Sports

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes the signature shoe switch from Converse to Nike

Nairavoice · Jun 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes the signature shoe switch from Converse to Nike originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander initially signed with Converse in 2020. It was a great move for him because Converse brought him up as the biggest star they had. His debut signature shoe, the SHAI 001, was a critical success, but it seems they could not hold onto him.

The back-to-back MVP is now signed to Nike as their new signature athlete. This is huge because Nike will have him and Victor Wembanyama as the faces of the brand as Kevin Durant and LeBron James wind down their careers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Nike’s latest signature athlete

For decades, Nike has been one of the leading shoe brands in the league. They have a strong grip on NBA culture through players like Durant, James, and, of course, Michael Jordan. Now, they have yet another mega star with SGA.

He has spent six years with Converse, which was a productive relationship. However, since Converse is under the Nike umbrella, a move to the bigger brand is a natural step up for the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar.

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It is easy to see why Nike is capitalizing on this opportunity. Gilgeous-Alexander has proven to be arguably the best player in the league for the past two years. Getting him as a signature athlete is a no-brainer for any sneaker brand out there.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Nike Basketball signature family. Coming after back-to-back MVP seasons, we are excited to build on Shai’s incredible impact with Converse as one of the most creative leaders in the game,” Nike said in an official statement about SGA’s move to the brand.

The rest of the sneaker world will need to step up because SGA could be one of the biggest sellers. He has become one of the league’s most recognizable players, and he will continue to grow as a superstar.