The brand Bape (A Bathing Ape) was established in 1993, but the first sneaker released was in 2002. Bapes are identical to Nike Air Force 1 but come in many more colorways and materials. A Bathing Ape has also released models that resemble the Air Max, Adidas Shell Toe, Dunks, and others but gave their personality to the shoe.
Getting your hands on a pair of authentic Bapes is not easy. Nigo, the founder, has several stores that sell Bapes (A Bathing Apes) and an online website. In 2011, Nigo sold Bape to I.T Group for roughly $2.8 million. Two years later in 2013, Nigo would officially step away from Bape, 20 years after he founded the brand.
The first thing you think of when you look at the Bape shoe is the resemblance to the Nike Air Force 1. People who love A Bathing Ape do not mind it, but fans of Nike and the Air Force 1 hate it. Depending on the design, a pair of authentic Bapes will cost anywhere from $190 to $300.
Keep it locked for upcoming Bape release dates, colorways, and history.