Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will officially begin his role as creative director of Converse Basketball in September, but before then, the OKC guard will be dropping his own collaboration on the Converse Weapon.
The Weapon was originally released in 1986 and was a big deal in the NBA, famously worn by legends Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The silhouette was retro’d a couple times over the years, once in 1999 and again in 2014. The iconic silhouette was then reintroduced once again in 2021, this time with a Rick Owens spin. This was followed by additional collabs with the likes of FRGMT, UNDEFEATED, and A-COLD-WALL*.
In 2023, Converse released a remastered version of the OG Weapon, perfecting the fit while staying true to the look of the original 1986 shape. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was made the face of the remastered Weapon, starring in the brand’s “Create History, Not Hype” campaign for the shoe. The back-to-back pose references the Weapon’s original Magic and Bird ads from the ’80s.
This isn’t ’86, ’99 or ’14.
This is the Converse Weapon for today, as seen on @shaiglalex, NBA star and legend in the making. pic.twitter.com/eV1RJtp5aH
— Converse (@Converse) February 8, 2024
For his own take on the Weapon, SGA showcases his love of vintage style, designed to look like a pair unearthed at a local thrift shop or garage sale. Vintage White premium leather uppers are paired with orchid purple synthetic leather crackle print underlays on the Star Chevron and ankle collar. Exposed foam on the tongue and a yellowed midsole add to the vintage-inspired aesthetic.
The Shai Weapon drops August 14th on Converse.com and at select retailers. Check out the official images below.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander x Converse Weapon
Color: Vintage White/Winsome Orchid
Style Code: A13355C
Release Date: August 14, 2024
Price: $130 USD
