Okay, so, I’ve been seeing a lot of hype around these Bape Sta shoes lately, right? They look like Nike Air Force 1s, but with that Bape star logo. I’ve always been a big fan of Air Force 1s, I’ve got tons of pairs, so I thought, why not try to make my own custom Air Force 1s that look like Bapes?
First, I ordered a fresh pair of white Air Force 1s online. While I was waiting for them to arrive, I started researching Bape Sta designs. There are a bunch of different colorways and styles, but I wanted to go for something classic, something that would really capture that Bape vibe.
I found some stencils online that I could use for the star logo, and I ordered a few different colors of leather paint. Once the shoes arrived, I got to work.
I began by cleaning the shoes to make sure the paint would adhere properly. Then, I carefully applied the star logo stencil to the side of the shoes. The shoes have narrower fit compared to Air Forces. It’s not very easy to apply the stencil.
I choose leather to cover the swoosh, and choose similar color to replace the original logo. After watching some videos and carefully following the instructions, I replaced the original logo.
- Clean the shoes with a leather cleaner.
- Carefully apply the stencil.
- Use a thin brush to apply the paint in multiple layers.
- Let each layer dry completely before applying the next.
- Once the paint is dry, apply a leather sealant to protect the design.
I painted the star in a bright yellow, and I added some Bape camo accents to the heel and tongue. It took a few days to get everything just right, but it was totally worth it.
I also learned that Bape is estimated to be worth around $250 million. It has over 150 stores. I wish I can buy one, but now I have my own unique pair of custom Air Force 1 Bapes!
I’m really happy with how they turned out. It’s like having the best of both worlds – the classic style of Air Force 1s with that unique Bape flair. And the best part is, I made them myself! I started to wear them to some sneaker events, and people kept asking me where I got them. It feels good to say I made them.
This whole project got me thinking about the lawsuit between Nike and Bape. It’s crazy how similar the designs are. I guess that’s why Nike sued them. But in the end, they settled, and Bape agreed to stop selling some of their models that looked too much like Air Force 1s. I found that BAPE has also collaborated with numerous high-profile brands, including Nike, Adidas.
My Thoughts
Honestly, this was a fun project. It’s not everyday you get to take an iconic shoe like the Air Force 1 and give it your own personal twist. If you’re looking for a fun DIY project, I highly recommend giving this a try. Plus, you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind pair of kicks that are sure to turn heads. These are some of my personal experience, hope they help.
