The Kanye West Bapesta collaboration shoes were a limited edition sneaker released in 2007 as part of a collaboration between rapper Kanye West and Japanese streetwear brand, A Bathing Ape (BAPE). The shoe was a re-imagining of BAPE’s signature Bapesta sneaker, which was itself inspired by Nike’s Air Force 1.
The Kanye West Bapesta featured a white leather upper with contrasting black patent leather accents, including a prominent lightning bolt design on the side. The shoe also included a white and black star design on the tongue and heel, as well as a gold zipper on the back. The insole featured both Kanye West’s and BAPE’s logos.
The shoes were released in limited quantities, with only 50 pairs available for purchase at BAPE’s Tokyo store. They were priced at around $300 USD and sold out quickly, becoming highly sought after by collectors and sneaker enthusiasts.
The collaboration between Kanye West and BAPE was significant in the streetwear world, as it brought together two major players in the industry. It also marked one of West’s earliest forays into fashion design, foreshadowing his later work with Adidas and Yeezy.
Overall, the Kanye West Bapesta collaboration shoes are considered a rare and coveted item among sneaker collectors and fans of both Kanye West and A Bathing Ape.
