Converse SHAI 001 "Winter Red" Releases Dec. 11

The Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is joining in on a longstanding Nike, Inc. tradition by having his Converse SHAI 001 signature model reimagined through the lens of Christmas. He unveiled the "Winter Red" pair tonight against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Over the years, Nike Basketball has produced narrative-driven styles that've become coveted options for off-court wear. The one-time NBA champion's first go-around with Converse surely took some notes from the rest of the Swoosh operation, outfitting the widely-praised SHAI 001 in a festive makeover. The "Winter Red" ensemble draws inspiration from the winterberry, one of the few plants that keeps its color in the colder months—an environment with which SGA is far too familiar having grown up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Ruby-colored flair animates the bulk of the sneaker, which features a mix of materials across its build. The mostly-tonal presentation evokes images of Santa Claus' fuzzy red uniform, although it speaks to a quiet resilience that mirrors Gilgeous-Alexander’s focused mindset and rise. Pine tree-like green contrast arrives via zippers over the tongue and SGA's logo on the top-of-the-tongue. Additionally, Converse emblems on the spine don the green tone, rounding out the two-tone style appropriate of the Dec. 25 holiday.

A firm Converse.com launch has been confirmed for Thursday, Dec. 11. While you wait, enjoy detailed product shots of the "Winter Red" SHAI 001 ahead.

For more sneaker news, check out all upcoming Jordan releases.