The Allure of Bapesta Sneakers
As an avid sneakerhead and streetwear enthusiast, I’ve always had a fascination with Bapesta sneakers. Their bold camouflage prints, intricate patterns, and unmistakable star logo drew me in from the first time I laid eyes on them. Though I’d admired Bapestas from afar for years, I didn’t actually own a pair until recently. Once I got my first taste of that buttery Bapesta leather though, I was hooked for life.
Over the last few months I’ve immersed myself in the world of A Bathing Ape’s iconic footwear line. From scouring eBay auctions to joining online Bapesta discussion forums, I’ve learned so much about the history, design details, and culture around these legendary kicks. As a blossoming Bapesta expert, I wanted to share some of my newfound sneaker wisdom with fellow streetwear fans and hypebeasts. Whether you’re new to the world of Bape or a seasoned Bapesta collector, hopefully you’ll discover something new from my sneaker adventures!
The Origins of Bape and Bapesta
To understand Bapesta sneakers, you have to know a little about the brand behind them. A Bathing Ape (or Bape for short) was founded in 1993 by Japanese DJ and fashion designer Nigo. Inspired by his love of hip-hop music and culture, Nigo created Bape as a way to bring streetwear style to the Japanese market.
The name A Bathing Ape comes from the idea that we are all just apes taking a bath. By branding his clothing line with this cheeky image, Nigo established the playful, subversive attitude that would define the Bape style. The brand’s iconic ape head logo is a perfect encapsulation of this irreverent sensibility.
Bape paved the way for the streetwear phenomenon in Japan. But it wasn’t until the late 90s that they broke into footwear design. In 1999, Nigo created the Bapesta sneaker line as an homage to one of the most classic sneakers of all time: the Air Force 1. Just as the Air Force 1 had been groundbreaking in the US sneaker scene, Bape wanted to create a shoe that would shake up street fashion in Japan.
The original Bapesta design kept the basic structure of the Air Force 1, but with a few distinct Bape twists. The perforated toe box, ankle strap, and star logo on the side gave the sneaker a fresh new look. And the addition of luxurious full-grain leather elevated it into a premium fashion object rather than just an athletic shoe. The Bapesta was an instant cult classic.
Hunting for the Perfect Bapesta
Once I decided I needed a pair of Bapestas in my life, the hunt was on. I quickly discovered that scoring a pair isn’t as simple as just pulling up the Bape webstore. The brand releases new colorways and editions in limited runs, making many styles rare grails. I spent hours combing reseller sites like eBay, Goat, and Grailed searching for my perfect pair.
I was tempted by the classic Bapesta Low in navy or olive camo. But ultimately I settled on the Bapesta Green Glow-in-the-Dark as my first pair. The ghostly glow punctuated by the Bapesta’s iconic star and lightning bolt design seemed too cool to pass up. And the $220 price tag on eBay was lower than some of the rarer colorways command.
After a nerve-wracking week of waiting for them to arrive, I finally got to unbox my new Bapestas. Seeing their weird alien-green hue in person was even better than I imagined. I tried them on and knew right away that I’d picked the perfect pair. The soft leather interior, grippy sole, and secure ankle strap exceeded my expectations for comfort. Slipping them on felt like joining an exclusive fashion club. Suffice to say, I was definitely bitten by the Bapesta bug.
Keeping it Real: How to Spot Fake Bapestas
As Bape’s popularity has grown, so has the market for knock-off Bapestas. I had to learn how to tell counterfeit pairs from legitimate ones to avoid wasting money on fakes. When shopping resale, I always ask for plenty of detailed pictures to inspect before purchasing.
Some key things I look for are:
- Sharp logo detailing: The Ape head, star, and BAPE text should all be precisely shaped with no fuzzy lines.
- Material quality: Real Bapesta leather is plush and supple, never cheap and plasticky.
- Even stitching: Stitching should be tight, straight, and consistent on both shoes.
- Packaging: Make sure the signature Bapesta star shoebox and tissue paper are included.
- Size tag and serial numbers: The interior tags should have the correct product codes and sizing info.
- Perforations: The toe box perforations on legit Bapestas are perfectly shaped and spaced.
While replicas are getting harder to distinguish, a trained eye can spot imperfections a mile away. I always feel more confident buying from reputable sellers or sites known for authentication. Paying resale prices means I need to know I’m getting the real deal.
Must-Have Bapesta Colorways
Once that first pair sparked my Bapesta addiction, I just had to have more. After surveying the vast variety of colorways and materials, I picked out a few absolute must-haves for my collection. Here are my top choices:
- Bapesta Low Black/White: The OG colorway that started it all in 1999. Crisp and clean.
- Bapesta Patent Black: An elevated take on the original, swapping leather for glossy patent material.
- Bapesta Low Olive Camo: The camo print that put Bape on the map, now in subtle olive tones.
- Bapesta Low Shark: An iconic Bape motif, the Great White Shark adds serious streetwear cred.
- Bapesta Low Red Velvet: Rich red velvet gives these Bapestas a luxe, statement-making look.
- Bapesta Low Denim: Made from real denim, these achieve that perfect destroyed vibe.
Owning these styles would give me a perfect capsule collection showcasing the diversity of Bapesta design over the years. But with new colorways constantly dropping, the hunt never ends!
Caring for Bapesta Sneakers
As I’ve invested more in my Bapesta collection, I’ve learned the importance of proper care and cleaning. Their premium materials require some maintenance to keep them looking fresh. Here are my tips:
- Use waterproofing spray: Spraying the upper with a protector will guard against damage from dirt or spills. Re-apply every few months.
- Brush gently: For surface debris, use a soft bristle brush to lift it away without scuffing. Never use harsh scrubbing.
- Clean stains promptly: Blot wet spills immediately with a soft cloth. For dried stains on leather, use a mild cleaner and soft brush.
- Avoid excessive heat: Don’t leave Bapestas in direct sunlight or near heaters for too long to prevent cracking.
- Use shoe trees: Placing shoe trees inside after wearing will help retain the shape and absorb interior moisture.
- Check for wear: Examine the soles and interior regularly for excess wear and replace insoles if needed.
With the right care, a pair of Bapestas can last for many seasons. Keeping them clean and structurally sound preserves their value and your investment.
Bapestas for Every Occasion
Some collectors keep their Bapestas locked away like precious artefacts. But for me, half the fun is wearing my Bapesta sneakers out in the real world! I incorporate them into my everyday streetwear fits but also love elevating my look by styling them for going out.
For casual daytime activities like running errands or meeting friends, I’ll rock Bapestas with joggers or cropped jeans and a hoodie or bomber jacket. Neutral camo or black and white Bapestas pair perfectly with laidback athleisure.
When I’m dressing up a bit more for a dinner out or nightlife, Bapestas add a hypebeast edge to any outfit. I’ll style patent leather or velvet pairs with black denim, an oversized blazer, and statement tee. The mix of dressed-up and streetwear creates a cool high-fashion look.
Even with formalwear, Bapestas can work for a downtown vibe. Swapping traditional dress shoes for a metallic patent or denim Bapesta makes a suit feel fresh. They’re the ultimate versatile sneaker for someone who wants comfort without sacrificing style.
Final Thoughts on My Obsession
In the short time since I’ve gotten into Bapestas, my bank account has taken a hit but my style game has significantly stepped up. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop at just one pair. The thrill of tracking down rare grails combined with the satisfaction of rocking them is addictively potent.
As I’ve become a full-on Bapesta fanatic, I’ve enjoyed connecting with fellow collectors worldwide. Our shared appreciation for Bape’s craftsmanship and aesthetic drives passionate sneaker communities. Wherever my Bapesta journey takes me next, I know I’ll be lacing up and leveling up my collection. These sneakers will forever be staples in my rotation thanks to their timeless originality. No other brand can match that Bape flair.
