all established a brand of their own in the sneaker game. Partnering with different athletes, signature shoes have become the backbone of the sneaker industry. Whether you’re copping the classic Jordans, or putting on the latest LeBrons, sneaker culture has taken the world by storm. And, nothing is more popular than a shoe that embodies several things like Sir Charles’ CB34s.
Charles Barkley’s iconic 1995 sneakers paid homage to Godzilla and caused a frenzy in the sneaker world
To work with Tinker Hatfield, the mastermind behind the Air Jordan shoe is a rare and golden opportunity. In 1993, upon making his first appearance in the NBA Finals, Charles Barkley was presented with such an opportunity. The CB94s were an incredible shoe, known for its unique design. However, what very few know, is that it inspired another one of Charles Barkley’s iconic shoes.
In 1995, Wilson Smith III was tasked with designing a special edition of the CB34s. Rather than creating a completely new shoe, Smith III used the CB94s as the base model. In addition to this, he also incorporated several other features that were inspired by hip-hop and pop culture. This ultimately resulted in the creation of a shoe that sent the sneaker world into a frenzy.
As Ray Polanco Jr. elaborated on his Instagram, the CB34s were heavily inspired by the movie Godzilla. With the oversized teeth, Air Max bubble, forefoot strap, and graffiti on the soles, the shoe perfectly embodied the mythical creature, as well as some of the more memorable aspects of hip-hop and pop culture. It was an incredible shoe, that made its debut when Chuck laced them up back in the 1995 Playoffs.
It truly was an exceptional shoe with an incredible design. While many were enamored with the Jordan Brand shoes that were always a sight to see, a lot of other signature sneakers went under the radar. And, Charles’ CB34 Godzillas are but one of them.
Tinker Hatfield was responsible for creating some of the most iconic shoes in Jordan Brand’s history
Charles Barkley’s CB34 Godzillas, as mentioned earlier, took its base design from the CB94s. The shoe was designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield. Remembered fondly for his work with the Jordan Brand, Hatfield has produced some of the most iconic designs in Nike’s history. Designs that were only elevated further, thanks to its association with Michael Jordan.
The 90s in particular featured a plethora of incredible Jordan shoes. But, perhaps the most memorable designs Hatfield produced were the Nike Air Jordan 3s, the Air Jordan 4s, the Jordan 5s, the Air Jordan 11, which featured in the movie Space Jam, and finally, the 13s.
It’s hard to imagine where Nike, let alone the Jordan Brand would have been if it weren’t for Hatfield’s incredible designs. He is undeniably a legend of the sneaker game. And, that is clearly seen by the millions of sneakerheads that are still trying to cop his designs even today.
