Think Pink: SGA’s SHAI 001 Goes Full Bubblegum

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t here to blend in. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar just lobbed another heater with Converse, drenching his debut signature sneaker – the SHAI 001 – in unapologetic bubblegum pink. Forget subtle: this thing is louder than his pre-game tunnel fits.

The SHAI 001 has been generating big heat ever since its ‘Butter’ debut earlier this year, selling out before most punters even found the checkout button. Now it’s back in a one-note symphony of pink that runs from the neoprene shroud to the sole unit, broken only by that slick metallic zipper slicing down the centre. Add exposed TPU support panels and Zoom-loaded cushioning underfoot, and you’ve got a shoe that’s one of best debut signature sneakers in recent times.

SGA’s fingerprints are all over this project. As Converse Basketball’s Creative Director, he sketched, tweaked, and signed off on every detail. It’s a performance model by name, but the message is clear: these aren’t just for hooping.

Zooming out for a second, the signature sneaker landscape has gone absolutely ballistic in recent times. Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and the newly-minted AE 2 have turned the performance category on its head. James Harden is still cooking in his Vol. 9s, and Nike’s flagship hoopers – LeBron and KD – continue to push the limits of tech and storytelling with every drop. It feels like we’ve stumbled into another golden era for basketball signatures – and here at SF HQ, we couldn’t be happier to be along for the ride.

No current word on release details for SGA’s Pink Panther-esque SHAI 001, but make sure to keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for updates.

Until then, peep our coverage of Tracy McGrady making his adidas comeback – history really does repeat.