The Converse SHAI 001 Goes All-Leather “Ink” For The Playoff Opener

The quest to become the league’s first repeat champions in nearly a decade begins now. Though the Oklahoma City Thunder may not have broken the all-time wins record in the way they were poised to in the season’s early goings, there’s little doubt that the road to the LOB still goes through the Paycom Center. First things first, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his supporting cast will need to handle business against the Suns before thinking about championship gold, so perhaps it’s fitting that the Converse SHAI 001 “Ink” will be the MVP’s choice for Game 1.

Though it sticks to the monochromatic script developed throughout the run of his first signature shoe, zoom a bit in on this new colorway and you’ll see a major switch-up; the nylon fabric that’s paced his shoe so far is gone, here replaced by a textured, tumbled leather chassis. It’s the first look for the SHAI 001 to bear the “Premium” moniker as well, taking a more restrained approach as compared to the Lux “Truffle” that broke the model in material experimentation, yet no doubt bringing refined airs onto the hardwood all the same.

Look for the Converse SHAI 001 “Ink” to make its official debut on SHAI’s feet for Game 1 against the Suns. A retail release on May 14th via Converse and partnering retailers is confirmed — keep our coverage close for retail pricing info as that solidifies.