There’s something magical about small-market teams winning it all. The losses may sting and the burns tend to linger a little longer, but hoisting a trophy raises the floor and the ceiling for these oft-overlooked cities. What may have been improbable just a couple years back is a reality today; the NBA Champions are in Oklahoma City, and Converse has the most anticipated signature basketball shoe of 2025 with an undeniable total package of an athlete in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Ahead of the expected Fall 2025 release of SGA shoes, Converse showed love to the Thunder faithful with a special event for the loyal fans. Setting up at the MVP mural just a couple of blocks from the parade route, Converse came prepared with a wrapped van and the SHAI 001 in full display. Fans began lining as early as 6 AM, with lines stretching blocks.
From 1-4PM immediately after the parade, Converse celebrated with the fans with live music and host Jay Jones, a well-known content creator in the basketball/sneaker space. Over those three hours and in 20-minute intervals, Converse gave away pairs of the SHAI 001 through random drawing for the attendees; the goal was the give pairs to the most deserving of diehard fans.
As it stands, the SHAI 001 won’t see a public release until later this Fall 2025 season. The “Butter” colorway is established as the launch pair, with the other unveiled pairs likely following throughout the remainder of ’25.
