The Nike Killshot 2 (A Sneaker of Internet Legend)6 min read

Why is J.Crew’s Nike Killshot 2 so popular? Besides its unquestionable popularity among certain segments of the menswear community — the sneaker has a classic silhouette that pairs extraordinarily well with a multitude of styles from casual to dressed up. 

This article features the desirable and often sold out Nike Killshot 2 sneaker. While technically not a review, you’ll learn plenty about the shoe.

First you can check out the lookbook video below filled with casual, spring style inspiration. Then I talk about a modern history of the Killshot 2, why they’re so popular and a few other lesser known facts. Finally I wrap things up with additional outfits featuring the sneakers for more outfit inspo.

Let’s get started.

KILLSHOT STATS

Shoe Model: Killshot 2 aka Memeshots

The Collaboration: J.Crew x Nike Killshot 2 

The Details: The Killshot 2’s feature a leather, suede upper and midnight navy Nike swoosh emblazoned along the side. The bold logo and gumsole help to make the sneaker unique.

Featured In: Gentleman Within’s Sneaker Trends for 2021.

Price: $90

Shop: J.Crew // Amazon // Killshot OG

J.CREW NIKE KILLSHOT 2 LOOKBOOK

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I’ve been wearing J.Crew’s Nike Killshot 2 for several years now. They’ve literally been around the world and back. And so this lookbook was long overdue.

You can watch the video above for 5 distinct casual outfits that I styled with 11 different variations. I rock the Killshots with popular spring outerwear like the denim jacket, field jacket and bomber jacket. 

You’ll also see the hoodie, basic tee, dark wash denim, shorts, quilted vest (the Walker Vest from J.Crew Factory) and even a necktie, tie bar combination. And lots more. Check it out.

A KILLSHOT BRIEF MODERN HISTORY

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The Nike Killshot sneaker originates from a tennis style shoe back in the 1980s, nearly 40 years ago. Vintage Killshots can be found without the now ubiquitous gumsole of the Killshot 2. 

More recently, the shoe’s popularity caused Reddit’s MFA (male fashion advice) to ban any new posts about the shoe because users would post about it incessantly.

And then there’s the ‘great Killshot glitch of 2019‘ where J.Crew accidentally (or not) allowed for half off any product, including Killshots with code 23HOURS. It was pounced on by the Frugal Male Fashion subreddit and subsequently sold out in a matter 1.5 hours. Strange times.

The Killshot 2 is single handedly keeping J.Crew afloat. Kidding aside, the sneaker is notorious for selling out after every drop on J.Crew’s website. However in recent months the shoe has been restocked rather quickly. Check for availability here. Also worth checking out the Killshot OG.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this article all about the Killshot 2, then you’ll probably like this Nike Internationalist Review too. 

WHY KILLSHOTS ARE SO POPULAR

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J.Crew exclusively dropped the ever popular Nike Killshot 2’s in 2017 and they’ve sold like hot cakes ever since. The Killshot 2 is a sneaker that both regular guys without a discerning eye for style and menswear enthusiasts alike can appreciate. Like the Common Projects Achilles, the Killshots are one helluva hyped up shoe and much more affordable. 

I think a big reason for its popularity is because of its clean and classic silhouette that’s incredibly versatile. While it’s a relatively plain looking sneaker, the big Nike swoosh emblazoned across the side is really standout. It also has some sweet details like a leather and suede contrast to complement the versatile navy and yellow gumsole.

Another reason for the meteoric rise of the Killshot sneaker is because actor and comedian Aziz Ansari wore them on his hit Netflix show, Master of None. 

NIKE KILLSHOT RE-RELEASE

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Over 10 years ago — way back in 2009, Nike re-released the original Nike Killshot which dates back to the 1980s. The Killshot was originally a court shoe, worn for play during racquet sports, hence the name ‘Killshot’.

Seen above is the original red Killshot which was recently re-introduced by J.Crew about a month ago in a burgundy colorway. The shoe features a deconstructed shoe tongue and nylon instead of a leather upper, just like the original.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this article on the Nike Killshot 2, then you’ll probably find my other writing on all things men’s style useful. Each week, I share updates, style tips and other things not shared on the blog through my free email newsletter.

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MORE KILLSHOT 2 OUTFIT INSPIRATION

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But wait there’s more? Courtesy of the Gentleman Within (shameless plug) Instagram account, here’s how I’ve styled my Killshots over the past few years. You’ll see the sneaker’s versatility in action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Mar 30, 2019 at 2:42pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Mar 27, 2019 at 12:27pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Mar 20, 2017 at 4:47pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Apr 5, 2017 at 4:28pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Apr 25, 2017 at 5:10pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on May 26, 2017 at 5:46pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on May 25, 2017 at 9:44pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on May 31, 2017 at 4:51pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Jun 29, 2017 at 4:42pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Jun 12, 2018 at 6:21pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on May 4, 2018 at 4:43pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on May 3, 2018 at 5:39pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Aug 8, 2018 at 4:21pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Sep 29, 2018 at 10:45am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Oct 26, 2018 at 10:52am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Feb 14, 2019 at 11:09am PST

CONCLUSION

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Thanks for checking out this quick piece detailing and styling the ever-popular Nike Killshot 2 sneakers by J.Crew.

If you liked reading about the Nike Killshot 2, then I think you will like this sustainable sneakers battle featuring the Greats Royale Knit vs Tread By Everlane.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON J.CREW’S NIKE KILLSHOT 2’S?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.