The new MVP.
After teasing the collaboration back in February, Converse has officially unveiled the SHAI 001, the first signature trainer created with Canadian basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
At just 27, Gilgeous-Alexander has already been named this year’s MVPl and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their best record yet in the NBA. Now, he adds another title to his name: redefining basketball footwear as both athlete and creative director of Converse Basketball.
A bold fusion of elite performance and expressive design, the SHAI 001 isn’t simply built for the game — it’s built from it. Underfoot, Zoom Air cushioning, radial traction and an over-lasted midsole provide razor-sharp responsiveness and grounded court feel. Off the court, the silhouette embraces statement style: a puffed upper and sculpted winged shroud bring futuristic dimension, while a customisable zip allows multiple looks — zipped, unzipped or flipped down.
Speaking on the release, Shai said: “I tried to wear it with as many outfits as possible… different styles. I don’t know if I’m a little bit biased, but I think the shoe looks amazing with all. My favourite part of the shoe is probably the zip and the puff, the wing. It was two things – to add dimension to the shoe, and then to also give the shoe a little bit of a bulkier feel when worn off the court. I wanted to make sure that these parts of the shoe were identifiable no matter where you are in the arena. No matter how far away you are, you can see that wing means SHAI 001.”
The SHAI 001 “BUTTER” is available now at converse.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Converse.
