Guess the Inspiration Behind BAPE’s Latest SK8 STA and BLOCK STA HI Release

BAPE are back with another upcoming sneaker release that conspicuously riffs on iconic 1980s designs, while also adding the brand’s distinct touches. The SK8 STA will be releasing in four new colourways that feature unique textures and materials, and joining them is another BLOCK STA HI that looks rather familiar.

The SK8 STA has been previously touted as a viable alternative to the Nike Dunk. This new drop sees BAPE’s Cloud Camo pattern etched into the SK8 STA’s leather overlays, with two options adding contrasting leather panels, and the other two matched tonally. What each edition shares is textured STA branding: glossy patent for three pairs, and suede for the third.

For legal reasons, the BLOCK STA HI seems to be derived from the Air Jordan 1, but BAPE have modified enough components to prevent their design breaching any sort of intellectual property laws, allowing the model to hit the shelves. They’ve gotten the all clear by adding an ankle strap to the design, plus a second layer of leather on the third and fourth eyelets from the top. Not to mention the external reinforcement on the heel calling out 93, in reference to BAPE’s founding year of 1993.

BAPE will release these new SK8 STA and BLOCK STA HI editions on September 18.