MARCH 2, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has never been one of the loudest voices in the room, but his presence is undeniable. On the court, his game is the definition of fluidity—smooth, efficient, and incredibly impactful, averaging a league best 32.3 PPG on 52.4FG%. Off the court, he carries himself with the same cool confidence, earning a reputation as one of the NBA’s most stylish athletes, and voted in the All-LeagueFits 2024 first team.
Now, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar is bringing his unique creative approach to his first signature sneaker, the Converse SHAI 001.
The SHAI 001: Designed for more than just the court
At first glance, the SHAI 001 has a sleek and modern design that speaks to both performance and personal style. The “Butter” colorway—an all-yellow, monochromatic statement—is the perfect introduction to what Shai is about: defying the norm.
The sneaker’s standout features include a locking zipper that adds a practical yet unconventional touch to traditional basketball sneakers, and a Nike Zoom Air unit in the forefoot to ensure that the shoe delivers high-level performance where it matters most. The outsole features a radial traction pattern, enhancing grip for sharp movements—whether on hardwood or city pavement.
Every detail of the SHAI 001 was meticulously crafted to deliver elite performance on the court while ensuring a seamless fit for everyday wear. As the Creative Director of Converse Basketball, Shai played a hands-on role in the design, providing the Converse design team with a series of hand-drawn sketches that helped lay the foundation for the final look.
“I’ve been sketching my whole life,” SGA told Andscape in a recent interview. “Once I knew I was going to be able to have that imprint on a basketball shoe, I did some research on shape and form. And then I put it together in a sketch and kept working on it until I got to a product that I liked, and thought was presentable to show to the group.“
SGA also mentioned to Boardroom: “I hope my signature sneaker can inspire everybody to explore the beauty in being different. To not fall victim to redundancy. To always push the boundaries of what the ‘norm’ is. I miss the era of when signature basketball sneakers were performative enough to be played in at the highest level, but fashionable enough to be worn with your most stylish outfit. I want to restore that feeling.“
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the first player in over a decade to have a Converse signature sneaker, following in the footsteps of legends like Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, Larry Johnson, Dennis Rodman, and Dwyane Wade. The SHAI 001 made its first on-court appearance during the 2025 All-Star Game and is set for a limited global release at select retailers in Fall 2025.
“I poured my heart and soul into the SHAI 001, and I’m proud to share it with the world. From performance to design, every aspect of this shoe reflects my passion for the game and my commitment to pushing its boundaries. We made the SHAI 001 a versatile shoe for everyone — from the athlete who’s in the gym three times a day to the kids who just want to express themselves on or off the court.”
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
This is a sneaker for those who move differently. Just like the man behind it.
Photo courtesy of Converse
