A BATHING APE SHOES SIZE GUIDE & TOP PICKS

BAPE sneakers rarely take an understated tack, so it’s a nice chance to lean into the maximalist aesthetic. Here, the signature BAPE STA™ Sneakers get a gold-tinted, two-tone finish that feels like a sellout colorway of the early ’00s.

Defined by a 270-degree air bubble to the heel, the BAPE Road Sta is one of the most sporty BAPE sneakers available. To counteract the relative functionality of the silhouette, colorways like this neutral beige iteration go a long way.

In the case of classic silhouettes like the BAPE Sta, it can be a good idea to opt for equally classic colorways. Close to an all-white palette, this version features a twist in the tale with an ombré shaded effect to the midsole and star logo.

Harking back to the eye-catching colorways worn by Pharrell 20 years ago, this pair of blue and pink BAPE Stas lands with a heavy dose of nostalgia. The pastel hues are so light that from a distance they’re barely noticeable, and meld together with the help of gradient shading.

Camouflage BAPE sneakers are a perennial fixture of the brand’s output. The signature camo features the label’s ape-head logo baked in and forms the perfect, Y2K-adjacent decoration for a classic silhouette like this one.

While a handful of silhouettes account for most of the popularity of BAPE sneakers, overlooking the peripheral styles is a mistake. The BAPE Road STA Express sneakers take a different route to the rest of the brand’s basketball and skate-style designs, offering a lightweight shape that’s more akin to ’70s running shoes.

BAPE’s streetwear acumen shines through with this pair of black and gray Sk8 STA sneakers. Embossed snakeskin texture brings subtle personality to the leather overlays of the upper, which stands out against the clean white backdrop.

Offering a more striking twist on the style, snakeskin overlays are executed in a brighter beige hue, which sits boldly against the white base layer and contrasting black trims throughout the uppers and sole unit.

Since there’s minimal variation in silhouettes in the BAPE sneakers collection, things like material, texture, and colorway make all the difference. Here, the neutral earth tones of the uppers are upgraded with grained leather for a luxe finish.

Similarly, these black BAPE STAs for women stand out not because of any striking colorways or highlight trims, but because of an embossed camouflage detail throughout the upper. The embossed style means that the design can remain a simple white and black combination without feeling overly simplified.