Nike Killshot 2

Killshot 2

The history of Nike’s Killshot tennis trainer goes all the way back to the late 1970s. At the time, it had a clean, low-profile build that was perfect for the courts, and when the Killshot 2 returned as a lifestyle sneaker in the 2010s, the same ethos was used to make it a comfortable, stylish option for everyday wear.

The Nike Killshot 2 is a minimalistic silhouette made from smooth leather, with plush suede overlays around the forefoot, the heel and the razor-edged eyestay. These elements deliver classic comfort, while the retro suede swooshes swooping along the flanks create a suave, vintage look. Capitalized Nike text has been embroidered into the heel tab, a branded patch adorns the tongue, and a single swoosh elegantly marks the insole. Underfoot, more heritage appeal comes via the gum rubber outsole, with its grippy herringbone traction pattern, and the textured, foam-filled midsole.

The stripped back design of the Killshot 2 makes it ideal for stylish color-blocking, and many colorways feature a white upper with a light brown sole and a more vivid tone applied to the branding. The Midnight Navy colorway follows this arrangement, establishing itself as somewhat of a fan-favorite since it was released exclusively with American specialty retailer J. Crew in 2012. It became particularly popular after it was worn by Aziz Ansari on his hit show ‘Master of None’. The Killshot 2 silhouette eventually went on general release in 2019, and today the standard model comes in a range of colorways, as does the dapper all-leather variant.

Once a humble court shoe, the Nike Killshot 2 is now a stylistically versatile lifestyle sneaker whose everyday comfort makes it a great option for any occasion.