Vintage Ad: Reebok Kamikaze II 'Black/White'

words & image // Zack Schlemmer

After the first ever re-release of the Reebok Kamikaze II earlier this month in the original "Sonics" colorway, Reebok Classics is bringing Shawn Kemp's second signature shoe back in two more original colorways tomorrow, February 1st.  To the delight of many who have been waiting patiently for this classic Reebok basketball model to return, both of the original 'Red/Black' and 'Black/White' colorways are on their way back to retail for the first time since their original release in 1995. 

As a huge fan of both Shawn Kemp and the Kamikaze II, I am delighted to be posting this original ad for the 'Black/White' version today, knowing that I'll finally have a chance to own my own pair tomorrow.  This colorway originally released as a Foot Locker exclusive - note the Foot Locker logo on the bottom left of the page - and The Reignman actually never wore them in-game, always opting for his Sonics colorway.  Though that Sonics colorway will always be the most iconic Kamikaze II, this black and white version is somehow more bold with its two-toned high contrast color blocking, yet more simple at the same time.  Worth noting on this original Kamikaze II: the use of a light tonal pattern on the black Nubuck, which you won't see on the retro version.

Take a look at this original ad from Reebok's glory days for the Kamikaze II, which is so bold that it can, in fact, do the talking for you.