Nike‘s latest offering, the Nike Killshot 2 Premium, boasts a timeless design that draws inspiration from the 1970s sporty aesthetic, a style that has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The shoe’s predominantly black upper, accented with white contrast stitching and a dark brown gum rubber sole, bears a striking resemblance to the iconic adidas Samba. However, it is the subtle details that set this shoe apart from its contemporaries.
One of the standout features of the Nike Killshot 2 Premium is the removable fold-over tongue patch, a design element commonly found in soccer cleats. This detail is reminiscent of Wales Bonner’s highly sought-after adidas Samba collaborations, which have become some of the most popular variations of the model.
The Nike Killshot 2 Premium is not the company’s first foray into this style, as the original Killshot was released in 1979 as a performance court sneaker. The shoe gained popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, particularly among menswear enthusiasts, after being revitalized through a partnership with retailer J.Crew. Although the shoe’s popularity has waxed and waned over the years, Nike’s decision to revisit the Killshot 2 demonstrates the company’s commitment to revisiting and reinterpreting its classic designs.
In recent years, Nike has delved into its archives to resurrect other era-specific sneakers, such as the 1974 Astro Grabber and early-1980s Field General football shoes. By re-releasing these classic designs, Nike has been able to tap into the nostalgia of sneaker enthusiasts while also introducing these iconic styles to a new generation of consumers. The Nike Killshot 2 Premium is set to be released as an overseas exclusive during the holiday season, and it remains to be seen whether this premium iteration will be able to bring renewed energy to the Killshot 2 line.
© Images: Nike/@EldenMonitors
