Nike Is Bringing Soccer Fashion To The Cortez And Killshot 2

Soccer has always had great influence over sneaker culture, and given the resurgent popularity of soccer shoes for lifestyle wear like the adidas Samba, Nike has been giving some of its most popular models likeminded soccer-inspired makeovers. First came the Air Max Plus Tiempo, a fusion of the Sean McDowell icon and Nike Tiempo boots, and now the Beaverton brand is bringing a similar spirit to two more well-established cuts; the Cortez and Killshot 2.

Spotted here in images posted by atmos, both shoes maintain their respective silhouette but get drastic aesthetic overhauls. Shared features include tongue flaps with Swoosh logos (again inspired by Tiempo boots) and text reading “72” on the heel, although the significance behind that number isn’t clear. The Cortez debuted in 1972, but the Killshot 2 hit shelves several years later. In all likelihood, the number probably alludes to Nike’s foray into the soccer cleat niche in the early 1970s (their first firm-ground soccer cleat released in 1971).

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Diving further into the Killshot 2, Nike brings a glossy black leather base and white contrast stitching. The shoe also features dark gum soles and white sock lining and laces, but all-in, it’s not far off from the Travis Scott-esque Killshot 2 “Phantom” that’s been re-stocking throughout the summer. The Cortez, meanwhile, does more to align with the essence of soccer boots. Taken in metallic silver, the sidewalls feature added stitching for a more athletic look and feel.

Nike hasn’t floated release dates for the soccer-inspired Cortez and Killshot 2 yet, but the arrival of retailer images suggests these will hit shelves before the end of 2024. In any case, know that this page as well as our Sneaker Release Dates hub will display all the latest available information.

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