In this article, we’re diving into one of the smoothest, most electrifying guards in the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and more importantly, the basketball shoes he’s rocked throughout his career.
SGA isn’t just a bucket-getter; he’s a style icon on and off the court. From his fluid, herky-jerky game to his elite midrange touch, everything about Shai is calculated and smooth. And just like his playstyle, his sneaker choices have always been on point. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoes tend to be performance driven and flashy.
In this article, we’ll break down every shoe Shai has worn, from his early days at Kentucky all the way to his MVP-caliber seasons with the Thunder. We’ll talk about the tech, the fit, the performance, and even some stories behind the pairs he’s chosen. So whether you’re a sneakerhead, a hoop junkie, or just someone who respects SGA’s game, this deep dive is for you.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes Show
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2024-25 (Converse Shai 001)
The 2024-25 season has been the best of SGA’s career so far, both on the court and as a major player in the sneakerverse. Shai has had an MVP-caliber season. Whether or not he ends up taking home the Michael Jordan Trophy, this has by far been his best season. SGA has been averaging 32.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 6.3 APG and he has led the Thunder to the number 1 spot in the west.
Shai also debuted his first signature during the 2025 All-Star Weekend, the Converse Shai 001. He played the first half of the season primarily in what had been his shoe of choice for a while, the Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX. But now he only wear the Shai 001 for every game. The two shoes are very similar tech-wise and very Kobe-esque, but the Shai 001 clearly has a lot more of SGA’s personality infused into it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2023-24 (Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX)
The 2023-24 season saw Shai firmly establish himself as one of the elite guards in the NBA. He turned in averages of 30.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, and 2 steals per game, which placed him again in the MVP conversation, earned him All-Star selection, and a place on the All-NBA first team. OKC finished the season as the number one team in the west, and lost in the second round to the eventual Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks.
As far as sneakers go, Shai relied mainly on the Converse All Star BB Trilliant CX. The shoe is surprisingly good on court, and caters to players who play at a steady pace but can go quickly at a millisecond’s notice. For its price range ($120), it will be a great shoe for those who like court feel, sufficient ample feedback, and smooth transitions.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 26: The sneakers worn by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 26, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) 
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2022-23 (Converse All-Star BB Prototype CX)
Though Shai was coming off two standout seasons in OKC, the 2022-23 season can be labeled as his breakout season. Shai averaged 31.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, and 4.8 RPG. He was selected for his first All-Star team, his first All-NBA selection (All-NBA First team), and ended up 5th in the MVP race. The Thunder, unfortunately, won a mediocre 40 games and missed the playoffs, but it was clear that SGA was establishing himself as one of the premier guards in the league.
SGA primarily played this season in the Converse All-Star BB Prototype CX, though he did break out the All-Star BB Shift and the Trilliant CX at different points. The Converse All-Star BB Prototype CX delivers a compelling mix of traction, cushioning, and support, making it a solid option for players who prioritize comfort and stability. The CX foam and Zoom Air combination provide a plush ride with adequate responsiveness. They aren’t great outdoor shoes, but if you keep them on the hardwood, they are pretty darn good.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2021-22 (Converse All Star BB Jet)
For the second straight season, Shai was on the cusp of stardom. He had similar averages to the previous season with 24.5 PPG, 5.9 APG, and 5 RPG. He was overlooked for the All-Star game, and he didn’t rack up much in terms of accolades, but it was evident that SGA was, as they say, on his way. It didn’t help that OKC was the second worst team in the West and the fourth worst team in the league.
He played the season in several different Converse basketball models. He played in several pairs of the Converse All Star BB Evo, and a couple pairs of the Converse All Star BB CX but, surprisingly, he primarily played in the Converse All Star BB Jet.
This was one of the most disappointing performance models we have tested here at WearTesters in a long time, but SGA seemed to enjoy it. That being said, he did get some sick colorways of the shoe that never hit general release.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2020-21 (Converse All Star BB Evo)
As far as his footwear is concerned, this was SGA’s first full season as a Converse athlete. He exclusively laced up a very underrated basketball shoe from the brand, the Converse All Star BB Evo. The All-Star BB Evo was Converse’s Kobe, so it’s easy to see why SGA liked it.
The shoe was super minimalistic and low-profile and featured a React drop-in midsole, excellent traction, and enough support and containment to keep up with the likes of Shai.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2019-20 (Converse All Star BB Evo)
Shai started the season as a Nike guy and played in a myriad of different Kobes, including the Kobe 4, the Kobe 5, the Kobe 8, etc. All in some crazy colorways. Midway through the season, however, Shai signed a deal with Converse. Converse at the time was a minor player in the NBA sneaker game, and this represented a big move for them
The shoe Shai played in from Converse was Converse All Star BB Evo, which, as we have mentioned is a very Kobe-style hoop.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes 2019-20 (Kobes)
At this point, he was more of a lockdown defender but he was selected to the All-NBA Rookie second team and ended 6th in the Rookie of the Year race.
Shai exclusively played in Nikes this season, lacing up a bunch of different Kobes and several Kyries, but clearly, Shai was a Kobe guy in that first season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shoes at Kentucky
Kentucky is a Nike school, so, of course, Shai played in a bunch of different Nike models that season. Here, you can clearly see what type of Shoes SGA prefers on the court, he has maintained these preferences throughout his NBA career.
He used several different Kobes, PGs, and KDs. SGA seems to enjoy minimalist, reactive basketball shoes with strong enough lockdown to keep up with his shifty playing style.
