Converse and Oklahoma City Thunder Star Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-De Koploper who this season won MVP-availed the Shai 001 on Thursday evening, the first characteristic shoe of the Kentucky product. Gilgeous-Alexander makes the sneakers debuts during the NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco.
Shai 001 -Shoe has a locking room, Nike Zoom technology and a bloated upper
The Shai 001 is supplied in the “butter” colorway. The shoe has a locked zipper, Nike Zoom technology, a puffed upper and a radial traction pattern on the outsole. Gilgeous-Alexander strived for versatility during the design process. He was planning to make a shoe that could be stylish and durable outside the field.
“I poured my heart and soul in the Shai 001, and I am proud to share it with the world,” said Gilgous-Alexander in a release. “From performance to design, every aspect of this shoe reflects my passion for the game and my dedication to push the boundaries.
“We made a versatile shoe for everyone from the Shai 001 – from the athlete who is in the gym three times a day to the children who just want to express themselves on or outside the field,” he added.
Gilgous-Alexander signed his approval agreement with Converse in July 2020. The dual all-star had agreed to a deal knowing that he would have creative freedom to design his own stairs. That was confirmed in April when he was appointed creative director of Converse Basketball.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has sketched all his life
Since he took on that role in 2024, Gilgous-Alexander has carefully made every small detail of his characteristic logo and shoe design process carefully, with his artistic vision and creative sensitivity.
“I have sketched all my life,” said Gilgous-Alexander. “That was one of my hobbies as a child. So, I am familiar with sketches. And then me [practiced] A variety [of the sketches] Over the years. When I knew that I could have that print on a basketball shoe, I did some research …[on] Form and shape.
“And then I put it in a sketch and I kept working on it until I came to a product that L liked, and thought it was presentable to show the group. The process was fun. For me it was just a hobby. Prepare me back in the day. ‘
This weekend, NBA fans will get their first view of the Shai 001 in San Francisco in Converse’s “Shai 001 Studio” from 15-16 February, located on 300 Grant Ave.
Prices and a release date have yet to be announced. However, the sneakers will be available in a limited global release for selected retailers in the fall of 2025.
