Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

J. Crew and Nike Drop the Killshot 2 Sneaker and It’s Already Sold Out

Nike Killshot
Image used with permission by copyright holder

About as long as Western civilization has existed, shoes have been a status symbol. From the long-toed poulaines of 15th century Europe to the demure Toms slip-on of the 2000s, footwear is a functional emblem of where you rank within the cultural pecking order.

But of all the types of shoes to become a status symbol, could anyone have foreseen that it would be the humble sneaker that would eclipse all other types of footwear? And to make this irony even sharper, it’s not the souped-up sneakers that achieve this iconic status, but the simplest and most nostalgic designs.

Case in point: the Nike Killshot.

The Killshot started life in 1979 as a “court shoe,” with a low profile and soft sole that kept racquetball players comfortable and nimble. With its leather body, suede detailing and utilitarian white-on-natural color scheme, it was a forerunner of today’s athleisure styles. It wasn’t just meant for sports—it was meant to show in non-sporting environments that you, the wearer, were sporty. But not so sporty that you didn’t care about fashion.

J. Crew X Nike Killshot II

Over the years, the Killshot gathered a fan base outside the court. When it was first re-issued in 2009, it wasn’t only the sneaker world that went wild. The Nike Killshot is the ultimate “lifestyle shoe”—a go-anywhere, do-anything closet staple.

Since 2015, the Nike Killshot has been available in collaboration with J. Crew, who bumps the exclusivity of these highly covetable kicks by offering them only as limited editions (and limiting purchases to one per customer). The most recent iteration was released this year, this time with a vibrant green swoosh in addition to the original navy blue colorway.

Combining quality-first minimalism with a Wes Andersonian nostalgia, the Nike Killshot is a study in casual elegance. Or is it elegant casualness? Or does it even matter? The main thing is that these hella comfortable sneakers go great with everything you wear, all the time, every day. From broken-in denim to aloha shorts to a wedding tuxedo, you can wear the Killshot with anything. That is, if you can get your hands on a pair.

The green version of the sneaker is already sold out, so unless you want to pay a collector’s fee for a pair of your own, you’ll probably just have to wait until the next re-release (or settle for the more sedate white-on-navy color scheme.. Take our advice and buy during the pre-sale.

Editors' Recommendations

Chelsea Batten
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chelsea Batten is a writer, photographer, and Kerouac groupie. One of the original digital nomads, she was seduced from life…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more