Thursday marked a landmark moment for both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Converse. For the first time, his signature shoe, the SHAI 001, became available to the public. The debut colorway, ‘Butter,’ sold out within minutes, proving just how high the demand has been since the NBA All-Star Weekend earlier this year when Gilgeous-Alexander first unveiled the design.
Priced at $130, the sneakers dropped online through Nike SNKRS, Converse US, and at select Undefeated and Kith locations. The initial launch was extremely limited, creating fierce competition among fans. While Gilgeous-Alexander has been seen sporting other unreleased variations, the ‘Butter’ design holds special value as the original and most recognizable. It represents the beginning of what promises to be a long line of Converse collaborations with the All-Star guard.
The day began in Toronto, where Gilgeous-Alexander made an appearance at Kith. Hundreds of fans braved the rain outside the store for a chance to secure a pair or even meet him in person. The pop-up featured games, exclusive giveaways, and other activities that celebrated the launch of the SHAI 001.
Later that evening, Gilgeous-Alexander joined Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. Along with dressing Fallon in one of his signature tunnel outfits, he revealed an exciting update: three additional colorways will release globally on October 2. These editions, known collectively as the SHAI 001 FAMILY collection, will be available at Converse.com and through select retailers.
Each new design carries personal meaning for Gilgeous-Alexander.
CHARM BLACK honors his mother, Charmaine, and her favorite color. It represents her elegance and the composed but ruthless way he approaches the game.
HAIL CLAY is inspired by his wife, Hailey, drawing on her eye color and the quiet strength she brings to his life. Its understated tones reflect the steady presence that fuels his performance on and off the court.
MASI BLUE represents his brother Thomasi and their hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. This colorway channels the calm and resilience they share, echoing cold Canadian winters and the deep bond of family.
Adding to the buzz, Gilgeous-Alexander also posted on Instagram to tease a never-before-seen pink edition of the SHAI 001. Other pairs tied to personal milestones, such as one designed for his son and another championship-inspired version, remain unreleased for now, leaving fans with plenty to look forward to.
From the Toronto pop-up to his late-night television appearance, September 4 was more than just a shoe drop. It marked the official arrival of the SHAI 001 as a centerpiece in sneaker culture, setting the stage for Gilgeous-Alexander’s growing influence in both basketball and fashion.
