NBA Star Breaks Into High Fashion
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander collaborates with Converse to debut sneaker in fall 2025.
Story: Eitan Timoner
Source Nike
Over the past half-decade, rapper and trendsetter Lil Yachty has cemented himself as an immutable force in the fashion world. His influence in streetwear is impossible to ignore, helping bring back Timbs, baggy jeans, and oversized jerseys. Once considered a niche New York City aesthetic—he has brought them into the mainstream. His willingness to put on smaller creators and ease of adopting his style has influenced fans and fellow creatives alike.
When Yachty was spotted wearing the SHAI 001, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first signature shoe, during NBA All-Star Weekend, it wasn’t just another celebrity sneaker moment—it was a statement. The internet took notice, setting socials ablaze.
For those paying attention, this recognition is no surprise. Shai has long been revered for his off-court style, with an effortless confidence that extends beyond the game, with an abundance of memes about his aura. Named GQ’s “Most Stylish Man of the Year”—he has become a reference point for young men across the country— proving that an athlete’s influence doesn’t stop at their performance on the court. His mix of luxury, streetwear, and avant-garde fashion choices has positioned him as more than just a well-dressed athlete—he’s a fashion figure in his own right.
Shai’s role as creative designer gives his shoes a different level of credibility from the typical athlete-designed sneaker. While basketball shoes have long played a role in fashionAir Jordans being the most obvious example—the SHAI 001 represents something else entirely: a player with full creative control over his own vision, crafting a sneaker that reflects his personal style rather than just performance specs. And that authenticity resonates. Whether or not you plan on wearing them on the court, the SHAI 001 is already climbing sneaker wishlists, making it one of the most intriguing new releases this year.
Gilgeous-Alexander may be leading the charge, but he isn’t the only athlete bridging the gap between sports and high fashion. Anthony Edwards’ AE1 also made waves upon release, blending sleek design with the charisma of its namesake. More than ever, professional athletes are stepping into the fashion space with serious intent—not just as brand ambassadors but as designers and cultural influencers.
With their growing status as fashion figures and the creative control they’re being given over their own merchandise, are we witnessing a shift where athlete-driven design is becoming a real force in the fashion industry? The lines between performance gear and high fashion continue to blur, and as players like Gilgeous-Alexander prove, the future of athlete-designed footwear might not just be about function—it might be about redefining who is in control of the streetwear space.
When Yachty was spotted wearing the SHAI 001, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first signature shoe, during NBA All-Star Weekend, it wasn’t just another celebrity sneaker moment—it was a statement. The internet took notice, setting socials ablaze.
For those paying attention, this recognition is no surprise. Shai has long been revered for his off-court style, with an effortless confidence that extends beyond the game, with an abundance of memes about his aura. Named GQ’s “Most Stylish Man of the Year”—he has become a reference point for young men across the country— proving that an athlete’s influence doesn’t stop at their performance on the court. His mix of luxury, streetwear, and avant-garde fashion choices has positioned him as more than just a well-dressed athlete—he’s a fashion figure in his own right.
Shai’s role as creative designer gives his shoes a different level of credibility from the typical athlete-designed sneaker. While basketball shoes have long played a role in fashionAir Jordans being the most obvious example—the SHAI 001 represents something else entirely: a player with full creative control over his own vision, crafting a sneaker that reflects his personal style rather than just performance specs. And that authenticity resonates. Whether or not you plan on wearing them on the court, the SHAI 001 is already climbing sneaker wishlists, making it one of the most intriguing new releases this year.
Gilgeous-Alexander may be leading the charge, but he isn’t the only athlete bridging the gap between sports and high fashion. Anthony Edwards’ AE1 also made waves upon release, blending sleek design with the charisma of its namesake. More than ever, professional athletes are stepping into the fashion space with serious intent—not just as brand ambassadors but as designers and cultural influencers.
With their growing status as fashion figures and the creative control they’re being given over their own merchandise, are we witnessing a shift where athlete-driven design is becoming a real force in the fashion industry? The lines between performance gear and high fashion continue to blur, and as players like Gilgeous-Alexander prove, the future of athlete-designed footwear might not just be about function—it might be about redefining who is in control of the streetwear space.