Andrew Rizzo After years of butting heads, BAPE and Nike finally put an end to their longstanding legal beef by coming to a settlement in late April 2024. One of the key provisions of that agreement required BAPE to alter their most popular models to look less like Nike trademarks, including their Air Jordan 4 Black Cat knockoff in the Bape Sta. While the months that followed saw new Bape Sta releases with no changes, likely due to a negotiated grace period, this upcoming “Panda” colorway is one of the first few to feature identifiable differences.
First, the toe and heel panels are now curved so as to produced a more rounded quarter section. Moreover, based on the image set of reference here, the outsole no longer borrows the AF1’s distinguishable grooved edge. BAPE also drops the embossed lines that formerly graced the toe section of the midsole, as well as the doubled-up backtab. Neither of those features appear on the AF1, however, so BAPE’s decision to ditch them likely wasn’t motivated by legal matters.
While perhaps an afterthought in this case, this “Panda” colorway features a white leather base, white midsole, and premium black croc skin overlays. Bape Sta branding appears on the tongue and heel, the shooting star makes its usual appearance along the quarter, and a branded metallic silver lace dubrae is included for good measure.
The “Panda” Bape Sta will be available November 23rd via bape.com, but Sneaker Politics has sizes up early. Our “Where To Buy” section below contains purchase links if you’re moved to cop.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens Air Force 1
US 11/21/2024 Thursday
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