Oneness Recap: Midnight Drop for Converse SHAI 001 “Butter” in Lexington

Oneness turned Lexington into a celebration on Sunday night, September 21, hosting a community-powered launch for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Converse SHAI 001 “Butter.” Flyers across the University of Kentucky campus set the stage, and by the time the event kicked off, the energy around town made clear this was more than just a sneaker release—it was a homecoming.

The night carried the atmosphere of a block party, with food, music, and giveaways leading up to the midnight release. Fans showed out in numbers, with many repping Kentucky blue to honor Shai’s alma mater. As the clock struck twelve, the SHAI 001 “Butter” officially went on sale, marking a special moment where performance footwear, culture, and community all converged.

The sneaker itself has already made waves with its creamy tonal design and sculptural silhouette, echoing Shai’s forward-thinking style both on and off the hardwood. By tying the drop to Lexington, Converse and Oneness not only highlighted the local roots of one of basketball’s brightest stars but also underscored the power of storytelling in sneaker culture.

Photos from the night capture the excitement, from crowds lining up outside the shop to the first pairs making it into fans’ hands. The Oneness SHAI 001 “Butter” drop will be remembered as a launch that went beyond sneakers, tapping into the pride of a city and the journey of one of its most celebrated athletes.

For more on Converse Hoops, the SHAI 001 "Masi Blue" is releasing in October.