Nike Killshot 2: price, colorways, and where to buy
Subtle, low-profile, smooth leather with suede accents on the swoosh: the Nike Killshot 2 is one of those simple silhouettes that you can wear both to the office and while out and about on the weekend. Designed in 1979 for tennis and squash, it could have easily ended up in the forgotten models section. But then J.Crew came along in the late 2000s and turned an indoor sports shoe into a staple of understated menswear for an entire decade. The Killshot 2 is now part of Nike's catalog year-round, featuring a range of colorways that change with the seasons.
History and Heritage of the Killshot 2
Originally, it’s an indoor shoe. Nike released the Killshot in 1979 for tennis and other racquet sports: low profile, reinforced side, mesh upper. It has a utilitarian silhouette designed for lateral movement, making little noise off the courts. The model remains under the radar for three decades.
The turning point comes in 2009. Nike hands the relaunch to J.Crew, which redesigns the sneaker in smooth leather with suede accents and keeps the exclusivity. In 2012, the partnership drops a colorway Sail / Midnight Navy / Gum Yellow that becomes the most recognizable J.Crew version. The Killshot 2 navigates through the 2010s in the discreet menswear wardrobe, mentioned alongside the Air Force 1 and the adidas Stan Smith. Fast forward 10 years: Nike opens the floodgates. The Killshot 2 sheds its J.Crew exclusivity, lands on Nike.com, and enters wide distribution. The indoor sneaker from 1979 completes its journey as an accessible silhouette available at various retailers year-round.
Features of the Nike Killshot 2
Visually, the Killshot 2 goes all in on simplicity. Low silhouette, clean lines, no frills: the leather-suede contrast on the swoosh, toe box, and heel does all the talking.
- Upper: smooth full-color leather with suede accents on the swoosh, toe box, and heel
- Sole: gum rubber, low profile that anchors the retro look
- Construction: no Air, Zoom, or Boost cushioning, a bold bet on simplicity
- Available versions: Killshot 2 Leather (standard model from the catalog), Killshot 2 Premium (upgraded materials, waxed finishes)
- Retail price: €94.99 on Nike.fr for the standard Leather version
This understated approach is what immediately sets the Killshot 2 apart from other vintage Nike silhouettes like the Cortez.
Nike Killshot 2 Size Guide
The Killshot 2 fits TTS (True To Size) for the vast majority of foot shapes. Standard and narrow feet should stick to their usual size.
Width is where things get a bit tricky. Lab measurements confirm what user feedback has been saying for years: the forefoot and heel are noticeably below average for this segment, and Nike doesn't offer the Killshot 2 in wide width. Those with wider feet should consider going up half a size to create some lateral space. The toe box, however, remains average: the fit is snug on the sides, not at the toe. The leather softens up after a few weeks of wear.
Compared to the Nike Cortez, the Killshot 2 has the same length but is tighter in width. Next to the Nike Air Force 1, it is significantly narrower and lower on the foot.
Price and Where to Buy the Killshot 2
The Nike Killshot 2 is part of Nike's regular lineup: €94.99 retail on Nike.com for the standard Leather version. The Premium editions, featuring upgraded materials (denser suede, waxed finishes), range from about €110 to €130 depending on the drops.
In the current market among major French retailers, the Leather version is available between €70 and €90 depending on the colorway and the season. With wide distribution, most colorways are regularly restocked.
The comparison tool at the top of the page aggregates available offers in real-time for each colorway and each shoe size.
FAQ Nike Killshot 2
How do I know if I should go half a size up?
Quick test. Do your AF1 or Dunk Low feel tight on the sides after a few hours? Then go +0.5 on the Killshot 2, which is narrower than those two models. Do your Stan Smith or Cortez fit perfectly? Stick to your usual size, the fit will be similar.
Why is the Killshot 2 so popular?
It all started with J.Crew. The relaunch in 2009, the switch to leather, and especially the white and navy colorway released in 2012 turned a 70s indoor shoe into a staple of understated menswear. Compact silhouette, versatile style, accessible retail price: this combination has held strong for a whole decade.
Nike Killshot 2 or Nike Cortez: which one to choose?
The Cortez has a 70s running profile, more pronounced sole, and a longer silhouette. The Killshot 2 is more compact, more understated, and its leather-suede upper gives a cleaner lifestyle look. For an all-around style: Killshot 2. For the historical Nike runner reference: Cortez.
Is the Nike Killshot 2 still available?
Yes. Since August 2019, the Killshot 2 has been available through Nike.com and major French retailers all year round. The colorways rotate with the seasons, featuring regular WMNS editions and occasional J.Crew collaborations that punctuate the calendar.
