John Kim For decades, the Nike Mag from Back To The Future II was considered the greatest ever in mythological sneakers. But with the release of both the non-lacing and power-lacing versions, that heavy crown is now worn by the ASSASSIN, the all-purpose training shoe first spotted on the feet of Ned Flanders in The Simpsons season 2 episode.
The original pair was noted for its highly innovative pump bladder on the tongue — an obvious rip from Reebok’s Pump technology — with a personalized nameplate at the heel. The slip-on silhouette is attributed to Nike’s Air Trainer SC worn by Bo Jackson, while the thick velcro straps add their own timely touch.
Independent brand RETRO Clothing is offering up a variation of the ASSASSIN with some minor modifications from the original. Instead of the nameplate, Homer’s name is embroidered on the heel in the classic Simpsons font, an upside-down Swoosh sits at the ankle (the original featured a very obvious Nike Swoosh logo), and the tongue features RETRO in a varsity style typeface.
At the time of the episode airing, the retail price for the ASSASSIN was $125, which is around $205 today with inflation. The asking price for this current version is $180, so you’ll get a shot at these for less! You can pre-order a pair now from Retro Clothing until April 25th.
