Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unveils his first signature shoe with Converse, marking a milestone in his five-year partnership with the brand. The SHAI 001 will make its debut during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.
The shoe's development reflects Gilgeous-Alexander's direct involvement, from initial concept sketches to final design approval. His influence extends beyond athlete input - in December 2023, Converse appointed him creative director of their basketball division and introduced his personal logo.
The SHAI 001 features a distinctive design with a puffed upper construction and winged shroud details. Technical specifications include a forefoot Zoom Air unit, radial traction pattern, and an adaptable zipper system that can be worn in multiple positions. The debut colorway, dubbed "Butter" presents the shoe in a uniform yellow finish.
The shoe's construction emphasizes functionality for quick directional changes and acceleration - elements central to Gilgeous-Alexander's playing style. Converse utilized both their own and Nike's engineering resources in developing the performance aspects of the model.
Additional features include enhanced padding on the SGA-branded tongue and an internal bootie with a Ghillie lacing system for secure fit. While the full retail release is scheduled for fall 2024, basketball fans can preview the SHAI 001 at a dedicated pop-up studio in San Francisco during All-Star Weekend.
This release represents Converse's continued investment in basketball, building on their Weapon campaign which featured Gilgeous-Alexander as the primary ambassador. The company plans to introduce more colorways throughout the upcoming NBA season.