Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Steps Into His Nike Era With Rare Virgil Abloh Air Force 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s move to Nike is already opening up more than just a new signature sneaker chapter. At Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day, SGA arrived in an unreleased orange Virgil Abloh Archive x Nike Air Force 1 Low, offering an early glimpse at what access to Nike’s wider archive could mean for the reigning star.

Rather than wearing his Converse SHAI 001 or using the appearance to preview the upcoming Nike SHAI 002, Gilgeous-Alexander reached for a pair connected to one of Nike’s most influential collaborators.

The sneaker continues the visual language established by Virgil Abloh’s previous Air Force 1 projects. The classic AF1 shape remains recognizable underneath, while Abloh’s signature design elements distinguish the pair from Nike’s standard releases.

Bright orange covers nearly the entire sneaker, creating a particularly fitting look alongside the Thunder uniform SGA wore for Media Day. The monochromatic treatment also recalls the bold, single-color approach seen across several of Abloh’s previous Nike Air Force 1 collaborations.

The appearance is notable as Gilgeous-Alexander begins his next chapter with Nike. His signature line is expected to transition from Converse to Nike with the SHAI 002 in 2027, but his new relationship could also give one of basketball’s most fashion-focused players access to archival designs, special projects, and unreleased footwear beyond his own line.

For now, SGA’s orange pair remains surrounded by mystery. It has been identified as a Virgil Abloh Archive x Nike Air Force 1 Low, but no public launch plans have been announced.