Restock Recap: Shai Brings More 'Butter' to OKC's Grinmore Party

has motion, and OKC matched his energy.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the celebrated Oklahoma City Thunder point guard coming off an MVP Award and Finals championship, released his first signature shoe with last week. The was only available at four stores; SGA himself was present at Toronto for the release. The exclusivity left fans on the outside looking in, particularly Thunder devotees who were eager to support their favourite player and his debut shoe.

But the game changed when word of a restock surfaced last week. Oklahoma’s only sneaker boutique, Grinmore – located in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District –was the sole recipient of the fresh pairs.

How the SHAI 001 Restock Went Down

Restock day was all set to hit 90-degrees-plus, as many early September days in Oklahoma tend to do – but the heat didn’t deter the swell of fans who came out in support of the event. Over 300 disciples lined up for a chance to purchase the SHAI 001, a large percentage of whom camped out for over 24 hours in an effort to increase their odds of securing a pair. Countless more people attended the block party that Converse and Grinmore threw across the street while the release was ongoing. The bash featured free food, gourmet popsicles, drinks, a live DJ, photo ops, and a basketball-shooting game for free prizes such as SGA-branded water bottles and socks.

Hospitality was on full display, as workers repeatedly checked in on those waiting in line, providing refreshments and encouragement. Those in line themselves also showcased the Oklahoma standard of taking care of one another, holding places in line for each other so everyone could experience the block party while awaiting their turn to go inside the store.

Oklahoma is known for its kindness; its people pride themselves on helping both strangers and friends. But it also holds a chip on its shoulder, despite success. Oklahomans are keenly aware that although they’ve reached the pinnacle of sports – with an NBA championship, a league MVP, and a signature athlete – the world around them still doubts. Significant sneaker moments rarely travel to the 405, even though Oklahoma City boasts a collection of sneakerheads as deep and as passionate as other traditional sneaker hubs.

The city's fierce drive to prove was exhibited earlier this year, when Grinmore was selected as one of the 23 stores to officially release the – and Oklahomans began camping out as early as three days ahead of the launch. With this in mind, the level of engagement for Shai's event is no surprise; fans voiced their pride in the athlete throughout the day, and quite a few who copped wore their sneakers out of the store – who cares about resale value when you can rep your franchise player?

The SHAI 001 sold out completely, and the day wrapped up nearly five hours after the release ended. As SGA continues to dominate the NBA's centre stage – and rock one of the hottest signature silhouettes – more sneaker moments could be coming out of OKC soon.

Speaking of, more SHAI 001 colourways are landing soon! Bookmark to ensure you don't let Shai’s aura pass you by – OKC sure didn’t.