Inside the new Converse SHAI 001 ‘Slither’ drop

Shoes that are built for performance, have a bad habit of looking like heavy-duty moon boots you’d only wear in the dark. Thankfully, Converse and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are saving us from that fashion tragedy with the newly launched SHAI 001 PREMIUM: Slither. 

This limited-release silhouette wraps the entire upper in a faux-snakeskin leather print. It’s a direct nod to Shai’s reputation as one of the most stylish tunnel-walk dressers in the NBA. Converse added some high-end hardware to back up the “Premium” tag, swapping standard plastic for a heavy TPU zipper pull, debossed tongue logos, a metallic foil sock liner, and a custom cotton dustbag to keep them fresh. 

But they didn’t skimp on the actual tech just to make these look pretty. Underneath the snake print, it’s still a weapon for the court, packed with a radial traction outsole for quick cuts, a low-slung stable midsole and snappy Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot.