Bapesta Design and the AF1

[rapsfan]

Obviously, the Bapesta design draws inspiration from the AF1. Has Nigo ever openly admitted this? Or has he just stayed silent regarding this to avoid legal troubles?

[geoff]

What legal troubles?

You mean just like how the Greedy Genius shoe looks similar to the AF1?

[userloser]

To be honest, the Greedy Genius one looks way more like an AF1 than Bapestas do!

As far as admitting to having been inspired or directly influenced by other shoes for the design, i don't know if Nigo really has to. Look at the other kicks that Bape make which are obviously modelled on the Puma Suede, the Adidas Superstar and the Converse All Star (okay so everyone makes canvas lows, this one doesn't really count). I think it's fairly widely accepted that Bape shoes are more of an homage to some of the more iconic models of other brands than an attempt to create something original. The originality really comes in the insane colourways that Bape produces.

In my experience, Bapestas are a little lower profile than AF1s and, having owned both, i gotta admit i prefer Bapestas. Just my opinion!

[The Locust]

Not sure if you guys realized this after 13 years, but all of A Bathing Ape is a play on another company. There isn't much that draws from 100% originality in his company, but that's ok; it's meant to be like that and that's how it's hot.

[MrFrizz]

is it true that nigo use to design colorways for af1?

[imjames]

yes the shoes do look similar, very similar. But i i like "ape" better than "air" on the bottom of my shoe, also it's more comfortable:)

[bigtulley]

To be honest, the Greedy Genius one looks way more like an AF1 than Bapestas do!

you sure homie? the GG and bapesta both look very similar to the af1. only when you get to the chompers or the GG with the exoskeletal look does the design start to differ a lil IMO

[drews85]

i think he pretty mutch takes the best classic styles and adds his touch, what company doesnt have an air force rip off? its a sneaker staple

[peza]

I think the Bapestas is way more similar to the AF1's...compared to GG's. GG's must be some of the ugliest shoes ever made.

[P@D3]

^^ not all GG are bad ,, some are quite nice but only some

[rapsfan]

Thanks for the replies guys. However, to make it clearer my question is has Nigo ever mentioned the AF1 in any of his interviews or anything? Or do you think he's purposely avoided bringing it up? I know legally, Nike can't do anything about the Bapesta, but if ever Nigo admitted that it drew inspiration from the AF1 design, could Nike do something then?

[peza]

I have no idea if Nike could do something. I mean, of course they see that he's copying their AF1's... maybe he asked them back when he started doing stas? I don't know.. seems fair.

[palmdrive]

He probably bought the legal rights to use the same AF1 shape. Just like how he bought legal rights to Marvel, Scarface, and other characters that he uses for his tees.

[rapsfan]

I highly doubt that he bought the rights as I don't think Nike would ever do that. I think legally the Bapesta was modified enough so that Nike would not be able to do anything. Any OG Bapehead or someone with some legal knowledge want to help elaborate?

[dcoop18]

Not sure if you guys realized this after 13 years, but all of A Bathing Ape is a play on another company. There isn't much that draws from 100% originality in his company, but that's ok; it's meant to be like that and that's how it's hot.

true. i would say fendi is next. nigo constantly is playing off other companys.

[Notorious]

bapestas and af1s may have a near identical shape, yet they are two completely different kicks. the fact is, bapestas are bapestas and af1s are af1s.

[Bbest]

And the sole on AF1's are to thick and they shoe is generally less comfortable then a bapesta

[dennisrodman91]

To be honest, the Greedy Genius one looks way more like an AF1 than Bapestas do!

As far as admitting to having been inspired or directly influenced by other shoes for the design, i don't know if Nigo really has to. Look at the other kicks that Bape make which are obviously modelled on the Puma Suede, the Adidas Superstar and the Converse All Star (okay so everyone makes canvas lows, this one doesn't really count). I think it's fairly widely accepted that Bape shoes are more of an homage to some of the more iconic models of other brands than an attempt to create something original. The originality really comes in the insane colourways that Bape produces.

In my experience, Bapestas are a little lower profile than AF1s and, having owned both, i gotta admit i prefer Bapestas. Just my opinion!


you must be blind

[WESDENZEL]

nigo did two things put a star on the shoe and put ape
may feel good on the feet but yea their basicly af1s:mad: :confused: :eek: :) :) :) :)