Inside Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s Signature Sneaker Debut From Converse — Which He Drew Up Himself
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s first signature sneaker began with a sketch not from a designer, but himself.
The 26-year-old leading the NBA in scoring this season played a more involved role than in designing the Converse Shai 001 than is usual for a signature athlete, and that isn’t just hallow marketing. Gilgeous-Alexander really drew the Shai 001 himself, which may only come as a surprise to those who weren’t aware that drawing has been his hobby since he was a child growing up in Toronto.
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After all, he did draw his own logo as well. And he is the creative director for Converse Basketball. And he was named GQ‘s Most Stylish Man of the Year in 2022, as well as being named the most stylish athlete for two consecutive years.
Many technical specs are still yet to be announced, but the Shai 001 benefits from the synergy of the Nike umbrella by utilizing Zoom Air bag at the forefoot. It’s signature design element is its puffy, zippered shroud, which is allowed to stand out in its debut monochromatic “Butter” colorway. Ghillie laces are contained underneath the zipper, which is intended to have the option of being left open for lifestyle wear. The zipper can also be locked in place to allowed the shroud to stay unfolded as you please.
A radial traction patten is designed for the cuts that define Gilgeous-Alexander’s game. And while wear is always going to be different on concrete courts than hardwood, the shoe underwent rigorous testing to ensure it could stand up to both indoor and outdoor hoops.
“For me, it was acknowledging the past and the history and all the groundwork that Converse has been to basketball, but completely turning it, twisting it, shaping it into my expression, my art form, and my feeling of what a basketball shoe could look like,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in a Zoom call with journalists ahead of the official announcement. “And that’s what it was all about for me. The platform and the situation I’ve been put in is because of many, many years of hard work. Without those people, I wouldn’t be here today. And because of that, I’m able to kind of show the world what I think and what I feel in a basketball shoe.”
In addition to being a milestone for Gilgeous-Alexander in rise to the top of the NBA’s highest echelon, the Shai 001 is also the biggest moment yet in Converse’s return to basketball. A seven-year period of dormancy left the brand that created the sport’s first dedicated shoe out of the arena entirely, and since Converse got back in the game in 2019 it still hadn’t had a signature athlete until now. The last Converse basketball to get his own shoe was Dwyane Wade, whose line ended in 2007 in after three sneakers prior to him joining Jordan Brand (and later Li Ning).
“I’ve been working with top athletes for 20 years in this field, and I’ve never met an athlete that can sketch like Shai,” Steven Keating, global senior creative director of Converse Footwear, said in the video call. When we first met, I introduced myself and told him that my entire role here is to bring your vision to life. I had no idea what that meant at the moment. I didn’t know what kind of design skills he had. He completely surprised me — also, a very talented artist in general. But then also brought his unique style to the table as well. The collaboration was amazing. Working with an athlete that can sketch and has a vision was truly unique in my experience.”
The Converse Shai 001 won’t go on sale until the fall, but fans will have the opportunity to see it for the first time during NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, February 15 through 16, at Converse’s “Shai 001 Studio” activation at 300 Grant Ave., San Francisco, CA 94108.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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