It’s hard to imagine a more perfect rollout for a debut signature shoe. After a historic season that saw him win the NBA MVP award, an NBA Championship, and the Finals MVP trophy, superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially announced the release date for his first signature sneaker with Converse, the SHAI 001. The lead “Butter” colorway is now set to drop on September 4 via Converse, capping off a truly legendary year for the athlete.
The journey for the SHAI 001 has been a masterclass in building anticipation. The shoe was first unveiled during NBA All-Star Weekend, where SGA wore it both on and off the court. He continued to build excitement throughout the season, and most notably, during his dominant playoff run where he revealed a new, distinct monochromatic colorway for each series, bringing the total number of revealed pairs to five. This strategy perfectly intertwined the shoe’s story with his on-court triumphs, making it one of the most anticipated basketball sneaker debuts in recent memory.
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SGA’s involvement in the shoe’s creation goes far beyond that of a typical signature athlete. In his fifth year with Converse, he was appointed the creative director of Converse Basketball, and he played a key role in designing both his personal logo and the shoe itself. He even provided hand-drawn sketches to the design team that ultimately inspired the final, unique silhouette. The shoe was designed to be as versatile as his game, blending comfort, containment, and style for an exceptional experience on and off the court.
The SHAI 001’s design reflects this philosophy. The upper features puffed detailing on its winged shroud and collar, giving the shoe a distinct, modern shape. The most notable feature is a zipper system with a locking mechanism that covers an inner bootie and Ghillie lacing system, allowing it to be worn fully zipped, half-zipped, or flipped down. For on-court performance, the sole unit leverages Nike technology with a Zoom Air bag in the forefoot for responsive cushioning, while the outsole’s radial traction pattern is designed to support SGA’s swift cuts and explosive acceleration.
The Converse SHAI 001 in its lead “Butter” colorway will be available on September 4 via Converse and select retailers, priced at $130 USD.
