Converse and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the frontrunner to win MVP this season — unveiled Thursday evening the SHAI 001, the Kentucky product’s first signature shoe. Gilgeous-Alexander will debut the sneakers throughout NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.
SHAI 001 Shoe Options A Locking Zipper, Nike Zoom Expertise, And A Puffed Higher
The SHAI 001 comes within the “Butter” colorway. The shoe encompasses a locking zipper, Nike Zoom expertise, a puffed higher, and a radial traction sample on the outsole. Gilgeous-Alexander strived for versatility through the design course of. He meant to create a shoe that could possibly be trendy and sturdy past the court docket.
“I poured my coronary heart and soul into the SHAI 001, and I’m proud to share it with the world,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated in a launch. “From efficiency to design, each side of this shoe displays my ardour for the sport and my dedication to pushing the boundaries.
“We made the SHAI 001 a flexible shoe for everybody – from the athlete who’s within the gymnasium thrice a day to the youngsters who simply wish to categorical themselves on or off the court docket,” he added.
Gilgeous-Alexander signed his endorsement take care of Converse in July 2020. The 2-time All-Star had agreed to a deal figuring out that he’d have artistic freedom to design his personal kicks. That was confirmed final April, when he was named Artistic Director of Converse Basketball.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Been Sketching His Entire Life
Since assuming that position in 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander has been meticulously crafting each minor element of his signature brand and shoe design course of, showcasing his creative imaginative and prescient and inventive sensibility.
“I’ve been sketching my complete life,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “That was one in every of my hobbies as a child. So, l’ve been acquainted with sketching. After which I [practiced] a variation [of the sketches] all through the years. As soon as I knew I used to be going to have the ability to have that imprint on a basketball shoe, I did some analysis…[on] form and type.
“After which I put it collectively in a sketch and saved engaged on it till I obtained to a product that l preferred, and thought was presentable to point out to the group. The method was enjoyable. To me, it was only a pastime. Form of took me to again within the day.”
NBA followers will get their first have a look at the SHAI 001 in San Francisco this weekend at Converse’s “SHAI 001 STUDIO” from Feb. 15-16, situated at 300 Grant Ave.
Pricing and a launch date have but to be introduced. Nonetheless, the sneakers will probably be obtainable in a restricted world launch at choose retailers in fall of 2025.
