BAPE Sneakers: Streetwear Heat

At Notorious Lifestyle, we’re known for having the best kicks in the game, so it’s no surprise we’ve got BAPE sneakers on deck. If you're not as familiar with those kicks as you are with Nike, Jordan, Adidas, or New Balance, keep reading. This is a brand you need to know, and its sneakers are a must-have in your rotation.

Tokyo-born streetwear brand BAPE (also known as A Bathing Ape) has been getting noticed since 1993. Founded by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao), BAPE embodies a one-of-a-kind style, taking inspiration from 'Planet of the Apes' and a Japanese idiom about overindulgence, symbolizing youth culture and the idea of showing off excessively. Sounds weird, but it works.

BAPE blew up by keeping production limited and gifting gear to music insiders. Once it dropped the Bapesta in the early 2000s, it entered the sneaker game stratosphere. Loud colors, wild camo, and their signature STA logo (think shooting star with an ape twist) made it clear BAPE wasn’t trying to blend in.

BAPE kicks that made waves

·      Bapesta: This is the BAPE OG. It is inspired by the Air Force 1 but dialed up with gloss, color, and swagger. It features patent leather and shines through limited drops. Hype all around.

·      Sk8 Sta: BAPE’s nod to skate culture with low-key AF1 energy and bold detailing.

·      Road Sta: Born in 2002, it brought cushioningtech with air capsules and those candy-coated colorways.

·      Skull Sta: BAPE’s version of the Adidas Superstar, featuring shell-toe style with its own twist.

·      Flip Sta, Mad Sta, Manhunt, Shark Sta: Each one brings a new flavor, whether it’s shark hoodie vibes or classic hiking silhouettes.

Material and performance

BAPE sneakers are loud, but they’re also built to last. They feature solid rubber soles, comfortable cushioning, and a mix of leather, suede, canvas, and patent finishes. While they're not made for sports, they definitely hold up for daily wear. In Aurora, Colorado, this means mall hangs, boutique shopping, and weekend fit checks. They’re street-tough and fashion-friendly.

The best BAPE collabs:

BAPE’s link-up game is elite. It’s teamed up with:

·      Adidas: From Ultra Boost to the Dame series, they mix Adidastech with BAPE’s signature camo.

·      Marvel & DC Comics: Superhero sneakers, custom boxes, and collector status.

·      SpongeBob, Daft Punk, Stussy, Kanye, Pharrell, JJJJound, KAWS: the list is stacked.

·      Vans & Crocs: Whether you skate or slide, BAPE’s got your feet looking right.

·      Comme des Garçons: Minimalist meets maximalist and somehow it works.

Whether you’re into Men’s sneakers or Women’s clothing drops, there’s always heat coming down the pipeline. And don’t forget resale value: some pairs flip for way more than retail.

Why sneakerheads love BAPE

BAPE keeps its drops limited, which builds hype and makes these sneakers straight-up collectibles. But beyond that, they’re cultural. You’re not just wearing a shoe, you’re wearing a piece of streetwear history that’s been co-signed by hip-hop royalty and fashion elite.

In Aurora, Colorado, you can style BAPE sneakers in every way imaginable. They work well with outdoor clothing for the weekend, athletic wear at the mall, or boutique finds on a night out. They’re bold enough to lead a look, but easy enough to pair with stuff you already own.

How BAPE stacks up vs other streetwear brands

There’s no shortage of fire sneakers in the streetwear game right now: Nike Dunks, Adidas Campus, New Balance 550s, and Jordans all pull their weight. For example, Adidas Campus sneakers are killer right now, but Bapestas offer louder colors, glossier finishes, and more collabs. And if you compare BAPEs with New Balance, BAPE is more like a party on your feet, while New Balance is all about a comfy, normcore vibe.

How to spot fake BAPEs

BAPE drops are limited and resale prices are high, so there are lots of fakes in the market. Here's how to spot them:

·      Check the STA logo: Real BAPEs have a crisp, sharp STA logo with a clean outline and proper spacing, fakes have sloppy stitching and weird shapes.

·      Inspect the materials: BAPE uses quality leather, patent or suede that feels smooth and sturdy. If it feels cheap or plasticky, that’s a red flag.

·      Look at the soles: Real BAPE soles are solid, with clean star detailing on the outsole. Fakes tend to have off-center stars or misshaped patterns.

·      Check the box and extras: Legit pairs come with branded tissue paper, tags, and a high-quality box.

·      Retail tags and font: BAPE fonts and tag placement are super consistent. Fakes have bold, messy, or off-colored fonts.

If you’re buying resale, stick with trusted sneaker platforms or hit up boutiques that know their stuff, like us at Notorious Lifestyle.

How to care for your BAPE sneakers

You dropped serious cash on your BAPEs so don’t let them get wrecked.

·      Clean them well: Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to remove surface dirt. Avoid harsh cleaners to protect the patent leather or gloss finishes. Instead, use sneaker wipes or mild soap with water.

·      Protect the shape: Use shoe trees or stuff them with paper when not wearing them.

·      Avoid extreme heat: Never leave your BAPEs in direct sunlight or near heaters, it can warp the soles and fade the colors.

·      Spray it down: Use a water and stain repellent spray if your pair features suede or canvas. It will block stains and keep the material crisp.

·      Rotate your kicks: Don’t wear the same pair every day, give them a break to help them last longer.

·      Storage matters too. Keep your BAPE box and store the shoes in a cool, dry spot.

Take care of your BAPEs and they’ll stay looking hype for years. And if they do start showing some love? That wear just adds to the story.

Keep BAPE in your lineup

BAPE sneakers aren’t going anywhere. With new colorways dropping and collabs continuing to stir things up, they stay fresh while keeping that classic edge. Whether you’re new to the game or already deep in your sneaker bag, these kicks deserve a spot in your closet.

So if you’re all about that clothing lifestyle and want to wear clothes that talk for you, hit up a boutique clothing shop and lace up a pair of BAPE STAs. They still slap and they always will.

Check out our BAPE footwear collection online and follow us on Instagram to spot new drops before they fly off the shelves.