The Oklahoma City Thunder’s superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lit up late-night television on September 4th while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Jeffrey Fletcher told the thrilling tale behind the Converse SHAI 001 colorways. This sneaker lineup is more than just a flex. Whether celebrating Gilgeous-Alexander’s mother, father or grandmother, each colorway pays tribute to an important figure in Gilgeous-Alexander’s life, further proving his love for his family runs deep.
The Converse SHAI 001 features three distinct colorways: “HAIL CLAY,” “MASI BLUE,” and “CHARM BLACK.” Every variant honors someone significant to Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey. The “HAIL CLAY” colorway pays homage to his wife, Hailey and the “Masi Blue” stands for his younger brother, Thomasi. In homage to the woman who raised him, “Charm Black” colorway is named after his mother Charmaine. This detailed design is a nod to the people and relationships that fuel Gilgeous-Alexander’s path on and off the court.
During the recent NBA campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his impressive skills, finishing the 2024-25 season with a remarkable total of 3,172 points across regular season and playoffs. His incredible defense advanced the Thunder into the Finals. Throughout all seven of those games played against the Indiana Pacers, he wore the “MASI BLUE” SHAI 001. Indeed, it was his remarkable cross-country efforts that landed him the NBA scoring title, as he averaged an incredible 32.7 points per game on the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander wore the exclusive “BUTTER” SHAI 001 colorway during 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend. His passion for his family and his pursuit of success on the basketball court were evident here at the same time. As a limited-run release, this special edition notoriously was gone on Converse’s website in just minutes, reflecting that popularity and demand. In a nod to his family connection, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his pride by stating, “This is my wife’s eye color. This is my brother’s favorite color. And my mom’s entire closet is black, like pitch black, and I’m not joking.”
During his appearance on The Tonight Show, Gilgeous-Alexander explained how the SHAI 001 acts as “a canvas for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s story.” He emphasized the collaborative effort behind the shoe’s design, stating, “Shoutout to the Converse team for executing, ’cause the shoe looks way better than the sketch.”
The SHAI 001 collection showcases Gilgeous-Alexander’s boundary breaking consciousness, rooted in his home. Rodney Rambo, Converse’s global chief marketing officer, remarked on Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique approach: “As a brand for creators, we’ve always known Shai moved differently. What distinguishes him most is his unrivaled creativity, on and off the court.
Aside from paying tribute to his family, Gilgeous-Alexander’s latest collection represents the NBA All-Star’s triumphant arrival to the professional ranks of basketball. After winning NBA Finals MVP, he debuted a custom “Trophy Gold” player-exclusive edition of the SHAI 001. Additional drops only make his footing as Converse Basketball’s first signature headliner in 15 years all the more secure.
The Converse SHAI 001 “FAMILY” pack dropped worldwide on March 11 and retailed for $130 per pair. With this blending of personal meaning and performance on the court, this collection says a lot about Gilgeous-Alexander’s character and priorities.
As fans eagerly await more from this rising star, Gilgeous-Alexander hinted at future announcements with intrigue: “You’ll have to stay tuned and watch closely. You’ll get your answers soon enough.” His delightful adventure keeps followers spellbound. They marvel at his extraordinary artistry as a master interpreter, and the profound connections he has with his community and children.
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