Converse Shai 001 Lace Unzips Into a Bold New Era
Every signature sneaker eventually reaches a moment where it sheds a layer and reveals something new. For the Converse Shai 001, that moment arrives by doing something surprisingly simple: removing the zipper shroud.
After months of defining the silhouette with its sleek covered construction, the Converse Shai 001 Lace steps into the spotlight with exposed laces, offering the first major evolution of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s debut signature line while keeping its unmistakable sculpted identity intact.
Rather than launching with a single pair, Converse is introducing the updated model as a collection of three expressive colorways, “Berry,” “Lime,” and “Cheetah”, each reflecting the fearless style that has become synonymous with the reigning MVP’s tunnel fits.
After a string of zippered releases including the Converse Shai 001 Steel and Converse Shai 001 Ink, the signature silhouette is finally opening up. The Converse Shai 001 Lace removes the shroud for the first time, revealing a traditional lace system beneath and giving Shai’s debut signature a fresh expression.
An Iconic Shape With a Different Attitude
The biggest story isn’t a new sole or dramatic redesign… it’s what’s no longer there.
The signature zipper cover has been removed, exposing a traditional lace system for the first time on the Shai 001. The change gives the sneaker a more conventional basketball profile while still preserving the futuristic flowing lines and molded sidewalls that made the original instantly recognizable.
It’s a subtle redesign that dramatically changes the shoe’s aura. Without the shroud, the Converse Shai 001 Lace feels lighter visually, more versatile for everyday wear, and perhaps even closer to Shai’s effortless blend of luxury fashion and on-court confidence.
Three Colorways, Three Different Stories
Instead of relying on safe launch colors, Converse leans into bold expression.
The Berry edition drenches the upper in vibrant pink tones, balanced by soft beige accents around the collar for a premium finish.
The Lime colorway delivers the loudest statement of the trio, pairing electric volt green with cool grey overlays for a look that feels equal parts performance basketball and fashion runway.
Then there’s the standout Cheetah, easily the wild card of the collection. Tan foundations, volt details, and animal-inspired graphics create the most lifestyle-driven version yet, echoing the fearless wardrobe choices that have become part of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s personal brand.
Release Details
Model Name: Converse Shai 001 Lace “Berry”
Release Date: August 14, 2026
Retail Price: $120 (Men’s) / $100 (GS)
SKU: A24323C
Colorway: Berry
Availability: Converse.com and select retailers
Model Name: Converse Shai 001 Lace “Lime”
Release Date: August 14, 2026
Retail Price: $120 (Men’s) / $100 (GS)
SKU: A24322C
Colorway: Lime
Availability: Converse.com and select retailers
Model Name: Converse Shai 001 Lace “Cheetah”
Release Date: September 3, 2026
Retail Price: $120 (Men’s) / $100 (GS)
SKU: A24961C
Colorway: Cheetah
Availability: Converse.com and select retailers
The Converse Shai 001 Lace is expected to release on August 14, 2026, with the Berry and Lime colorways launching first through Converse.com and select retailers. The Cheetah edition joins the lineup on September 3, 2026.
Retail pricing is set at $120 for adult sizing, while grade school pairs will retail for $100, marking the first time the Shai 001 Lace will also be available in kids’ sizing.
Just like Shai knows how to create space when the game gets tight, timing matters when this finally hits the radar.
If you’re planning to secure one or multiple pairs, make sure your TSB setup is ready. TSB has helped many members successfully secure previous Converse SHAI 001, Nike, and limited releases before stock disappeared, while tracking live drops, retailer releases, raffles, restocks, and early signals in real time, so you know exactly when to make your move and don’t miss your shot.
Resale Outlook
With no official early StockX market available yet for the Converse Shai 001 Lace, resale expectations are based on previous Shai 001 releases across both premium and standard colorways.
Resale Comparables:
Converse SHAI 001 “Slither”
Converse SHAI 001 “Steel”
Converse SHAI 001 “Ink”
Converse SHAI 001 “Masi Blue”
Converse SHAI 001 “Charm Black”
Converse SHAI 001 “Clean Slate”
Comparable models provide a broader picture of how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first signature silhouette has performed after release, balancing collector interest with the demand for more wearable everyday pairs.
The strongest benchmark comes from premium editions like the SHAI 001 “Slither,” which have shown healthy aftermarket interest above retail. Meanwhile, inline colorways offer a more realistic comparison for the Lace collection, as the upcoming release introduces a new construction rather than a limited premium execution.
The first lace-up version of the Shai 001 could attract hype from both existing collectors and new buyers who prefer a more traditional sneaker setup. The lower $120 retail price also creates a more accessible entry point, which may help support early demand depending on production numbers, colorway popularity, and overall availability.
Based on previous Shai 001 releases, the Converse Shai 001 Lace is expected to retail for $120 and potentially trade between $140–180 on the secondary market. The projected average resale target sits around $160, with early peak prices potentially reaching $200+, representing an estimated ROI range of approximately 20–70%.
While select Shai 001 releases have previously reached higher resale peaks in the $300–350+ range, representing an estimated 150–190%+ ROI, those levels would likely depend on limited availability, strong colorway demand, and sustained collector interest. With the Lace edition introducing a lower entry point and a first-time construction change, there could still be room for additional upside if demand outpaces supply or if specific colorways gain traction after release.
Actual resale performance will depend on release quantities, individual colorway demand, and market conditions after launch.
For more resale insights, check out our guide on Resale – All The Reasons You’ll Want In On It
Final Thoughts
Sometimes evolution doesn’t arrive with fireworks… it arrives by pulling back the curtain.
The Converse Shai 001 Lace proves that one thoughtful design change can reshape an entire silhouette. By exposing the laces for the first time while pairing the update with three personality-filled colorways, Converse gives Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s signature model fresh energy without losing the futuristic DNA that made it memorable from day one.
For fans who admired the original but wanted a more traditional look, this may end up being the most wearable, and perhaps the most collectible, chapter of the Shai 001 story.
If you’re trying to secure these laced gems before someone else ties them up, make sure your TSB key is ready.