When the first BAPESTA debuted in 2000, it immediately became a cultural icon as the A Bathing Ape‘s hallmark shoe. Throughout the previous two decades, the star-shaped “STA” emblem that sweeps down the sides and the bright array of colorways and patterns have come to characterize Japanese hip-hop streetwear.
Collectors and industry experts in fashion all around the globe have been giddy with anticipation over each new interesting design. International superstars like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Jay Z, and Pusha T, to mention a few, have taken notice of and participated in the innovative approach. In the spring of 2021, BAPE STA brought back styles that harkened back to the first iterations but were more comfortable and had a more contemporary feel. They are available in the ever-popular neutral tones of black, white, and beige, creating a laid-back, unpretentious aesthetic.
The soles of these improved versions have been redesigned in a manner that makes walking seem effortless. Meanwhile, this new BAPE STA release combines fine leather and plush suede to create a look that is both modest and opulent. To celebrate the sneaker, we rounded up some of the best colorways to date.
Bapesta Black
These sleek black and white kicks from A Bathing Ape dubbed the “Patent Leather Black White” get a panda-like update. It’s constructed from white leather with black patent leather overlays for contrast. The STA logo from BAPE, in black patent leather, is also featured on the shoe’s side. A black outsole rests underneath the white rubber midsole to complete the design.
Bapesta M1 France
Midway through 2022, the BAPE STA saw a series of highly anticipated releases, both collaborative and general releases. The “France” colorway combines patent leather with smooth leather, silver hardware adorns the eyelet at the very top, and the dubraes take inspiration from the shape of the famous Ape Head. It employs the same color scheme as its contemporaries, with blue and red overlays on a white base.
Bapesta Low Black Shark Face
A Bathing Ape unveiled their Bapesta Low “Black Shark Face” shoe in January 2019. This low-top style has the company’s signature Shark Face motif that has appeared on so many of its apparel options from hoodies to joggers. The upper is patent leather, clearly inspired by Nike’s Air Force 1, and has a large shark graphic in red, black, and white across the vamp. The red star emblem of the label sweeps over the mid-panel, and other features, such as the perforated toe box, and branded metal dubrae, round off the design.
Bapesta Low White
The BAPE STA Low “White” comes in a clean white hue with black detailing around the shoe’s tongue. Across the whole sneaker’s silhouette, you can see the star and lightning insignia stitched in. Released in 2019, these are the perfect alternative to classic Air Force 1s.
JJJJound x Bapesta
JJJJound always gets people talking whenever it announces a new shoe collaboration, but the one with BAPE could be the most anticipated of any of them.
The designer borrows the simple color scheme of the original style for the entire design of this new shoe, which is fashioned in muted tones. The uppers, including the toe boxes and side panels, laces, tongues, and midsoles, are constructed from high-quality white leather, while the overlays on the heels, branding on the tongues, and distinctive STA logos are rendered in a muted gray. Moreover, this design also incorporates metallic silver accents, most notably at the eyelets and lace apexes.
Marvel x Bapesta Captain America
The storied streetwear brand dropped another Marvel collaboration just in time for FW22. A continuation of their 2005 collaboration, which included sneaker designs inspired by Silver Surfer and Spider-Man, the new collection has six different footwear options paying tribute to some of the most well-known characters from the late Stan Lee’s comic book world, such as Captain America.
As expected, the sneaker outfits a red, white, and blue color scheme reminiscent of the character’s uniform. The upper appears in a high-gloss combination of more prominent hues while white can be seen at the midsole. It’s rounded out by the classic Captain America cartoon adorned on the heel.
Bapesta ABC Camo Green
BAPESTA has been a staple in the streetwear industry since its debut in 2000. The silhouette was updated in 2022 with new design details that pay respect to street culture icons.
The outside STA logo and laces are covered with the brand’s unique ABC CAMO design, a colorful take on conventional camouflage that comes in green, pink, and blue. The white upper is made of durable caviar leather and has a debossed BAPE head at both heels; the sole is made of durable rubber. Metal eyelets and matching heavyweight lace locks round out the branding, which includes the signature “BAPE” writing engraved into the midsole.
Kaws x Bapesta FS-001 Low Pink Camo
For a special release of the Bapesta FS-001 Low in the early 2000s, A Bathing Ape teamed up with renowned artist Kaws. The “Pink Camo” iteration has the designer’s hallmark “XX” embroidered on the counter and a camouflage pattern that defines the shooting stars. Besides the rubber cupsole with radial tread, the redesign consists of tongue and backstay branding. Though a rare find these days, this sneaker lives up to the hype.
Bapesta FS-001 Low White Yellow
Nigo reimagined the footwear classic Bapesta FS-001 Low with his own unique twist. Inspired by the classic Nike Air Force 1, this “White Yellow” pair has a patent leather upper with perforations at the toe and heel, as well as Swoosh-inspired star appliques, contrasting midfoot panels, and a perforated toe. The Japanese brand’s individuality is highlighted by details like the embroidered star on the heels and the distinctive emblems. Adding the finishing touch to the imitation is a rubber cupsole and the words “APE.”
Hello Kitty x Bapesta Low Baby Milo
The Hello Kitty x BAPE Bapesta Low ‘Baby Milo’ is part of a collaboration between the two companies that reunites the two brands’ most recognizable mascots. Bright yellow laces anchor a patent leather upper that’s white with red overlays and a powder blue Sta logo.
Aside from the usual tongue tag and rear tab branding, the lateral heel of these shoes has an embossed design that doesn’t quite match the rest of the shoe. On the right shoe, Hello Kitty and Baby Milo are seen shaking hands, while on the left shoe, Hello Kitty’s trademark bow can be seen. The Sanrio BAPE kicks feature a rubber cupsole, contrasting white uppers, and a striking blue outsole.
Razer x Bapesta Low M2 Neon Camo
As a follow-up to their immensely popular debut collection together in 2020, gaming company Razer and BAPE teamed together once again for Razer’s biggest joint collection to date in 2022.
M2 BAPE STA shoes with BAPE’s shark design on the soles and Razer’s triple-headed snake logo prints are among the most eye-catching of the wearable options. The uppers are a black canvas covered in BAPE patterns, and the shoe has Razer green accents that illuminate in the dark. It offers the best of both worlds with branded insoles and a one-of-a-kind print you can’t find elsewhere.
