From the league’s inception, Converse shoes have been a part of some of the NBA’s most iconic moments.
In the 1980s, the brand’s athletes were larger than life, with Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson wearing their shoes. And after a brief resurgence with Dwyane Wade in the mid-2000s, Converse Basketball faded into relative obscurity. That is, until Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was tabbed as the face of the brand’s basketball offerings.
The Thunder’s superstar has become a cultural icon with his fashion sense, both on and off the court. As such, he has been given a signature shoe, the Converse SHAI 001.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Aligned with Gilgeous-Alexander’s fashion sense, the rollout for the SHAI 001 has been calculated. He debuted the sneaker at All-Star Weekend and has worn the shoes in almost every public appearance since, both on the court in uniform and off the court with casual outfits.
Here’s everything to know about Gilgeous-Alexander’s relationship with Converse, including his unique role and how he’s using his first-ever shoe to honor his family.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoe deal, explained
Before the NBA Restart in 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a multi-year footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Converse. In 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander was named Creative Director of Converse Basketball.
The new title solidified Gilgeous-Alexander’s role as the face of the brand while his signature sneaker was already in the works.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoeÂ
Ahead of Gilgeous-Alexander’s third consecutive All-Star start in 2025, Converse unveiled the SHAI 001, Gilgeous-Alexander’s first signature shoe, in a “Butter” colorway.
Introducing the SHAI 001, @shaiglalex’s first signature shoe. Coming this fall. pic.twitter.com/7KoKZjCMho
— Converse (@Converse) February 14, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander wore the sneakers with an outfit to the All-Star Game to showcase the sneaker’s versatility. He then played in them, marking their official on-court debut.
From there, SGA wore the “Butter” colorway to most Thunder games during the regular season and exclusively played in them during the regular season’s stretch run.
MORE SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoe colorways
After unveiling the “Butter” colorway, Gilgeous-Alexander teased upcoming colorways of his sneaker during a cameo in the music video for Drake’s “NOKIA” single.
In the second half of the video, Gilgeous-Alexander appeared on screen with his signature sneakers draped over his shoulders, but the video’s black-and-white aesthetic left room for imagination.
As the playoffs got underway, it was revealed that each colorway honors one of Gilgeous-Alexander’s family members.
In the first round, Gilgeous-Alexander honored his son, Ares, with the SHAI 001 “ARES GRAY.” Keeping with tradition, he wore the gray sneaker to and from games and in every game against the Grizzlies.
Gilgeous-Alexander used the second round to honor his mom, Charmaine, with the SHAI 001 “CHARM BLACK,” an all-black version of the sneaker he wore throughout the conference semifinals against Denver.
With Oklahoma City four wins away from the Finals, SGA and Converse unveiled the SHAI 001 “HAIL CLAY,” a colorway inspired by the eyes of Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife, Hailey Summers.
In the lead-up to the NBA Finals, the SHAI 001 “MASI BLUE” colorway that honors Gilgeous-Alexander’s younger brother, Thomasi, was unveiled. The sneaker is “Dedicated to the one that remains stoic and as cool” and will likely see an on-court debut on basketball’s biggest stage.
Converse SHAI 001 release date
There is no set release date for the SHAI 001, but the “Butter” colorway is slated for a Fall 2025 release.
The SHAI 001 will retail for $130, per Converse’s website.
