Why Nike Killshot 2 Leather SUCKS (plus better alternatives!) • Effortless Gent

MY FAVORITE NIKE KILLSHOT 2 ALTERNATIVES:
→ Greats Royale with Gum Sole: effgnt.co/greatswhitegum
→ Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainers: bit.ly/32Z0I8Q
→ M.Gemi Paolo (grey suede accents, no gum sole): go.effgnt.co/mgemipaolo
→ Koio Tempo: go.effgnt.co/koiotempogum
→ Madewell Sidewalk (canvas with gum sole): fave.co/3jMWrLR
BUY THE NIKE KILLSHOT 2:
→ fave.co/2XJjiyg
The Nike Killshot 2 in Leather is a super popular, relatively minimal everyday sneaker, and for good reason! They're Nikes, they have a classic silhouette, they're super easy to wear, they got the vintage vibes with the gum sole, and there are a number of colorways. AND they're relatively affordable.
But are they even worth the price of $90? Should you grab them as soon as your size and favorite color is in stock? Or should you save up a bit more and hold out for something nicer?
That's what we talk about in this video. Enjoy, and let me know what you think of the Killshot 2!
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[@JOSHisWILSON]

I’ve worn these almost everyday for 2 years through all 4 seasons and they have held up better than any sneaker I’ve ever had. This review is a joke. One of the most solid everyday shoes. Don’t listen to this dude

[@Scarbuckks]

Kinda weird to compare a $90 sneaker to a $300 Common Project sneaker, obviously the leather will be worse quality than premium brands

[@EffortlessGentTV]

hmm, did you watch the video all the way through? it wasn't just a comparison of killshots to CPs.

[@michaelasuch1272]

I personally dig this shoe. I bought a pair at the outlet for $60. Also, I wore them and loved them so much and got good feedback from peeps I went back to the outlet and bought another pair to stick in the closet when the ones wear out.

[@RdeLeonFerRODO]

Michael, where? hehe in Spain we are desperate to get one of these

[@osamabinladen2075]

yes the guy who made this video sucks

[@Jonaldinho13]

Just received these and they fit great! The suggestion in this video is to order a size up but I would suggest against that. Just loosen the laces and you’re golden. If you go up a size you run the risk of looking like you’re wearing clown shoes since these are on the slimmer side of silhouettes. If you are ordering from somewhere that provides free shipping and returns get both sizes and return the one you don’t want.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

To clarify, I size up for all Nikes (compared to my usual size in every other brand). so I meant, size up if that's what you normally do for Nikes. Sorry if that wasn't clear, but glad you found a pair that fits you well!

[@luwmen3284]

Great review. I just copped this exact color way from Nike with a 20% off promo and free shipping, so it was hard to pass up. Really liked the minimal classic aesthetic. Oliver Cabell just dropped a low 1 with a gum sole that’s nice too.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

That's right, I gotta add the low 1s to this list. I think this is a good shoe for the price. Of course, your options open up when you have a bigger budget to work with

[@luwmen3284]

Barron ..would be cool to do a look book on how you’d wear this shoe bro.

[@Mycarisloose]

@@luwmen3284 it’s a white sneaker, not some Prada space boots 🥴🥴

[@tiggersrevenge]

Is there a wide foot alternative to this shoe? This is such an awesome video. I really appreciate that you provided a wide array of alternatives.

[@chaoticneutral4729]

I really like these shoes especially the one with navy swoosh because they look good even when they’re worn out. The problem with most white sneakers is when they get dirty there’s really no cleaning them

[@Erock1985x]

yeah exactly, is a nice shoe though, I wear mine to work and i basically sit all day and just the normal wear and tear on them is inevitable, BUT for a vintage shoe and its simplicity I get a lot of compliments on them

[@outlookgucci4151]

@@Erock1985x Don’t know if you’ll see this but if you do that’s awesome. Just got mine delivered today and I wanna ask if you have any tips on prolonging the clean look of these. Never had me a leather pair so if you could give some insight that’d be cool!

[@Erock1985x]

@@outlookgucci4151 Yeah maybe a week or two after i got them I bought a "Water and Stain Shield" spray that basically makes it easier to just wipe any scuffs off the shoe, you can get some pretty cheap on amazon, just the only thing is at least with the kind I have is that you have to spray the shoe down and let it sit for 24 hours to fully dry, I suppose to let the spray settle onto the material

[@joshhampton7628]

Okay, I think I get you point. If you spend more money you’ll get a better quality sneaker. I agree with you. However, I don’t think it’s far to compare a sneaker from an athletic shoe company to one from a luxury shoe company. The latter should have better quality leather, especially if it costs more than double. I own the Killshot with the blue Swoosh and the Morgan trainer from Beckett Simonon. I recommend both, they serve different purposes.

[@dannyt4663]

Exactly, it’s kind of a silly comparison lol... “Toyota Camry is okay at the price but it ain’t a Lexus!” Well no shit. Almost like the purpose of the video is mostly to plug referral links to expensive sneakers 🤔

[@EffortlessGentTV]

It's a solid option for under $100, which I did stress in the vid! I agree that luxury leather sneaks aren't a good comparison. But that's why I prefaced it by saying IF you have more than $100, or if you can save up for a bit longer, it's worth the wait to pick up something better. BUT if you love Nike and / or just want a beater shoe, the Killshots are classic. Also lots of guys in the comments saying they found em for $55 - $70ish... these are a must-buy at that price point, for sure.

[@joshhampton7628]

@@EffortlessGentTV I saw them for that price earlier today, I think. That’s a steal. Either way, I’m a fan high quality minimal footwear. I enjoy your channel and this dialogue.

[@mohdridzuan7801]

can u show how to match it up?

[@gyaniadmi2347]

What is your size and what sie do you wear?

[@LawyerJoey]

I just got my third pair of Killshot 2s. The first pair I got are still going strong after years of use and are my favorite shoes to wear. I own quite a few pairs of Greats as well, and while I very much like those, these are my go to for general wear. Much more comfortable than my Greats Royale.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

I could def see these breaking in really easily. The GREATS leather (and even KOIO, CP, etc.) sometimes takes a bit longer

[@gb92081]

You seem to have experience with the killshot leather 2. Did you get your normal size? I usually wear an 8.5. Should I stick with my usual size or size up?

[@LawyerJoey]

@@gb92081 I typically wear 10.5 in Nike, but I actually have these at 10 and 10.5 and both are comfortable to me. I would probably just stick with your normal size.

[@gb92081]

@@LawyerJoey thanks

[@CarlMurawski]

Fair and unbiased assessment my man.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

thanks for checking it out, brother

[@mayjenjonosewoyo7494]

@@EffortlessGentTVDo Nike Killshoot 2 run long compared to other Nike shoes?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

@@mayjenjonosewoyo7494 Pretty standard, as far as I can tell

[@ulisesog4393]

Don’t own these shoes, but I’d prefer to take your alternative suggestion and go with Greats Royale version.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

The Greats Royales are totally worth it. Owned em for years, they're like BUTTAH

[@sumitaggarwal4831]

I love the Nike killshot2. Using them from 3 years and still good.

[@sagung1620]

I falling in love with this shoe ❤️ so underated shoe

[@danimalic923]

Just picked these up at Burlington for $22.99, at that price point all of the negatives are null, keep an eye out at your local rack stores

[@arturozunigavillaverde3266]

Are they good for playing football?

[@esrt5630]

Get crease protectors the second you get these. they easily creased for me when I tried to not crease them.

[@mini0n_ftw831]

these are perfect summer shoes. they are also great shoes for going to bars and clubs where you know they will get beat up

[@4242brvrdbd]

Trying to pull the trigger on something similar to the these . I don’t want bright white because I’m just not careful enough. ( but I need to quit buying all blacks..) Seeking cheaper than that $90, not really worried about leather quality. Enjoyed the video, just subscribed.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Bright white is easier to clean than you think. They make tons of sneaker cleaners, and in a pinch, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works really well. Also I never worry about my white leather sneaks not being perfectly white. They're shoes. They get dirty. It's fine. Also with these, they're often on sale. I think in the comments people have mentioned finding them for $60, $50, etc.

[@mondox8890]

I own a pair of Nike Killshot 2 and a pair of Beckett Simonon, which cost twice the price of the Killshot. I have worn the Killshot about ten times more and for different occasions, while I have only worn the Beckett for certain occasions. Yet, the Killshot are running strong, while Beckett are already degrading.

[@tyler5568]

BRUH are the soles removable? How do you not cover that? It's the only customization we need to know.

[@tillspengler5408]

Hey I've been looking at some White/gumsole sneakers from different popular brands like the Nike Killshot 2, Adidas Samba og, Asics Japan s, Reebok Club C85 etc. and was wondering if there is a difference in quality between the brands? Or is it all pretty much the same?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

At this price point, they seem to be roughly the same quality. But if you're worried about them breaking down, so long as you take care of them, they'll last a long time. (i.e. don't wear them multiple days in a row, use shoe trees right after wearing, yes, even for sneakers, etc.)

[@OneJuan0633]

@@EffortlessGentTV why the shoe trees? To avoid creases?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

@@OneJuan0633 yep! i typically put shoe trees in whatever shoe i'm wearing, right when i get home. and then if i wear a different pair the next day, once i get home, i take them out of the pair from yesterday and move them over to the latest pair i just wore. Helps to keep shoes newer longer, smooths out creases, keeps structure of shoe, draws out any moisture, etc.

[@OneJuan0633]

@@EffortlessGentTV that’s actually smart! Btw, congrats on your channel, it’s very interesting 😁

[@kevin8049]

My issue with more of the luxury white sneakers like the Greats for example is that they are so clunky. While agree leather on these Nikes isn’t great they have a streamlined look that the competition can’t really touch. Also a good price point as you mention.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Hmm I don’t know that the Koios for example are any clunkier compared to these. Same with CP, even the more affordable New Republics. Maybe the greats, but only slightly, at least IMO. Plus you get used to it 🤷 I do still like these Nikes, I just wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be when I got them

[@rdemon27]

I feel like a closer comparison or alternative would be adidas samba, puma basket white/gum (puma clyde maybe?), tretorn nylites plus leather, stan smith is around the same price minus the gum, also sperry striper ltt leather if u want a low profile genuine leather.

[@JohnSmith-wi4xo]

I view these sneakers as being on par with white/navy Stan Smiths. They’re classic and go with anything.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Agree

[@JohnSmith-wi4xo]

@@EffortlessGentTV Can you do a Stan Smith or Veja sneakers review?

[@mikeyesco8977]

I have these from jcrew I bought yrs ago and I like them ,no complaints

[@selena6112]

How bad is the smooth leather? Any better than that on the standard blazers?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

It's not "bad" per se, it's on par w/ other Nikes on the same level.

[@MONDIZY01]

Bruh the leather is so nice, also they run wide and so comfortable. I wore my size and my feet are wide and I have plenty of room they are definitely true to size with extra room

[@kevin8049]

Check out Vejas. Recently picked up a pair of campos and feel they are a solid alternative. Still little clunkier like a Stan smith but cool, quality shoes for not much more (150ish).

[@Auguststuu.]

imma be real i bought these 13 months ago and I ran in them broke them in skated them to death and they lasted over a year, honestly an amazing and comfortable shoe

[@be5952]

Re: *Leather Shoe Care* Curious if anybody uses *leather conditioner* on their leather shoes? I'm thinking of the same kind that car buffs use on their leather car seats to moisturize and _'nourish'_ the leather? I've never used any on shoes, just keeping them clean and eventually using *_Shoe White_* or similar product to cover scuffs and cracking.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

on real leather shoes, i've used conditioner. leather is skin, the conditioner helps to keep it moisturized. I wouldn't use it on Killshots though. Just cleaner plus shoe white to keep it white.

[@lucasbishop4764]

I have the burgundy check Killshot 2s. I think they're nice, but at msrp ($90), overpriced. The styling isn't that different from some Nike SBs models like the Checks, Charges, or Portmores. Higher heel tab, some suede hits, and the gum sole. But the SBs can be had for around $45 and these are twice that.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

I think it’s bc of how popular the model is. If it keeps selling out, why would Nike drop the price yknow

[@MR-wl3xb]

Anyone ever notice that the tongue looks blue? Could be b/c of the foam on the inside, maybe?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

foam plus maybe the material of the tongue

[@Skrillozillion]

I bought the ones with the green swoosh at the outlet.

[@bennettboatman6699]

Should I get the navy blue swoosh or the white swoosh?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

white! but blue is pretty classic. i prefer the whites.

[@mikeschultz1665]

Thank you for the review-- that was helpful. Did your Killshots ever break in at all? I have a 7 and a 7.5 that I am trying to decide between-- the 7.5 fits perfectly in the width, and is more comfortable, but it runs long, and the 7 is a perfect length, but it feels a little tight and I am worried about it not breaking in enough.

[@blakestratton7771]

Ya I bought 2 sizes because of that issue, and neither feel worth keeping, honestly. Super bummed because they are really stylish, but dang...I think I would actively dislike wearing them bc of fit.

[@mikeschultz1665]

@@blakestratton7771 Thanks for your reply-- yeah, neither seem like a great option. The small size feels tight on the top of my feet and with the size up my toes are swimming. Seems like it might be annoying long term. On reddit someone said the small size stretched after breaking them in and then fit perfectly, and another person wrote that they got the smaller size and they never broke in and never stretched. So it is a toss up.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

I typically wear a 9, but I get 9.5 in Nikes. And that's across all models I own (air max, metcons for workouts, my lunar duck boots, etc.). So if you typically wear a 7 and you're unsure between the two, I'd go with the 1/2 size larger.

[@mikeschultz1665]

@@EffortlessGentTV Thank you for the video and for the reply. That's really good to know-- I was leaning towards the 1/2 larger size, as I was worried about it feeling tight long term and not breaking in.

[@garrett2334]

@@mikeschultz1665 i ordered both sizes and just received them today. I'm stretching them out with a tennis ball. The larger size is getting all wrinkled in the toe box after just trying them on and like you said, toes are swimming.

[@greebuh]

Got some of these Killshot 2s for 40 bucks with the blue swoosh

[@kinggrantking]

One thing the Killshot 2 or Common Project alternatives lack, IMO, is the slim profile. I got a pair of white/white Greats Royale, and while the leather quality is very nice, they're absolutely massive. They're literally the same profile as a Stan Smith or Air Force 1. Definitely not as versatile or quasi-business-casual as the Nike's or Commons. Even outright clones like the New Republic Kurt are still 10%+ wider per size than the Commons. If someone other than Nike or Common is getting my money, they gotta slim down.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

A lot of people are saying this. I personally love the Greats and don’t find them bulky... anymore. When I first got them, they did feel a bit chunky. You get used to them I suppose. I find the Koios to be lower profile.

[@cyusef]

I have the New Balance version. Super comfy.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

have they held up over time?

[@cyusef]

Effortless Gent Worn them twice but trying to keep them nice for post-COVID. Lol.

[@salmanariffin4916]

The Nike Killshot is best compared to the Adidas Gamestalker or Converse Chuck Taylors.

[@alekyap1312]

I’ve had the killshot 2 for the last 6 years, then all of a sudden everybody bought it 😅

[@jsphzhao]

The fact that you think common projects uses good leather on their shoes tells me everything I need to know about your credibility

[@zutinic]

Great!

[@EffortlessGentTV]

thanks for watching!

[@E_MZ_]

Ugh! I’m a girl and I can’t find where any women styling this particular shoe. I really want a pair but I guess I’m having a hard time “femming” then up in my mind :(

[@EffortlessGentTV]

I'm not the best at women's style, but i feel this would look fly with dressier items (like high waisted trousers) and a sweatshirt, or a sweater. kinda like that high/low look. Tons of different options. They're easy to wear because the color palette is super neutral.

[@E_MZ_]

@@EffortlessGentTV So, I actually had a three way call with my mom and sister and they convinced me to go ahead and purchase them lol. I'm going to experiment with some looks. Thanks for replying!

[@EffortlessGentTV]

@@E_MZ_ You gots this 💪🏼

[@borokaboisen1049]

@@E_MZ_ just bought a pair and trying to figure out the same of "femming" them up! What would you sugest/what have you found? Im thinking whatever people wear AF1's, these could possibly sub?

[@michellestr8998]

Im female, but I like these better then anything like Adidas. I got them in sail and blue and they match everything. Common Projects is very expensive, and they dont lat long, and they dont have the same look. I dont know this Koyo brand.

[@rosen12]

I really like the shoe actually

[@swampy1234]

Shoe is clean AF.

[@wallyg77]

Bro... these are a no, they don't age well and crease stupidly, I will stick to my new republic Kurt gum sole thank you very much 😁

[@EffortlessGentTV]

boom. see i wasn't super impressed w/ them either, but curious if it was just me or not. The Kurt is another good rec! I don't have first hand experience w/ them but I like how they look

[@wallyg77]

@@EffortlessGentTV There you go... what I like about the Kurt is that it's a wider shoe similar to a stan smith but they hardly crease if at all on the toe box, I don't think they sell the gum sole ones anymore but I love kurts so I own three pairs for versatility

[@EffortlessGentTV]

@@wallyg77 nice, thanks for letting us know your experience w/ them!

[@wallyg77]

@@EffortlessGentTV 👌🏻

[@DK12_]

I don't think people that wear nike care that much about leather quality tbh.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Yeah, def not. Viewers of my channel / readers of effortlessgent.com do tho

[@VikramSinghNegi502]

I grabbed it for 40 dollara . So its a bang for me

[@Mrrlamb1]

Just picked up a pair on sale for $55 @ Nike....

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Nice! That’s a score then

[@AlexanderDemergis]

55?? the lowest i saw was 78

[@fabianhijar]

@@AlexanderDemergis they’re $55 as I type this

[@greebuh]

Instead of the Koio get the Puma Super Liga.

[@ekonkante]

You are truly mad if you think the killshots are not dope looking AND a great value proposition vs. say, the MM GATS which run, hello, 500 bucks. I mean, to say the killshots suck disqualifies you from sneaker credibility. Sheer madness....

[@sarangajitrajkumar6041]

What is the point of this video? If you spend more you get better quality?

[@EffortlessGentTV]

The point is to give my opinion on a very popular shoe that always gets great reviews. And to me, for the money, it's just OK.

[@jincs151]

come on bra!

[@firemarshal2629]

Comparing a 90 dollar shoe to a 400+ CP? Come on now

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Sounds like you didn't watch the whole video, tsk tsk

[@Hi-pt2nq]

You are complaining about leather then you just go ahead and suggest an alternative for 248 dollars (Koio) and an ugly shoe for that matter,it doesn't make since,this Nike is classic

[@EffortlessGentTV]

These Nikes *are* classics, you're right. In the end I did say that the shoes are great if your budget is under $100 (you can find these for like $70) and you want a classic Nike shoe. But if you want something a bit better, and you have a bigger budget, I presented some alternatives.

[@HKVDay]

Sorry but all the alternatives look terrible compared to the killshots. In terms of design, none of them are on par. I do agree that I wish the leather was better quality though.

[@soniap5430]

piano music

[@buffetaden2175]

jeremy jahns

[@R-EVLMNKY]

About nike killshot then proceed to promote different brands. Thought it was a proper review, sucks?….comparing a less 100bucks shoe to expensive ones…this review sucks definitely 😜

[@pollyperkins674]

jeff wittek

[@ajyoyoyoyo]

At most $60

[@Weast4Peace]

SUCKS!..."but if your budget is under $100, i think they are a really good choice"

[@EffortlessGentTV]

basically 🤷or if you just want minimal nikes, also a good choice, since most are really sporty (also love the Tailwind, Internationalist (if they're still making them), and Blazer

[@dansko141]

I dunno, I really love this shoe. I bought these for skating and I only love one more shoes other than these. Fricking Adidas, their skating shoes are top par

[@EffortlessGentTV]

It's not a bad shoe, especially for the price you can get them for nowadays

[@thefallengallery6459]

dude what's up with the title

[@EffortlessGentTV]

trigger warning

[@thefallengallery6459]

@@EffortlessGentTV what you mean?

[@nataly20311]

I was worried about my shoes, until one day I met a man with no feet.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

sucks for that guy

[@boxyyt7259]

i thought this was gonna be about skating😐

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Why?

[@fragileguyguy7226]

The name. C’mon man. Nike SB made a “skate video” with the members of the “Hockey skate team”, hence the name of the shoe. Crap, the name of the shoe is a double entendre.

[@francescodissette3146]

veri figa

[@thomasdonahue8175]

Most Nike products suck, they are all very overpriced, poor-quality & poor value, they use human sweatshops in Asia to maximize their profits and their customer service is horrendous, that's the best I could say about them, I'll never purchase another Nike product of any type at any time for the remainder of my life !