Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Converse SHAI 001 Shoe Gets Official Release Date

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 21: A detail view of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s shoes during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on February 21, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

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It’s been a colossal year for Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Since last summer, he’s won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, won an NBA Championship, and even debuted his first-ever signature shoe with Converse.

That signature sneaker — the SHAI 001 — was unveiled in February, marking a major milestone in his ascent to becoming a global superstar. While he’s worn various colorways on the court since that time, fans have been waiting to get their hands on a pair of their own to wear.

The wait is officially over, as the Converse SHAI 001 “BUTTER” will be available in a limited global release on Sep. 4, 2025, via select retail partners, at Converse.com, and on the Nike SNKRS App. Retail partners across North America include KITH locations in Toronto, New York City, and Los Angeles, as well as UNDEFEATED in Los Angeles. From there, it is expected that additional colorways will be released in the future.

The “BUTTER” colorway, which will be the exclusive initial release in September, was the original style that Gilgeous-Alexander wore for the first time at NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. The Thunder star and Converse stole the show that weekend, making their presence felt all over the city with signage and an epic pop-up that gave fans a first look at the SHAI 001 in person.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a fashion icon and is widely regarded as the best-dressed player in the entire NBA. The global superstar wanted to bring versatility to his first signature shoe, which is why it’s designed to be worn on or off the court. The zipper on the SHAI 001 is a bold statement of customization and adaptability. With a locking mechanism that allows for multiple wear options, the zipper can be worn half-zipped, all the way zipped, or flipped down.

“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,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained when his signature shoe was first revealed.

As the Creative Director of Converse Basketball, Gilgeous-Alexander was intimately involved with the design of the SHAI 001. He was at the forefront of every facet of his signature logo and shoe design process, imbuing the project with his artistic vision and creative sensibility. From the outset, he shared several hand-drawn sketches with the Converse product and design teams that ultimately inspired the final design of the SHAI 001.

“To be completely honest with you, I am not [designing differently] in the slightest,” said Gilgeous-Alexander at NBA All-Star Weekend. “Honestly, the team has been so great. And they’ve been amazing with it. Because of the team, I’ve been able to do crazy things and the impossible with a basketball shoe. That’s all hats off to them. I haven’t conformed in any way, shape or form. The team’s been great in in making it work.”

The shoe and the colorways that have been worn by Gilgeous-Alexander each embody his love for family. To date, the colorways that have been worn are independently inspired by his mother, wife, brother and son. So not only has he been involved directly in the design, but also the meaning behind each unique colorway.

As Converse basketball makes its way back to the forefront of premier basketball footwear, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the charge with the SHAI 001, set to release publicly on Sep. 4, 2025.