Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having a season that will be remembered forever. The former Kentucky Wildcat and Oklahoma City Thunder superstar is not only charging towards his first NBA MVP award, but he’s also making waves off the court. What is the latest accomplishment he has achieved? The launch of his debut signature sneaker, the SHAI 001, is as unique and boundary-pushing as the man himself.

The Converse Connection

Despite signing a deal with Converse in 2020, SGA’s relationship with the brand has expanded beyond the typical athlete endorsement. Converse elevated him to Creative Director in April 2024, giving him direct input on product innovation and design. The SHAI 001 sneaker seamlessly blends avant-garde fashion with high-performance basketball features. This isn’t a generic signature shoe with a logo slapped on. Let’s be clear. The extension of Shai’s unique style has already earned him a seat in the front row of Paris Fashion Week.

A Design Like No Other

Traditional basketball sneakers are challenged by the SHAI 001. Featuring a zipper enclosure, a padded upper, and minimal branding, it leans towards a sleek, modern aesthetic rather than flashy, over-the-top designs. The shoe contains:

• SGA’s personal logo on the tongue
• Stitchless molding for a seamless look
• Radial traction pattern on the sole for maximum grip

Butter, the debut colorway, maintains a clean and monochromatic appearance but expects to see more vibrant iterations. Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just approve sketches, and he created them. Converse’s Design Director Steven Keating says:

“I’ve been working with top athletes for 20 years in this field, and I’ve never met an athlete that can sketch like Shai.”

In other words, this sneaker is not merely a marketing stunt. The passion project was born from Gilgeous-Alexander’s own creative vision.

SGA’s Vision for Converse

“I wanted to create something new,” SGA explained when unveiling his debut model. “I wanted to bring Converse into my world and see it through my lens.”

Converse is in good hands because this is the same lens that made him a fashion icon.

Release Date and Availability

The SHAI 001 is set to be released in Fall 2025, with more details coming soon. This release is worth watching if you are an SGA fan, a sneakerhead, or just someone who appreciates game-changing design. If you’re more interested in Devin Booker’s first books, that’s alright, too. If you’re looking for something truly unique, SGA’s first signature sneaker is about to make a big impact.