A Bathing Ape’s BAPE STA is an enigma in the world of streetwear. The icon is lauded not for its originality, but the absolute opposite. It embodies the irreverent streetwear mentality, cutting and pasting one of Nike’s most famous designs and, somehow, getting away with it.
Founded in 1993 by NIGO, A Bathing Ape is one of streetwear’s golden children. Birthing some of the culture’s mainstay items like the Shark Zip Hoodie, Baby Milo range, and of course the BAPE STA.
Modeled after the Nike Air Force 1 — borrowing essentially every detail from the flagship sneaker — it’s a wonder that A Bathing Ape has never been sued by The Swoosh, especially considering Nike’s itchy legal trigger finger. Rumor has it, though, that Nike took a stake in NIGO’s company instead of suing him, realizing that the designer’s lifestyle take on the athletic sneaker catered to a gap in the market.
Whatever the reason, we love the fact that the A Bathing Ape BAPE STA is still readily available. To honor one of streetwear’s shining stars, we’ve rounded up the best BAPE STA colorways that you can cop right now.
Scroll down to shop 11 of the best BAPE STA colorways.
Sta M1 Sneakers
We love BAPE's patent uppers and this muted burgundy colorway contrasts nicely with the glossy finish.
Sta #2 Sneakers
This bold colorway transports us back to '00s hip-hop videos.
Sta #2 Sneakers
Pastel greens give this pair a soft finish that's easy to style with a range of colors.
SK8 Sta #1 Sneakers
Full-grain leather and suede panels to the upper look pitch-perfect in varsity green which dresses the outsole fo this pair, too.
SK8 Sta #1 Sneakers
We love the Sk8 Sta because it's so underrated. The Dunk-like silhouette is a great alternative to the brand's more popular designs.
Mad Sta Sneakers
Most BAPE Sta kicks look to chunky sole units and head-turning palettes but the Mad Sta keeps things super understated with a full-grain leather upper and retro silhouette.
Super STA
BAPE is truly fearless when it comes to references. Treading the line between IP lawbreaker and respectful nod to its elders, this low-top STA features a classic shell toe with minimal detailing.
Road STA 2
The Road STA is one of our favorite variations of the BAPE sneaker. With an air bubble to the heel, the design falls into both the sporty and luxury categories.
Highsnobiety "Not In Paris"
Call us biased, but we think that this two-tone BAPE STA is one of the best BAPE STA releases in years. It happens to be a Highsnobiety collaboration, too.
Green SK8 STA
While the BAPE STA takes after the Air Force 1, BAPE's SK8 STA looks more akin to the Nike Dunk.
Sail
Over the past year, we’ve seen the sneaker tastes shift from bold, bright colorways to easygoing neutrals. This Sail pair epitomizes that style.
Black / Beige
A combination of leather and suede forms the black upper of this pair which sits atop an off-white midsole. We’re always on board with off-white midsoles, they lend any silhouette retro credentials.
Beige
The beauty of the BAPE STA is its versatility. That versatility is emphasized in this neutral pair. Caramel leather combines with a soft cream sole unit for a smooth finish.
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