Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX
This is Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s basketball shoe for the 2023-24 season, and an above average, low profile, reactive performance model.
Release Date: 2023
Price: $120
Converse has been a low-key sleeper in terms of basketball performance ever since their acquisition from the Swoosh. This doesn’t mean they are out of the game, they’re just finding their way. With its lone All-Star SGA budding and blooming, it’s safe to say the brand is in good hands with the League Fits legend, but do they have enough firepower on foot? We’re here to find out
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Review
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Tech Specs:
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Traction
The traction itself features a multi-directional pattern for optimized grip and traction. The tread is very strategically designed and mapped for main steps and pivots. If you hit a lot of dust, you’re definitely in for a wiping day. The tread is also very thin and probably won’t be as durable outdoors.
While the patterns from the past few years take a similar design, I do hope Converse goes back to what’s tried and true – and that’s a natural herringbone pattern. The traction patterns leaves plenty of room for improvement.
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Cushioning
The Trilliant CX is comprised of Converse’s proprietary CX foam. The breakdown is that CX foam is a single-density polyurethane that’s tuned for more versatile comfort and impact protection. In addition to the CX foam, there is a rectangular zoom unit along the forefoot molded in with the CX foam. The foam is very plush, extremely lightweight, and provides a responsive ride.
My concern is the long-term trajectory as the foam will slowly give way with more play. But in its current state, it’s solid all around.
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Materials
This model features a durable polyester upper, and Aero-Jam-inspired lace cover (think Larry Johnson “Grandmama’s Aero-Jam”, to go with a high rubber sidewall, multi-directional outsole tread as well as the low profile CX foam, and forefoot zoom. Nothing that stands out, but it’s a solid build for a budget shoe.
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Support
The support comes directly from the lockdown of the shoe, once you get locked in and laced up correctly. In addition – the cushion – once molded to your foot, makes transitions damn near seamless. My main gripe other than having to re-lace the shoe (which is very minor) is dealing with super dusty courts because of the way the tread is designed.
It picks up almost everything. A few wipes away and it’s all gone, But if you play on clean courts, I don’t see any reason for further concern.
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Fit
The All-Star BB Trilliant CX fits true to size. You can go with or without the shroud. The interesting factor to me is when you break in the foam and it molds to your foot, you need to re-lace the shoe. If you go without the Aero-jam-like cover, you can use the extended loop cover hold as another lace loop to assist with additional lace lockdown (this is a major plus).
I did have minor heel slippage in the beginning once broken in, but with that extra usage loop, I was able to strategically tie my shoes for better lockdown. After that, I was all set. Even with a slightly wider foot, I’d absolutely go true to size due to the slightly forgiving wider base structure of the shoe.
Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX Overall
The All-Star Trilliant CX was a complete surprise. Some people may say it plays like a “Kobe” only because it’s a low-top, but this is a completely different animal. It really caters to players who play at a steady pace but can go quickly at a millisecond’s notice – just like Shai Gilgeous Alexander does. For its price range – for those that like court feel, sufficient ample feedback, and like smooth transitions – this is an absolute budget steal.
The $120 price point is decent for smooth-riding shoes. If Converse can re-vamp a little, especially in the traction area, it’ll move this shoe up a few notches. Also…will we see Shai finally get his own signature shoe? Time will tell. Converse, we see you lurking in the corner and we can’t wait to see more.
