BAPE has taken to the “improvise, adapt, overcome” school of thought in recent years. Of course, their iconic BAPE STA traces its design back to the Nike Air Force 1 Low, thus imbuing that spirit of imitation at the heart of their footwear arm. Yet their offerings have only gotten more varied and trendy with recently introduced silhouettes, tackling the suede runner angle with the SHARK STA, or tracing further back, hitting retro basketball with the CLUTCH STA.
Yet all that said, 1,000 hours in our writer’s room couldn’t have led us to their latest. BAPE is now exploring the world of the “sneaker loafer,” popularized by the New Balance 204L but now represented by HOKA, Jordan Brand, Nike, Converse, and Vans. The latter two are particularly noteworthy, as both companies have pledged their “snoafers” primarily as Japan-focused propositions. In turn, the BAPE LOAFER STA has only surfaced in the company’s home country, but still presents as one of the more unexpected stories out of their newsroom this year.
Interestingly enough, BAPE also follows the lead of other imprints in constructing this shoe, utilizing the sole from the SHARK STA runner unadulterated, but of course making good on loafer style with a laceless closure, raised piping at the toe, and pocked uppers. The mudguard that peers through there adds some additional brand-specific call-outs, with jagged toothed stitching harkening back to their animalistic inspirations.
Two refined colorways befitting this newly elevated lane are on tap for the debut: a subtle light brown and a stealthy all-black. Again, as of this writing, the BAPE LOAFER STA has only been announced in Japan; details on a potential US launch are currently unconfirmed. However, if you’re in that market, look for an online and in-store release on May 2nd.
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The post BAPE Gets Into The Loafer Game
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