Converse Shai 001 Performance Review

This is our performance review of the Converse Shai 001. If you enjoyed the Nike Kyrie 2 but felt it was lacking a little something, this shoe might be the answer. It feels like a Kyrie 2 but is lower to the floor, more comfortable, and an all-around beast on the court.

SGA’s game is smooth, efficient, and deceptively explosive, so it makes sense that his signature shoe aims to reflect those qualities. But does the Converse Shai 001 deliver a performance-ready package that meets the needs of hoopers at all levels? Let’s break it down piece by piece.

Converse Shai 001 Review

Converse Shai 001 Traction

The Converse Shai 001 outsole traction is fantastic and feels extra grippy. The traction on the Shai 001 was nearly perfect. The rubber is durable, and there’s no significant wear, so I have no real complaints. If you’ve been wearing any of Shai’s recent models, you’ll probably feel right at home.

It features the same modified herringbone pattern as the Converse All-Star BB Trilliant CX. 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 primarily play indoors, expect consistent and reliable traction, but if you’re looking for a blacktop beast, you might want to look elsewhere. The rubber is a bit too soft and thin, and the cushion isn’t adequate for concrete surfaces.

Converse Shai 001 Cushioning

Converse went a very similar cushioning setup to the Trilliant CX, that is to say, a full-length foam midsole that balances impact protection with a low-profile ride, and a “stick of gum” style Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. Converse hasn’t specified if the foam midsole is built with CX foam, Cushlon, or Phylon, but it feels very similar in hand.

While the Shai 001 itself feels very comfortable, it has a very low-profile ride. This reminded me of the old Nike Kyrie 2, but with more cushioning.

The Shai 001 also features a small, rectangular torsion plate for support. The midsole is made of a very low-profile EVA foam, and you sit down inside it rather than on top of it. In the forefoot, there’s a rectangular Zoom Air unit. While this isn’t my favorite type of Zoom Air, it works well here because the rest of the midsole is so low-profile that you can actually feel the bounce and responsiveness.

The design is unique—the forefoot is double-lasted and wrapped within the upper, while the back portion is exposed, which gives it a really cool, interesting look.

The Shai 001 sits low to the ground and has a semi-rounded forefoot, which provides great range of motion and fluidity. It features a small, rectangular Zoom unit in the forefoot. Surprisingly, you can actually feel it, unlike in many other shoes with a similar setup. It’s housed in a firm foam, but it’s raised just enough that you can feel the feedback under your foot. While I wouldn’t call it amazing, it’s perfect for players who prioritize court feel and mobility over a bouncy, cushioned ride. It provides just enough comfort without feeling sluggish or sinking into the footbed.

Converse Shai 001 Materials

The upper is probably my favorite feature. The main design element is this neoprene-style “puff piece” that feels great to the touch and offers a minor amount of padding. I know some people think these shoes are hideous, and I can understand that—it’s a weird-looking shoe—but I think that’s what makes it so great. It brings a sense of fun back to basketball footwear, much like some of the iconic ’90s models. The underlay material is a robust textile, and the neoprene returns in the collar area.

A zipper on the side provides access to the inside, which is a lightweight and functional textile build with nylon lace loops and cables. I’m confident the zipper will hold up well because it feels similar to the one on the adidas D.O.N. Issue 7, which I’ve been playing in without any issues. The zipper’s placement, which sits below the ankle and the main flex zone, should prevent it from breaking or bursting like some older zippered shoes.

I also love the tongue; it’s a bit large but perfectly cups the shin, offering great padding and ventilation. The shoe is a slick and fun design with an external heel counter and heel clip. Despite its bulky appearance, the Shai 001 feels very light on foot.

The materials have been incredibly durable. I’ve always loved shoes with shrouds and zippers, and these are no exception. The Converse Shai 001 feels like a modern, low-top version of classic zippered shoes like the Nike Zoom Flight Glove. The top molded piece is a flexible neoprene, which allows your foot to move freely, while the rest of the build is a durable, though not premium, leather. Despite getting plenty of scuffs and creases, the materials have held up perfectly.

One downside is the lack of ventilation. These shoes are not breathable at all, so your feet can get quite sweaty. You can play with the shroud unzipped, but that would negate the upper’s support.

Converse Shai 001 Support

Support features have been upgraded in the Converse Shai 001 compared to the All-Star BB Trilliant CX. For starters, we have a torsional plate in this shoe, something that was missing in the Trilliant. There’s also a beefy chassis in the heel that will offer all the structure and lockdown you will need in such a low-cut basketball shoe.

The Converse logo is built into the external heel counter, and the heel clip is integrated into the midsole. The overall structure provides a great sense of lockdown and stability.

The support is almost perfect, with only one minor issue. The forefoot is wide and rounded, giving you plenty of mobility. The midsole sculpting, especially in the heel, securely cups your foot, and the zippered shroud provides excellent lockdown. However, on certain lateral defensive movements, I felt a slight instability in the forefoot. The shoe’s sculpting could have flared out a bit more to prevent my foot from rolling over the edge. It wasn’t enough to cause a sprain, but it was a recurring sensation that’s worth noting.

Converse Shai 001 Fit

In terms of sizing, I recommend going true to size for most people, including wide-footers. The upper will break in to accommodate your foot. However, those with a high instep might find it difficult to zip them up.

Converse Shai 001 Summary

The Converse Shai 001 is a very solid debut signature shoe. Its strengths lie in its nearly perfect traction and a cushioning setup that provides excellent court feel. The durable, zippered shroud and well-designed support system make it a great option for players who want a secure, locked-in feel. While the shoe is not breathable and has a minor instability issue in the forefoot, it’s a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys a responsive, low-to-the-ground feel, particularly fans of the Nike Kyrie line.

Disclosure

While Converse did provide a pair of the Shai 001 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.