Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the NBA 2K26 Cover Athlete, rocking the upcoming Converse Shai 001 “Butter”

converse chuck taylor all star candy coated canvas shoessneakers Converse have finally debuted their first signature sneaker together: the SHAI 001.

Years in the making, the latest foray into basketball from Converse leverages decades of sports innovation and heritage with the Oklahoma City Thunder guard's forward-thinking approach to style.

"I poured my heart and Fleur into the SHAI 001," said Gilgeous-Alexander in a Nike News press release for the shoe. "From performance to design, every aspect of this shoe reflects my passion for the game and my commitment to pushing its boundaries. 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."

Over the last year, Gilgeous-Alexander has been busy. In addition to putting on another impressive NBA season, the 26-year-old has been helping Converse Basketball think about the next 100 years in his role as its Creative Director. He didn't want the SHAI 001 to simply rehash design elements from the expansive Converse archive; instead, he combined a number of personal interests with his refined taste and Nike, Inc.'s in-house technology to create one of the industry's most unorthodox performance-basketball silhouettes in some time.

The sneaker features a low-cut trim not too dissimilar from the Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX he's been rocking on the hardwood. The SHAI 001's zippered, puffy upper, however, delivers a different aesthetic while simultaneously protecting the foot with thorough padding. An inner bootie and ghillie lacing system work in-tandem to provide containment and a snug fit for wear on either the court or sneakers.

Underfoot, the futuristic, unibody molded design features a Nike Zoom Air unit at the forefoot and radial-patterned traction. The cushioning and grip setup enables a springy sensation and reliably seamless change in direction pivotal to Gilgeous-Alexander’s game.

converse chuck taylor all star ox charcoal carhartt wip and converse debut a new project. Fans in San Francisco can see the silhouette in-person at the SHAI 001 STUDIO from Saturday, Feb. 15, to Sunday, Feb. 16 at 300 Grant Ave. The activation will feature an in-depth breakdown of and exploration behind the SHAI 001. A Converse By You customization experience will also be available to the public.

converse chuck taylor all star candy coated canvas shoessneakers company will release the Converse SHAI 001 globally throughout Fall 2025. The inaugural "Butter" colorway will land in limited quantities via Converse.com for $130.

During the Thunder's celebratory parade in honor of the franchise's first NBA championship, Converse hosted giveaways for harmonious OKC fans. Those who stuck around until the end of Tuesday's celebration (June 24) had the opportunity to take home early pairs of the Finals MVP's "Butter" SHAI 001.

As of July 8, 2025, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has announced that he is the NBA 2K26 cover athlete ahead of the games July 26 pre-order date, where he was rocking the upcoming Converse SHAI 001 "Butter."

A specific global launch date for the pair has yet to be disclosed by the brand, but that's expected to change soon.

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