One of my all time favorites, the Nike Killshot 2 made a comeback in 2024 with some old new colorways so I had to get a pair and write a review. I’ve owned a pair in the classic white and navy for a few years and ended up being one of my beaters. The original Killshot was released as an indoor court sneaker in 1979 and it featured a mesh upper with suede overlays, much like most Nike classics of that era. It was a shoe that was mostly used for squash and racquetball but slowly made its way into the streets as a lifestyle sneaker. It made a comeback in 2009 , and three years later the Killshot 2 was born from a collaboration with J Crew. Compared to the first model this second edition featured smooth leather upper and a slimmer, more elegant silhouette exclusively made for casual wear.
First Impressions
The pair I got this year to review was the white and orange one that I found on sale for $75. It is much like my old white and navy pair, very stylish, minimalist sneakers that you can wear with any casual clothes, even more elegant ones which is not surprising given their association with J Crew. Size 12 weighs just over 13 oz which is not bad for an all leather shoe. It is a flat, low to ground shoe with no fancy cushioning, a clean take on the retros of the 70’s.
How Do They Fit?
The Nike Killshot 2 fits true to size with a slight narrow fit but not as narrow as the adidas Samba, a shoe that is very similar to this one. My right foot is slightly wider so I went a half size up for this reason and it worked out very well for me. The upper leather tends to adjust over time very well to the shape of your feet so I can tell you from my experience that they get better with time in this regard.
Upper
When Nike came out with these in 2012 they kept the same branding as the original but they replaced the mesh with leather. The suede overlays stayed pretty much the same so this resulted in an elegant, durable shoe that can be worn almost all year around. I say almost because in the summer there are better choices out there, no need to get your feet sweaty in the heat. The tongue is similar to the Nike Blazer 77 , with the inner cushioning material left on display on the upper side for an ever more retro vibe. Personally I like it on the Killshot 2, but I know it is a turn off for some. The lacing unit is elongated towards the upper part of the toe box so you get a more flexible lockdown but also a bit of classic crease in the front that gives the shoe even more character.
Sole Unit
The sole unit is as simple as it gets, a truly classic set up with a vintage gum outsole that is slimmer than the original. The cushioning is provided by the EVA insole that after a while wears down in the main pressure points, leaving it to the rubber outsole to do the job. If you walk a lot this may bother you but personally I do a combination of driving and short walks every day and they feel as comfortable as ever even after a few years of wearing them. The gum outsole is very durable, much like the rest of the shoe. I actually played soccer with my son several times with them and they still hold up very well.
Bottom Line
While quite under the radar, the Nike Killshot 2 has been a constant presence on the market for over a decade and hopefully it will continue to be. Personally I look forward to replacing the ones I have soon with another pair. The retail price is $90 but you can find these cheaper online or even at the mall sometimes at a Nike store and I truly believe they offer a great value. It is a pair that you’ll likely have for years, one that you can wear with almost anything. I’ve seen others wearing some beat up sneakers and somehow they still look great given their retro heritage and the quality of the materials used.
