Bapesta vs. Air Force 1: Which One Do You Prefer?

• A Bathing Ape Bapesta
  

Bapesta History and Origin

To understand Bapesta, we must first explore the brand that birthed it – A Bathing Ape, commonly known as BAPE.BAPE is a streetwear brand that was founded back in 1993 by Japanese creative mogul Tomoaki Nagao — most people know him as Nigo.It was Nigo’s brand until he sold it in 2009. Nigo’s vision was to create a brand that combined Japanese pop culture, American hip-hop, and street fashion.

In 2002, BAPE introduced the BAPESTA, a sneaker that became one of its most iconic creations. The name "Bapesta" comes from the combination of two Japanese words: “BAPE” (which stands for A Bathing Ape) and “STA” (which stands for Star).The star-shaped “STA” emblem sweeping along the sides, the unique new intriguing design, and the wide range of colors of Japanese hip-hop streetwear has sparked excitement among collectors and fashion leaders worldwide over the last two decades. Worn by celebrities such as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Jay Z, the Bapesta shoe has become a staple of streetwear culture.

Bapesta Sneaker Design

The silhouette was strikingly similar to the Air Force 1, featuring a high-top design with a prominent ankle strap and a distinctive star logo.Nigo and his team infused the BAPESTA with unique elements that set it apart. BAPE swaps out the Swoosh for a shooting star logo. 

In that same vein, BAPE has also taken inspiration from other existing models, including the PUMA Clyde and Converse Chuck Taylor. In addition to its homages, BAPE also collaborates with a number of leading brands ranging from adidas to UGG and Reebok, taking existing sportswear models and adding its signature BAPE spin to the sneakers.What made the BAPESTA truly distinctive were the bold and creative colourways and patterns. BAPE applied its signature camouflage and “Ape Head” logos to the shoe, creating a vibrant and eye-catching look. The use of patent leather, suede, and premium materials adds to the appeal of BAPESTA, making it a symbol of luxury streetwear.

When trying to find the best sneakers, you want style and comfort for your feet; Bapesta by A Bathing Ape fits that bill nicely. These sneakers look great and ride comfortably on your feet. 

Bapesta Cultural Impact

Bapesta's cultural impact must be balanced. It was embraced by celebrities, musicians, and streetwear enthusiasts worldwide, including Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. These endorsements propelled BAPESTA into the mainstream and solidified its status as a streetwear icon.

Bapesta Sneaker Price

Considering BAPE's elevated status in fashion, pairs don’t come cheap.The Bapesta prices range from $250 according to the official website. For collaborations that are typically exclusive to BAPE itself, expect to pay an extra premium that could make the sneaker cost nearly $400.

These sneakers are available in different colors, designs, styles, and additions. The price varies depending on the design and style of the sneaker you buy. For example, the price of a low-top pair will be different from that of a high-top. You can choose one that suits your needs best and pay accordingly.

Where to Buy Bapesta?

Bapesta sneakers are available in BAPE boutiques worldwide. They are also available at Bape.com, the official online store of A Bathing Ape.If you want to buy a pair directly from BAPE, you can head to one of the many BAPE stores located across the world or head to their online shop. Select retailers also carry pairs online,such as:

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• Nike Air Force 1

Air Force 1 History and Origin

Originally released in 1982, the Air Force 1 was Nike’s first basketball shoe to feature air cushioning technology. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the shoe was named after the presidential aircraft, symbolizing its lofty ambitions.The name of the brand, "Air Force 1", refers to the plane Air Force One, on which the President of the United States travels.  And even though the shoe is made for basketball, it is more of a shoe for“style”.

The sneaker was subsequently marketed as one of the best basketball shoes around in 1983 when Nike took six of its top NBA stars to kick off the Air Force 1 campaign.While this helped boost the Air Force 1s popularity, demand started to grow for low-top variations to be released for more casual wear. Nike adhered to these demands briefly before ultimately discontinuing the sneakers in 1984.In their absence, fans of the Air Force 1 began customising their old models in order to compensate for Nike cutting off their beloved Air Force 1 line.Air Force 1 shoes were re-released in 1986 with the modern italic Nike logo with a Swoosh on the bottom on the back of the shoe. 

Today, the Air Force 1 is popular among all walks of life, and the unofficial shoe of New York City, Baltimore, and so many other cities and regions around the world, making it one of the most recognizable sneakers in history.

Air Force 1 Design

The Air Force 1’s design is simple yet elegant, characterized by a clean white upper, a chunky midsole, and a distinctive ankle strap. This design, often called “Uptown,” has remained virtually unchanged since its inception. Its minimalistic aesthetic allows for endless customization and adaptation, making it a canvas for self-expression.

The original Air Force 1 shoes are made with a less durable material, which can become faded and worn over time. The Nike Air Force 1 '07 shoes are a newer, updated version of the original Air Force 1 style. They are made with a more durable material, have a sleeker look, and are more comfortable to wear.

Air Force 1 Cultural Impact

Air Force 1’s impact on hip-hop culture is immeasurable. In the 1980s, it became the unofficial shoe of choice for inner-city youth, particularly in New York. Artists like Nelly even dedicated songs to the sneaker, solidifying its status in music and fashion.Air Force 1’s global popularity proves its timeless appeal. It transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, appealing to seasoned collectors and casual sneaker wearers. 

Air Force 1 Price

As Nike Air Force 1s have various versions, the price can range between $100 to an astonishing $180.Custom shoes usually run around $120 to $140.

Where to Buy Air Force 1?

Air Force 1 are available in Nike boutiques worldwide. They are also available at Nike Official Website(up to 3% super cash back).You can also get a second-hand and Nike Air Force 1 on some resale websites! 

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Nike Air Force 1 Original vs Fake Guide 2025: How to Spot a Fake?

The white Nike Air Force 1 is one of ...

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Details

Bapesta vs. Air Force 1: The Key Differences

1. The Materials 

Bapesta - The outer layer of the shoe is made out of microfiber synthetic leather in bubblegum colors and camouflage prints that look like candy paint. The glossy patent leather covers the upper, heel, and logo, giving the silhouette a glass-like appearance. The design finishes off with a rubber outsole. The composition makes the sneakers highly durable and long-lasting.

Air Force 1 - Most Air Force 1's feature a mixture of leather and rubber, but some colorways feature suede, canvas, and many other materials.Some special editions and collaborations have had textile uppers, but they are the exceptions and not the rule.Some Air Force 1s are made from recycled materials as opposed to newly generated synthetic or real leathers. Increasingly, Nike is answering the call to be more efficient and less wasteful in production of their products.

2. Style and Colors

Bapesta - Bapesta takes it further with its bold use of patterns and logos, creating a visually striking appearance.Customers can select between more subdued colorways of gray, blue, and green for a sleeker appearance and brilliant red, purple, and pink colors for those who wish to make a bold statement.

Air Force 1 - Since its inception in 1982, very few variations have been made in its original design. Air force 1 kept its white and gray classic look. Some forms come with a connected strap, some with a Velcro strap.Air Force 1’s minimalist design allows endless customization possibilities. Artists and sneaker customizers have transformed the Air Force 1 into unique works of art.

3. Price

Bapesta's price is also greater than Air Force 1 because it is a more expensive brand of streetwear. Both sneakers have their fair share of limited editions and collaborations that fetch high prices on the resale market. Collectors often seek out rare colourways and collaborations, driving demand for the Bapesta and Air Force 1.

4. Fit and Sizing

Air Force 1 - Air Force 1s have a taller and wider fit with a rounder toebox than many other Nikes. This results in looking larger on feet and  might even feel loose for some at true to size. Given that the Air Force 1 sizing is on the big side, going down half a size can cut down on the hugeness of the sneaker. 

Bapesta - Unlike the Air Force 1, which runs big, Bapestas fits true to size. People with wider feet may want to go a half size up for extra room.

The Most Popular Bapesta Sneakers

1. Kanye West x Bapesta FS-001 Low 'College Dropout'

One of Kanye West’s earliest sneaker collaborations, the Kanye West x Bapesta FS-001 Low 'College Dropout' features a leather upper finished in colors and artwork inspired by West’s debut studio album, The College Dropout. It features the dropout bear that continually appears within Kanye West’s 1st trilogy of albums.The beige-brown-red Bapesta featured the cartoon bear from College Dropout and Late Registration albums, as well as a tricolor “APE” on the midsole. Unlike many Bapestas, the Kanye pairs did not feature patent leather.They have become, arguably, the most famous pair of Bapestas ever released.

2. Bapesta White Black

These sleek black and white kicks from A Bathing Ape dubbed the “Patent Leather Black White” get a panda-like update.The shoe features a white leather upper with black accents on the heel and tongue. The iconic Bape Sta logo is prominently displayed on the side of the shoe in black, adding a touch of streetwear flair. The leather upper is durable and easy to clean, while the rubber sole provides excellent traction and support. The shoe also features a cushioned insole for added comfort. 

3. SpongeBob SquarePants Bapesta

During the 2000s, the brand was expanding on its collaborations with internationally recognized characters and brands—notably from the fictitious cartoon and comic universes. Following successful releases with global entities such as Marvel and Disney, it was the Japanese brand’s collaboration with Nickelodeon which saw an iconic release and started an era of collaborative endeavors between the two global groups. For the 2008 collaboration, BAPE reimagined the classic Bapesta to pay homage to the eponymous protagonist of Nickelodeon’s highest rated show, SpongeBob SquarePants.

In true Bapesta fashion, the pairs featured yellow patent leather.The shoes sold out quickly—as one would expect given both A Bathing Ape and SpongeBob SquarePants’ popularity at the time. While they don’t fetch the same inflated prices as the Kanye collaboration on the resale market, the SpongeBob SquarePants Bapestas are easily among the most famous in the franchise.

4. Bapesta Low White

Released in 2019,the Bapesta Low White is the perfect alternative to classic Air Force 1s.These ones come in a clean white hue that’ll go with just about anything, covering everything from the smooth leather uppers — shooting star branding included — to the chunky, b-ball-inspired sole init.Across the whole sneaker’s silhouette, you can see the star and lightning insignia stitched in. 

5. Bapesta Low Black Shark Face

January of 2019 saw A Bathing Ape release the Bapesta Low 'Black Shark Face' sneaker, a low top model featuring the brand's famous Shark Face theme. Clearly taking inspiration from Nike's Air Force 1, the upper comes in a shiny patent leather, with the shark taking up much of the vamp in red, black and white. The label's star logo swoops across the midpanel in red, and details such as a perforated toe box and branded metal dubrae top off the look.

6. 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.

Conclusion

As you can see,while there are some similarities between the two sneakers,they also differ significantly in terms of their construction,cost,size,and branding.

Despite being influenced by the Nike Air Force 1,Bapesta is not an AF1.The success of Bapesta is a result of its distinctive appearance,small production runs,and connection to hip-hop. Overall, if you’re looking for something that slightly stands out from the crowd and will have those in the know giving you the head nod, the Bapesta’s are a model you definitely should check out.They are incredibly comfortable and durable

In case you are more into casual footwear but want to be comfortable wearing your sneakers for daily use, Air Force 1 is your pick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Bapesta fit like Air Force 1?

An interpretation of Nike's Air Force 1, the sneaker is known for its patent leather construction, providing it with a gleaming complexion. Unlike the Air Force 1, which runs big, Bapestas fits true to size. People with wider feet may want to go a half size up for extra room.

Why do Bapestas look like Air Forces?

BAPE's foundation — the Bapesta — revolves around sneakers that are very clear riffs on the Air Force 1. The Japanese streetwear brand has been making them since 2005. Those riffs have also extended to the Jordan 1 and Nike Dunk in the last couple of years

Why do people like Bapestas?

It is a near one-to-one replica of Nike’s iconic Air Force 1—which was released two decades earlier, in 1982. Most important was the fact that the Bapesta was constructed from patent leather, giving pairs a distinctive sheen that Uptowns (the Air Force 1’s most commonly used nickname) didn’t have. It is representative of the subversive and meta-referential methods that guided early streetwear—an idyll of cleverness rather than plagiarism.

Are Bapestas still popular?

Despite being introduced almost two decades ago, the Bapesta has a dedicated following. Sneakerheads continue to seek out vintage pairs and eagerly anticipate the latest releases. Its ability to evolve and maintain relevance is a testament to its timeless design and cultural significance.

Are Air Force 1s oversized?

The Air Force 1 feels slightly bigger than other silhouettes. However, I'd still recommend opting for your true size if you don't mind a slightly roomy fit. Of course, if you prefer a snug fit or have narrow feet, you might want to size down by half a size.

What is Air Force 1 shoe for?

As a performance shoe, the AF1 is still used for street play as well as for professional play. The shoe is also used for fashion and casual wear.

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