Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game is a symphony of contrasts — powerful and precise, elegant and robust at the same time. Just like its namesake, the new SHAI 001 signature sneaker combines comfort, stability, durability and style in a performance silhouette that impresses both on and off the court.

Since taking over the creative direction of Converse Basketball in 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander has been significantly involved in every detail of his signature logo and sneaker. With his artistic vision and creative instinct, he was involved in the design process right from the start — starting with hand-drawn sketches, which finally formed the basis for the final design of the SHAI 001.

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“We gave Shai creative control over the design of the shoe in a way only Converse can. Then we went to work leveraging the resources of Converse and all the innovation of NIKE, Inc. to proudly deliver the SHAI 001,” says Jared Carver, CEO and President of Converse. “Converse invented the first basketball shoe, and we have been there for so many of the sport’s beloved moments over the last hundred years. We are confident the SHAI 001 will help inspire and inform the next wave of basketball footwear and return Converse to its rightful place at the heart of the game.”

The SHAI 001 is designed to deliver top performance on and off the court — with the full innovative power of Converse and NIKE. The silhouette reflects Gilgeous-Alexander's design approach, in which he merges different worlds together to create a unique signature sneaker. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a shoe that is as versatile as its namesake — from the materials and colors to the integrated zipper that allows for various styling options.

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“I poured my heart and soul into the SHAI 001, and I’m proud to share it with the world,” says Gilgeous-Alexander. “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.”

This expression is reflected in Gilgeous-Alexander's personal design elements — starting with his signature logo, which symbolizes his duality as an athlete and creative mind and pays homage to his jersey number. Another distinctive feature is the silhouette zipper, which not only makes an eye-catching statement, but also allows multiple carrying options. In combination with an inner bootie, strap elements and a ghillie lacing system, it ensures optimal support and adaptability.

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The padded outer material features a winged shroud (an overlapping shaft that gives volume and structure), while additional padding in the tongue ensures a comfortable fit. A continuous, shaped design gives the shoe a futuristic look, while a Nike Zoom Air element in the forefoot area provides an energetic start and optimal court feel. The radially arranged traction sole allows rapid changes of direction and explosive movements on the court.

The SHAI 001 will premiere at the NBA All-Star Weekend in the butter colorway and will be available in a limited edition at selected retailers from Fall 2025.

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Photos via Nike/Converse