Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is a Pre-Cooked Converse Weapon Sneaker Inspired by His Love of Vintage Clothing

The shoe with cracked purple leather comes ahead of his own signature sneaker.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, face of the Converse Weapon and soon-to-be recipient of his own signature sneaker, has cooked up his own version of the ’80s basketball sneaker.

The Converse Shai Weapon is inspired by Gilgeous-Alexander’s love of vintage clothing and comes with a number of pre-distressed detailing. While pristine white leather makes up the majority of the upper, its underlays come in cracked “Winsome Orchid” leather with a metallic sheen. The sole unit then takes on a yellowed look for a further sense of aging, while the canvas tongue is lined with exposed foam.

Converse initially brought back the Weapon — which launched in 1986 and was headlined by a cadre of NBA stars including Magic Johnson and Larry Bird — in 2021 with a modernized CX model and an additional take from Rick Owens in the style of a hefty boot. Last year saw the sneaker return true to its original form, and Gilgeous-Alexander starred in a campaign for the sneaker earlier this year.

A few months later, Converse announced it had inked a new deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder star, whose deal was set to expire and who had risen over the past couple years to become one of the league’s top players. Gilgeous-Alexander was named creative director for Converse Basketball as part of the deal, to take effect in September, and his first signature sneaker will make its debut in 2025.

“Together, Shai and Converse will bring a hands-on approach to the creation, execution, and overall aesthetic of his collections, which will provide a new style-driven perspective, taking inspiration from various aspects of his life,” a spokesperson for Converse told Footwear News at the time.

Since relaunching its basketball line in 2018, Converse has yet to have a signature athlete.

The Converse Shai Weapon will release August 14 through Converse’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $130.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.